A not-so-critical perspective, part two
Two summers ago, Jen worked on The Break-Up right here in Chicago. Happily, I was in the right place at the right time and had the opportunity to work as an extra in it. While you can only really see me in the DVD alternate ending, I nevertheless had a blast.
In all my years as a Jen fan, I never thought that I’d really have the chance to meet her or see her in person, so I don’t know what I thought that it would be like. However, I suppose that I always suspected that she’d be nice, so it was very affirming that she turned out to be incredibly so. She didn’t have the dreaded “star barrier” on set; she happily made small talk with all around, certain extras included! Despite the fuss made about her personal life at the time, she was, in fact, very upbeat. She and Vince got along famously. Not that I came away saying that they were definitely a couple, but there was a fun dynamic between them. She also spent a fair amount of her downtime palling around with Chris McMillan, her hairdresser and close confidant. When it came down to business, though, Jen was remarkably focused; you could definitely see the shift when it came time to get into character.
- What didn’t make the DVD: During the scene at the Riv, she goes down to the bar to get two beers. Well, during one take, as she took out her wallet to pay, a spare shirt (?) was in her purse, so she just put it on the counter and kept looking!
- About that dynamic: Vince teased her mercilessly, and I don’t think that I even caught the half of what went on. While filming the alternate ending, there was a shot of the dialogue that went over Vince’s shoulder and focused on Jen. Well, during takes, he would make faces at her, and the camera didn’t pick that up, but Jen kept giving him this “damn you!” look. At another point, the last holdup before the take was waiting for Chris to finish touching Jen up, so when he finished, Vince announced to all assembled, “Let’s all give Chris a hand, shall we?” To which both Jen and Chris rolled their eyes, understandably. Also during that scene, there was a fair amount of improv, as you might suspect with Vince. Jen totally held her own, sparring with the famously quick Vince. They’re both total pros and hilarious, and it was a treat to watch them in action.
- Overheard: Chris telling a crew member that Jen has a “really good memory.” Which, as we know from recent comments by Courteney (the word “freakoid” might have been used), seems to be the overwhelming consensus of those close to her.
Overall, the 5 days that I spent on set were ones that I’ll never forget. I’ve been a fan for a long time, but now I know firsthand that all of my reasons are true; she’s hardworking, talented, and above all, real.
February 8th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Aww, it was so nice to read about your behind the scenes experiences again, Erin. Great job!
February 8th, 2007 at 11:11 am
I so enjoy the behind the scenes info that you deliver.Sounds like everyone- including yourself- had a ball making this movie.TBU is one of my favorites-great combination of drama and comedy. Thanks Erin for this insight.
February 8th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Sounds like you had a great time. its so awesome that you finally got to see her! Congrats on being an extra =)
February 8th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I love how you wrote about meeting her and the interesting behind the scenes tidbits, that we wouldn’t have known. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.
February 9th, 2007 at 5:25 am
Erin thanks so much for this insite to what you experienced at the shoot. Its such a joy to read your little tidbits about our favorite girl. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your next post.
February 15th, 2007 at 8:06 am
cool
February 27th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
i live in chicago & saw the vince vaughn comedy show 2 years ago. vince is funny &
that’s great you got to meet both actors.
jennifer needs to take more challenging roles
if she did a unpredictable dramatic role that
shocked everyone i think she will be considered for more greater “movie” roles
May 7th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Erin,
It’s always great to hear about those days of shooting. I’m glad we were able to meet and work together on TBU!!
July 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am
[...] encounter! July 6th, 2007 by Erin Jen is known to be gracious with her fans, as I and many others can attest. Here’s a particularly sweet story, from Cincinnati’s Enquirer [...]
August 30th, 2007 at 9:08 am
[...] is correct. She is very thoughtful, and incredibly kind with fans and colleagues. On the set of The Break-Up, she happily took photos with crew members, and was very friendly with extras. Her longer-lasting [...]
November 6th, 2007 at 9:35 am
[...] I had the opportunity to go to the Chicago premiere of Fred Claus, starring Jen’s Break-Up costar (and onetime beau) Vince Vaughn. Given that not many would make the trek to Chicago, it [...]