Thursday, February 13, 1997
FILM:
Fame finds ‘Swingers’ star with new action figure, role in
‘Jurassic Park’ sequelBy Lori Swingle
Daily Bruin Contributor
When it comes to Hollywood, there are actors and there are
stars. An actor lands roles in television movies and sometimes
films, but only a star could have a role so big that there is an
action figure made in their likeness.
Vince Vaughn, star of the smooth-talking, martini-sipping,
"Swingers," has officially made the switch  not only will he
star in one of the most anticipated sequels ever "Jurassic Park 2:
The Lost World," but this week he was in New York where he got a
first look at himself as a plastic toy.
"It is so weird," Vaughn says. "It doesn’t really look like me.
The whole thing is just weird."
Ever since the release of "Swingers," his career has shifted
into overdrive. Vaughn is still getting used to the public life,
and tonight he will attend UCLA’s screening of "Swingers," and be
available for discussion after the film.
"After ‘Swingers,’ I started getting more and more acting
opportunities," he recalls. "I hadn’t planned that. I just finished
‘Lost World,’ and now I’m working on a film called ‘The Locusts’
with Ashley Judd and Kate Capshaw."
Despite Vaughn’s attempt to continue leading the life he always
has, the overwhelming response to his role in "Swingers" has opened
doors that seem too good to pass by.
"I just put new scripts up on the wall and throw an Elvis dart
at them," he jokes. "I’ll do whatever it lands on."
In truth, Vaughn has a pretty specific idea of the kind of roles
he’s seeking. After seeing both ends of the film production
spectrum, from low-budget, independent movies to spare-no-expense
action extravaganzas, Vaughn leans more toward the former.
"I think it’s great that they make action films, but I prefer
talking roles to hitting kids in the mouth," Vaughn says. "I like
films about the human condition. I’m looking for projects that
represent me as an actor."
Now that the shock of sudden fame has settled in a little,
Vaughn is taking a step back and focusing on finding roles he can
put his heart into.
"Once you commit to doing a film, you’ve given four months of
your life," Vaughn says. "All of the offers have been tempting, but
I’m trying to slow down. Jon (Favreau, writer and star of
"Swingers") and I were working on a screenplay, but now is just not
the time. He has had other offers for writing, and I am focusing on
acting."
Favreau and Vaughn met while filming "Rudy," (Vaughn’s part was
cut down considerably) and have been friends ever since. When
Favreau wrote the screenplay for "Swingers," he based the dialogue
and characters on his and Vaughn’s circle of friends. Playing off
of the bars where they hung out and the people they met, the film
became a sort of exaggeration of their everyday lives. Much of the
film’s charm and humor comes from the off-beat dialogue and
comments made about strangers and each other.
"These were characters we found fun to play," Vaughn says. "The
way we talk in ‘Swingers’ isn’t how we really talk. It’s more like
us imitating people we find funny. I watch the film and just see
that my friends are full of shit. The film is not a documentary,
it’s more like a home video."
Because the film had no major studio backing, the budget was
considerably low by today’s standards. The filmmakers only had
$250,000 to work with, so many of the scenes were shot in the Los
Angeles locations where the real-life events occurred.
"I look at the film and see what we could have done with more
money," Vaughn reflects, "but that’s the cool thing about it Â
we did it without money. We were blessed that it turned out the way
it did and that people liked it."
After "Swingers" was first released, the bars and restaurants
where the film was shot became unbelievably popular. Vaughn soon
found out for him to visit these spots was just asking for unwanted
recognition.
"I don’t really go to The Dresden anymore," Vaughn says. "I feel
like the guy who graduated three years ago and still shows up in
his varsity jacket."
Vaughn has since found new, less populated places to hang out.
The club scene in L.A. just doesn’t appeal to him.
"I prefer a roadside bar with a dart board and a jukebox to some
club with a line where people step on your feet and don’t even say
‘excuse me,’" Vaughn says. "If I’m ever driving along and see a
neon sign that just says ‘Lounge,’ I’m gonna stop."
Despite the sudden fame and attention, Vaughn hasn’t lost his
appreciation for anonymity. He won’t let himself get caught up in
his ego and he has not forgotten the simple pleasures like spending
time with his friends.
"I’ve never stayed in so many nice hotels before," Vaughn says,
"and I like it when people come up and say nice things. But it’s
also nice to go places without hassles."
So what does Vaughn say about Hollywood’s inside circle and all
the new friends he’s made, like, say, Steven Spielberg?
"Spielberg is great. He’s warm and funny, and he’s been a friend
to me. But I’m so far removed from the inside circle. I’m just
hangin’ out with my friends."
Miramax Films
Jon Favreau (l.) and Vince Vaughn star in "Swingers." Vaughn
will be in Ackerman Grand Ballroom to answer questions after a
"Swingers" showing.