The career trajectory of Jennifer Garner has been a fascinating case study. Of course – the actress got her start as Sydney Bristow, the ass-kicking triple agent of the beloved cult series Alias. From there, she parlayed her television career to the big screen with various derivations of that archetype in Daredevil and Electra. Yet there was always a hidden vulnerability to these otherwise indestructible characters – and in films since, Garner has embraced that vulnerability, retiring the fighting heroine of yesteryear.
Danny Collins continues this trend – Garner co-staring as Samantha Donnelly, her husband (Bobby Cannavale) the long-abandoned son of rock icon Danny Collins (Al Pacino). When Danny comes back into her husband’s life, its up to Samantha to bridge the dysfunctional gap between father & son. It’s another in a long line of maternal figureheads for Garner (see: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day & The Odd Life of Timothy Green); and yet now instead of an underlying vulnerability, there’s an underlying strength to these characters. Sydney Bristow may have become a mom – but she could still beat you up with only a pinky finger.
In the following interview with Jennifer Garner, she discusses her nostalgia for her action roots, whether she has any interest in going back into television and her approach to working with child actors. Danny Collins opens in select theaters March 20th.
Jennifer Garner:
- Has Garner ever received a particularly standout fan letter? (a fan letter from John Lennon figures prominently in Danny Collins)
- Does Garner ever feel nostalgic for her action heyday on Alias?
- Has she taught her children any moves to beat people up?
- Does Garner have any interest in going back into TV?
- Garner discusses the legacy of Sydney Bristow…
- What is Garner’s approach to working with child actors?
- Does she have any future projects lined up?
