‘American Sniper’ writer reflects on career
When Oscar-nominated “American Sniper” writer Jason Hall first arrived in Hollywood some 20 years ago, he had no interest in writing screenplays. Hall wanted to act. He landed a few small parts but failed to get the kinds of movie roles he’d been dreaming of. “They kept telling me I was thinking too much,” Hall says. “I don’t think I was all that great at acting. I couldn’t turn my head off.”
Frustrated by the quality of screenplays he was being asked to audition for, Hall made a decision. “I figured I can write a script this bad, for sure, and then it’d be something that I own.” Hall enjoyed modest success before hearing about Texas war hero Chris Kyle. Hall met him, acquired rights to his memoir, then called an acquaintance from his acting days. “Bradley Cooper and I used to see each other around town when we were in our 20s, trying to make a name for ourselves,” Hall says. “We weren’t best buddies, but I knew Bradley well enough to give him a call.”
Hall’s story struck a chord with Cooper. Speaking as a former actor, Hall observes, “Often we mistake eating scenery for great acting. Subtlety is the greatest tool for an actor. Bradley builds up the stoic, silent character and then starts chipping away. It’s one of the most nuanced performances I’ve seen in years.”
The film has taken in more than $200 million at the box office. Hall hopes to spur public interest in the plight of U.S. veterans. “I hope we can start a conversation about how to welcome these guys home and help them find some peace, because they’ve earned it.”