Jason Schwartzman as geeky detective

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

He got everyone’s attention as the kid who can do it all (except get high grades) in “Rushmore”. Then we saw him in similar critically acclaimed roles in “Darjeeling Limited” and “The Huckabees”. Jason Schwartzmann has made a name by finding unique and tragically adorable characters not unlike himself in real life. This time he plays the lead in another hit series “Bored To Death” from HBO. It will premiere this February 7 at 9pm with new episodes premiering daily on HBO Signature. On February 22 at 9pm new episodes will be airing weekly on HBO and HBO HD (now available on Cignal DTV).

The series is based on a character created by novelist Jonathan Ames a synthesis of fiction and his younger days as a struggling writer. Ames who is also executive producer has penned several best selling titles which include: the graphic novel “The Alcoholic”, “I Pass Like Night”, “The Extra Man”, “What’s Not to Love?”, “Wake Up, Sir!”, and “I Love You More Than You Know.”

The main character is also named Jonathan Ames played by Schwartzmann. It’s an intellectual person trying to be a detective in an effort to escape from the boredom of his life. On the cusp of a break up with his girlfriend, he gets a suggestion to post a singles ad online at Craig’s list. Instead he posts his service as a P.I. and immediately gets a case.

Zach Galafianakis as Ray Hueston and Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ames

The cast includes Ted Danson as George Christopher a high-profile magazine editor and Jonathan’s boss. Most people know Danson from the mega hit tv show in the 80’s “Cheers”. His laid back subtle humor is perfect for the role as the interfering boss. Zach Galfianakis is Jonathan’s confidant Ray Hueston a klutzy comic book illustrator. Zach is best known as Alan Garner in “The Hangover” where he played the ‘slow’ brother in law that gets them all into trouble.

In a phone interview, Schwartzmann was able to talk about how and why he believes so much in the show. Underneath Jason’s modesty and humor lie a multi-talented actor and musician. He idolized Jonathan Ames so much that he worried about making the best possible impression on him. “We became email buddies. Then I realized that it’s a bad idea to meet someone you really admire because if it goes badly the whole thing could be ruined. I had the same experience with a band and had the worst conversation ever.

I was excited but was concerned. Then I met him in L.A. In 3 seconds, not only did I know that it was a great idea to meet but he was someone I could be friends with for the rest of my life. It turned out to be the case he is one of my best friends in the whole world. He got legally ordained in marrying me this summer. He married my wife and I.”

When he heard about the project “Bored to Death” of a private investigator in a world created by Jonathan Ames, he actively pursued the part, “I emailed him and said I know we met about ‘Wake up, Sir!’ But I really want ‘Bored to Death’ because the idea of a private detective written by you is the most incredible marriage to me. And I wana be a part of this. After the first sentence I knew I had to do whatever it takes to become part of the show.”

The character according to him is not biographical nor is it an impersonation of the real Jonathan. The show is, “Different experiences and weird moments, its odd perfect combination of the real Jonathan and this imagined guy. They’re like knitted together. Me I’m a splinter too, I’m a fabric I suppose. I try to bring whatever I can relate to and add to it.” Jason was able to bring out the ‘voice’ of the real Jonathan by listening to the audio version of his books which he downloaded from itunes. When Jason was struggling with some of the lines he listened to the audio version and absorbed the rhythm of how his character talked.

He also admires Ted Danson not just as an actor but as a person. After bumping into him in the supermarket and meeting him for the first time, he said “I want him to adopt me.” And the process of working with Danson on the show was an honor, “He’s so sweet and loving and kind. He’s not like a Hollywood jerk. He’s almost insecure and very open about his thoughts and what he’s going through. When he walks into the set he makes everyone happy. He’s a leader in that way. He’s not a mean bossy leader. He’s a leader through hard work but through joy. He’s really joyous. I come in everyday of the week. He comes in four days a week because he’s not in every scene. So I see the way the crew reacts to different people. With him and with Zach when they come on for their days of work, the set is an incredible place to be.”

The most valuable lesson from the show is simple, “It’s never too late to have an adventure. When you feel your life is stuck there are so many ways to have an exciting life without doing damage.”