Tommy Lee Jones has enjoyed one of Hollywood’s most illustrious careers, gracing a wide range of classic films since his 1969 debut. However, he hardly comes across as a laugh-a-minute kind of guy. Despite his ability to deftly deliver both serious and comedic roles, his stern demeanour suggests that even on the set of lighter films, Jones likely maintains a serious presence.
Despite this serious persona, Jones has declared that one in particular was the most fun he’s ever had while making a film. And it certainly wasn’t with his nemesis Jim Carrey having feuded with the wild comic while they were making Batman Forever.
In an interview with Venice Magazine, Lee Jones reflected on his impressive film career, including some of his more notable collaborations. One such project was the adventure drama Space Cowboys, in which Jones starred alongside Kiefer Sutherland, James Garner, and Clint Eastwood. The film, a space epic, portrayed the four leading men as ageing test pilots sent on a mission to repair a Soviet satellite, a task rooted in their work from 1958.
When discussing its creation, Jones bestowed special praise upon Clint Eastwood, who also wrote and directed the film. Jones called the legendary actor-turned-director “iconic” and “a hero” in a string of superlatives for an artist who is still going strong today. He further remarked on how much fun the famed filmmaker was to be around. This jovial relationship also extended to each of the films’ stars, leading to an especially enjoyable production. Jones jests that as a highly prolific actor, he thought he’d “heard every old actor joke there was“. However, his castmates took him “to school and kept [him] laughing every day”.
Beyond the fun of filming with his legendary co-stars, Jones noted the professional benefit of working with Eastwood on set. Known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to the craft, Eastwood’s approach to filmmaking left a strong impression on Jones, who experienced firsthand one of the most gratifying aspects of his time on Space Cowboys. True to form, Jones appreciated that the enjoyment of making the film was balanced by a serious commitment to the work, a combination that resonated deeply with him.
Eastwood’s approach to Space Cowboys subsequently influenced Jones’ own directing style. Jones made his directorial debut with 2005’s neo-western The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Based on the real-life killing of teenager, Esequiel Hernandez Jr, Jones starred as Texan rancher Pete Perkins. Jones noted that his directing style throughout this was largely based on Eastwood and the way he worked on Space Cowboys.
Jones clarifies: “Then with the first movie I directed, tried to follow what I’d heard second hand, but then to spend an entire shooting schedule with Clint, to watch him work and be part of the process was gratifying, of course, and educational to some degree. He was teaching me what I already knew.” Eastwood is no stranger to directing and acting in the same piece and watching him manage this provided Jones with an invaluable insight.
As observed by Jones, he was, of course, mostly aware of many of these through his years of diligent filmmaking. However, seeing them in practice cemented them and allowed Jones’ film to flourish. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada received critical acclaim, earning several awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including Tommy Lee Jones as ‘Best Actor’.
His vital experience on Space Cowboys laid the foundation in a professionally stimulating experience. This, combined with the joyous company of three esteemed and entertaining colleagues makes Space Cowboys the most fun Tommy Lee Jones has had on a film set.