When it comes to his wife, actress Jenna Dewan, Tatum almost sounds like he’s reading a Nicholas Sparks script: “She just makes me better all the time. I want to grow and challenge myself to be happier and make her happier. I know before she gets up if she’s going to be in a good mood. I know if she had good dreams or bad dreams.”
Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.
Do you believe in true love?
Unconditional is the only true love there is, I think. When it doesn’t matter, the person can absolutely do no wrong on the planet. Unfortunately, that usually only happens when you have a child. That is unconditional love. It could kill somebody and you’re like, “Ah, whatever. It’s fine. You had a reason, buddy.”
How was working with director Lasse Hallstrom?
Lasse’s a beast. He has an allergic reaction to anything that’s false. Even down to wardrobe. You don’t argue. But acting-wise, he really gives you freedom. It’s nerve-wracking and it makes you work harder. He’s says he’s going to give you the same freedom he gave Leo [DiCaprio] in “Gilbert Grape.” I had no idea what that meant. I was like, “So you want me to be mentally challenged?”
What were you surprised to learn about the special forces soldiers you met for research?
They are gun-slingers. They want to go. They view it as, like, recess. They get to go blow stuff up every day. When you get them away from their military stuff, they’re just normal kids that are just a little crazier than most. And they’re all insanely intelligent as well.
ned.ehrbar@metro.us |