Paul Giamatti Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Paul Giamatti breaks down his most iconic roles in 'Private Parts,' 'Sideways,' 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Big Fat Liar,' 'Planet of the Apes,' 'Big Momma's House,' 'John Adams,' 'American Splendor,' 'Billions,' 'The Illusionist' and 'The Holdovers.'
THE HOLDOVERS is now playing in theaters and available to watch at home. www.focusfeatures.com/the-hol...
00:00 - Paul Giamatti's iconic characters
00:14 - Private Parts
03:10 - Sideways
05:06 - Saving Private Ryan
06:49 - Big Fat Liar
08:45 - Planet of the Apes
11:05 - Big Momma’s House
12:17 - John Adams
13:42 - American Splendor
15:49 - Billions
17:14 - The Illusionist
18:19 - The Holdovers
Director: Joe Pickard
Director of Photography: Grant Bell
Editor: Robby Massey
Talent: Paul Giamatti
Producer: Kristen DeVore
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi; Kevin Balash
Talent Booker: Meredith Judkins
Camera Operator: Nick Massey
Sound Mixer: Gabriel Fragoso
Production Assistant: Brock Spitaels; Liza Antonova
Hair & Make-Up: Louise Moon
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Lauren Worona
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[@Astonvman007]

Paul Giamatti: one of the most underrated, oscar worthy notable actors that everybody knows and loves, and has been in nearly everything. A truly "Silent A-Lister".

[@cornbredx]

This is one of the few times underrated was used correctly on youtube. Well done.

[@Astonvman007]

@@cornbredx I have my moments

[@fragout9575]

I always liked him, but his role in Adams sold me as him being extremely underrated!!!

[@rhysioeren3203]

Great, another "underrated" comment.

[@CHDean]

Indeed

[@momochanjones7302]

Give Paul his flowers, he’s done it all.

[@ZoranaV7]

Exactly!! 💐💐💐💐

[@ChowDownDetroit]

Paul Giamatti should've been nominated for Sideways. His acting was incredible !

[@BricesonLoving]

As well as private life Probably his most underrated film

[@clayhackney3514]

Maddoxx ruined it with his review 😂

[@0_________________]

not to mention he doesn't give a f00k about wine in real life. 😆

[@mattyjenninz]

I became a wine expert watching that movie LMFAO

[@frankcross6958]

woh i cant believe he wasnt nominated! what a performance! what a movie!

[@Dethmaster64]

Paul absolutely deserved more recognition for his performance in American Splendor

[@mustafaabdulwahab4581]

You mean American cinema

[@cloudhill]

Agree, American Splendor has been forgotten. Easily in my personal top ten! Love that movie.

[@GalletaGalletosa]

One of my favorite films of all time

[@shadowowolf]

I've never heard of that movie

[@tcarroll777]

​@@shadowowolf great movie

[@ItsBugsy]

The Holdovers is an absolute masterpiece.

[@spinlok3943]

I think its destined to become a cult classic.

[@StewartFletcher]

Almostly incredible.

[@nl3064]

Okay, reel it in. I really, really liked the Holdovers, the surprise delight of the year for me - it almost feels like a throwback to 1970's Hal Ashby movies - but people need to quit throwing around "masterpiece" all the time for everything. Even among Payne's movies, Holdovers is definitely among his best, but I would still say not quit on the level of Nebraska, and personal favorite, the Descendents. Plus Holdovers, charming as the execution is, has a pretty standard stock plot.

[@GregMuniz7]

It really is

[@thecorndogwalker1]

Saw it 3 times and each time was better

[@dawnevans128]

One of my girlfriends met him in New York, then kept bumping into him. She has this HILARIOUS photo of him, pretending to be pissed that "she was following him". She said he was lovely.

[@briannaharper8901]

😂 I love that.

[@eamonnoski]

I know it's a drag for actors, having to do these press junkets in order to receive noms for Oscars. But, I'm all for seeing more Giamatti in my life. I hope he wins for The Holdovers. It really was a perfect film.

[@dimitribotone9722]

The Leftovers is an HBO show, and he wasn't in it.

[@CamTaylorDJ]

The Holdovers is a movie that came out this year, starring Paul Giamatti

[@Kwisatz_HaderachXIII]

@@dimitribotone9722nobody said anything about the Leftovers

[@dimitribotone9722]

@@Kwisatz_HaderachXIII they edited their comment after I pointed it out.

[@JDobbsy79]

@@dimitribotone9722🥴

[@Luke101]

His performance in The Holdovers is simply amazing. He deserves all the awards

[@bartsullivan4866]

All 3 of them should win an Oscar great acting.

[@GrantKanigan]

Giamatti is one of the greatest living actors - and he’s one of the few who can nail comedy and drama equally well

[@JeewanthaBandara]

Sideways is such a beautiful movie about broken people and the different ways in which they deal with life. One of my absolute favorites.

[@hannibalb8276]

John Adams was an incredible series. Easily one of HBO's best, and that's saying something when Rome, Deadwood, the Sopranos, GoT, etc exist.

[@kreipoyke]

HBO is so much better than any other network in terms of original programming, and its not really close. They have duds here and there like any company but overall they are the most consistent network by far

[@BryanHistory]

It shows the true side of Hamilton as well. Not the revival of his character here lately.

[@RoulinBrooks]

Absolutely agree. I've probably seen John Adams 3 or 4 times through. And it's very faithful to the book it was based on. Paul doing a brilliant job as John Adams. Easily one of my favourite series of all time.

[@timothybrown5999]

Every 4th of July I watch the second episode “Independence”. Never seen anything so accurately portray the Continental Congress and all of the acting is fabulous. Makes me proud to be an American to watch all these great men lay the foundation of this country.

[@JTamarin]

Agreed!

[@demgphix]

Shout out to Paul Giamatti for doing the audio book reading of A Scanner Darkly. It's one of my favorites, and Paul did SUCH an awesome job capturing the mood of each character.

[@mickbanner]

Brill. I'm gonna give that a listen. Thank you

[@demgphix]

@mickbanner It's also an incredible movie, with some very well known actors.

[@DeltaFoxtrotZulu]

Just added this to my library. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@nl3064]

That's cool. I've read the novel (after seeing the movie adaptation numerous times). I didn't know he did a reading of it.

[@jfg7873]

Yesss. He was the perfect narrator for that book.

[@fettfan91]

Truly one of the great American actors. This guy has literally played every role, but his portrayal of John Adams is exceptional.

[@shamupeterson2874]

Literally he has not

[@liversuccess1420]

He did his homework for that role. As did the other greats in that cast, like Laura Linney, David Morse, Danny Huston, and many others.

[@candyapu3]

The Illusionist is so underrated, it got completely overlooked and forgotten about because the Prestige came out around the same time.

[@seppyq3672]

I like Prestige more, but Illusionist is great.

[@Dragonpuncher123]

As someone that saw both in theatres back in the day, Prestige is just a better movie on pretty much every level.

[@caitlinomalley80]

agreed. I absolutely loved both movies, but Paul and his character were just *amazing*, and of the two, I think I prefer the illusionist more.

[@cmurphy0707]

I saw that movie as a kid and I was just blown away by the ending.

[@larrydanadavid2435]

The Illusionist is a much better film in every conceivable way.

[@jiyuwekin]

i would love to see him as a Bond villain

[@michaelandersson6088]

Same!

[@TheDevilsKnot]

Sideways is one of the great movies of the 2000s. And a prime example of wonderful movies that do not get made anymore.

[@kenh.5903]

See "Nebraska"

[@nathanoconnor7491]

Agreed. The ending where Paul’s character had to go retrieve the wallet had me in stitches.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

Alexander Payne has continued making movies. He just released the Holdovers w PG in it.

[@socaljarhead7670]

It is a very nearly perfect script.

[@cethomas324]

I have to disagree. I highly recommend The Holdovers, also by Alexander Payne. Terrific movie and instant holiday classic.

[@AlamoSentry]

John Adams is my favorite role of his. Such an incredible series.

[@vhagerty]

I can watch it over and over again. Perfect casting for every role. 😊

[@theadjectiveform]

It was also, contrary to his statement during the 'Billions' segment, an earlier role in which he played a lawyer!

[@michaelmitchell629]

Agreed!!

[@valmid5069]

It’s great Paul Giamatti is getting the spotlight today; an underrated actor in many terrific stuff!

[@charley15z]

Marty Wolf one of the best characters he's played.

[@Misitos_]

Can't believe a Cinderella story didn't make the cut, he was great as a supporting actor and it's my favorite performance by him

[@aylemarshland5609]

Agree, these are internet pieces, why not make them an hour long instead of 20 minutes, include more important films!

[@Lildrummerboy50]

He is one of my favorite actors. Does both comedy and drama so well.

[@askinnywhiteboy]

He was outstanding in The Holdovers. I was completely pulled into that story and those characters. Phenomenal film.

[@chrisandrew6633]

It's crazy, Paul Giamatti is so likeable just by being himself. So many people try to maintain a persona (being bubbly or witty or positive or sarcastic, etc.) but look how easy it is to win people over just being your genuine self. I could talk to him for hours. Most people, 10 seconds is enough.

[@joannaa25]

I watched the holdover last night and I’ve been glowing ever since. What an incredible movie.

[@morganchilds9054]

What a brilliant actor. "Sideways" in particular is a gift that keeps on giving... just the most deep, layered performance. The best comedy and pathos.

[@EdoDoe613]

They sped through his most magnificent performance. Him as John Adams was positively superb.

[@vossybob]

Lady in the Water should be on this list. Hate it or love it, you can’t deny that Paul Giamatti was fantastic in it. His character has a strong stammer and you'd think that that would get annoying but he managed to pull it off. His character was incredibly sweet and Giammatti gave a wonderful monologue that could cause anyone tears. Seriously great acting.

[@scottthomas4779]

Exactly what I was thinking. He stands out so strong in that movie and gave such a great performance.

[@TheRagzzz]

Yes, I was astounded that they never spoke about it.

[@graphicsgod]

Agreed!!

[@kaitlinwade1027]

I absolutely love that movie and he is incredible in it. It's such a gentle and unique movie. That and The Village may be my two favorite movies, both beautiful with deep characters and a creepy background

[@Satoi12]

His monologue scene makes me ugly bubbling cry.

[@AlgernonCSwinburne]

I was so glad to hear Paul talk about John Adams! I think it may still be my favorite role of his, he was amazing.

[@JetConvoy]

One of the best actors, so massively underrated.

[@shahartley]

His role in "Duets" should've made the list. It also starred the late Andre Braugher. They were both great in it.

[@leskater20]

Came here to see/say this! Thank you, I very much agree. Probably my favorite film of his

[@keptinkrunchactual]

Thank you! I came here for this comment. I thought exactly the same thing.

[@criticaldatabeats]

It also starred Gwen Paltrow and Huey Lewis, maybe a few people have heard of them? 🙂 And I agree, Including Duets would have been great for this, given the well-known cast and the unique premise of the film. Really don't know what they were thinking excluding it.

[@johnnyg2501]

Duets!!!!

[@jrobertlysaght]

such and unrecognized gem, and his acting is so heartbreaking and compelling.

[@ogto]

American Splendor and Sideways are two of my all time favorite movies. They just get better with each rewatch. Giamatti is a treasure.

[@tapwetugeye]

One of the greatest actors of our time.

[@rvt2239]

This just shows you the incredible range that Paul has. This list has everything. I will always think of him as John Adams though. He is incredible in that series.

[@Seelatsee]

He made Sideways an absolute masterpiece for me I watch it multiple times a year easy

[@derekhird6586]

His subtle yet key performance in saving Mr banks was both underrated, powerful and heartwarming

[@danielhenderson3753]

I have loved Paul Giamatti's roles for decades. Singles is my go to, since I loved that movie. But wherever he pops up, he's brilliant. I need to check out John Adams now.

[@MargaretRosenbalm]

Thank you for mentioning Singles. That’s the first time I ever saw him and that scene was something I’ll remember forever. I think he has only one line in the entire movie but, everybody remembers the guy that was sucking face with that girl in the restaurant

[@p_nk7279]

Yes, John Adams is iconic and superb.

[@ajpanacake7994]

He truly brought John Adams to life. Beyond brilliant!

[@tylerpurrden]

​@@MargaretRosenbalm "Doesn't anyone have any privacy anymore?" 😘

[@RatedRKO269]

Remarkable actor. Also The Holdovers is easily one of my favorite films of the year.

[@pony3284]

I'm so glad American Splendor made it on the list! I think that movie is what solidified my love for Paul

[@itsmvrik]

Same! Love the fact they included it.

[@cheekofnut]

Yeah, just saw it this year for the first time, really incredible.

[@theadjectiveform]

When they got to John Adams I thought "Don't tell me they're skipping American Splendor!", but there was a bit of jumping around the timeline.

[@rach2883]

He is absolutely extraordinary in Sideways. That movie is really perfection.

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Such an underrated actor, amazing in John Adams. Hopefully he can win the Best Actor Oscar for the Holdovers

[@spiercephotography]

John Adams! So memorable, he did so amazing in that part. It's stuck with me after so many years of watching it.

[@rares_21]

Kudos to him for "The Holdovers,"he was outstanding!

[@glozwellvonzergelflerven7405]

One of our best, most fearless, and most chronically underrated actors.

[@sbo597]

I'm so happy they included American Splendor on this list. Criminally underrated movie but way ahead of its time.

[@rerus01]

His role in Sideways was so spot on! Amazing movie.

[@jakemetzgar]

One of my favorite movies ever!

[@TheWaynos73]

I’M NOT DRINKING F*CKING MERLOT!! 😂😂

[@jeffboggio8353]

Every time I drink Merlot I think of that line @@TheWaynos73

[@MountainView21]

@@TheWaynos73 I think about that quote every time i drink Merlot.

[@OhanaFilms]

American Splendor and Sideways are two of my all time favorites. He’s such a great actor.

[@joePARKS]

what a stellar career - Paul is a legend

[@josephzamorajr]

Paul is Chuck Rhodes but also he is Marty Wolf - a true talent!

[@edmilton1127]

Sideways is one of my favorite movies. Always enjoy watching it.

[@jules-yi8rn]

Paul's so cool! He's got an "every-person" vibe in his soul, I think. I loved him in The Lady in the Water.... so vulnerable. It's not the best movie, but he made me actually enjoy his and the other characters journeys🙂.

[@bloodlinefilms]

he carried that movie on his back

[@scottthomas4779]

I've said for years that Paul tops my list of underrated actors. It was cool that sideways was mentioned because that's one of my favorite movies that nobody I know ever seems to have seen. I always recommend it. Really surprised tho that Lady in the water wasn't covered.

[@murta]

The Holdovers is fantastic, an instant classic 🎄

[@TheRafaelRamos]

Paul Giamatti is such a great actor, every time I see him in a movie or series it makes me smile!

[@B0NES48]

A great actor with a great career! The holdovers was such a great movie!

[@patrarus6097]

Thanks for posting this absolutely delightful interview. What a talent Paul G. is!

[@norwegianblue2017]

Sideways is still one of my favorite movies (so many GREAT movies in the early 2000s!). But I really appreciate his smaller roles as well. Always memorable.

[@TJames-qz9ck]

Love him in Billions! The way he plays off of Bobby Axelrod made that show for me.

[@heidimckee8492]

I always loved him, but I fell in love with his ability to act in John Adams! And now I will watch anything he’s in! Fantastic actor! Thank you for sharing this interview❤ and merry Christmas

[@kimbarling4213]

Pauls ability for character interpretation and authentic representation is very unique

[@juancarlosmartinez3621]

I never realized until now how much he reminds me of Richard Dreyfuss. Both 💯iconic actors 👍

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Yes, I feel the same.

[@bbmania4274]

I remember seeing him having lunch alone in a Japanese restaurant near Gramercy in Manhattan many years ago. Its not unusual to run into a celeb in NYC and they usually act normal and ppl leave them alone. Somehow i remember that image and has been a picture framed in my brain for whatever reason. He is a great actor.. so nonchalent.

[@jerichosecretarial9937]

The Holdovers was great, and I hope he gets a nomination at the very least. But Barney's version would be my take on Paul's best outing. In any event, one of the greatest actors of this generation and I sure hope he gets his award due one day

[@damianbyrne1664]

I loved Sideways - just came out of nowhere. And he was phenomenal in Billions - such a complex character, light and dark...

[@markmorris2517]

My favorite movies by far with Paul Giamatti in it was Paycheck. Love it and still watch it to this day...one of my absolute favorites. Thanks Mr. Giamatti!!!

[@tylerpurrden]

Agreed!

[@maleekbeats]

Its the Win Win movie for me. He’s great in that one 🔥

[@debrosman]

Paul is one of my favorites, I can’t get enough Sideways and adore his John Adams ❤ American Splendor was ahead of its time. I look forward to seeing what he does next ❤

[@seppyq3672]

First saw him in Truman Show and loved him ever since. Get so excited when he pops into movies.

[@delrey874]

He's such an underrated actor.

[@louisokorodudu3754]

An true legend who always brings his A game to a role.

[@dianedean7650]

I just love Paul Giamatti. He is one of my most favorite actors and I am a film snob. Love you Paul!

[@rjmq433]

His role in saving mr banks is one of my favorites. Smaller part but he is my favorite character in that movie

[@fdoyle]

Saw him in Sideways when I was 17 and decided I wanted to be an actor. Really interesting to see a glimpse of his process - rooting character in a prop ring, a tight throat, and cigarrette smoke. Truly one of the greats.

[@MysterySteve]

One of the few actors where I will watch a movie solely because he's in it

[@shaunieinthewrasslin2877]

One of the Goats, doesn’t matter what he’s in he always nails his part and makes the movie that much better

[@saturniin3]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen The Illusionist because I was blown away by The Prestige, but watching Paul’s interview definitely made me want to watch it!

[@peteparker22]

John Adams is such a masterpiece. Too bad we don't get shows like that very often

[@Arrowed_Sparrow]

Such an amazing actor! He's definitely one of the few actors that I believe their character in different movies. Like for Arnold Schwarzenegger I just see the Terminator in every movie he's in. But with Paul Giamatti, I only see the character he's currently portraying... If that makes sense.

[@caitlinomalley80]

It does! Like, you don't see him, just the character. He's almost like a chameleon with how well he just becomes the characters.

[@alexsummers9140]

If you ever think you are a true American Patriot, step back and watch "John Adams" every Independence holiday. Giamatti's portrayal of John Adams is one of the best performances I've ever seen.

[@brandonthompson5796]

Loved this interview! Cant wait for more underappreciated actors getting their flowers soon

[@nl3064]

Anyone here remember Cold Souls? Not a great movie, one of his smaller, more forgotten ones, but for some reason that's one of the first that came to mind. Also, I randomly remembered him being in The Congress (2013) - it was a tiny role and not particularly integral, but that was a cool movie.

[@ryandaniel55]

The most under appreciated actor of this generation by far

[@Brandonarchambault]

One of the best in the biz!

[@sheamuscoe1492]

I know it’s not a Movie considered highly, but the scenes between him and Andre Braugher (R.I.P.) in ‘Duets’ were incredible. Way above what such a movie would contain, I’d watch it again just for that alone. I’d been wishing for them to team up again ever since, which obliviously they never did.

[@pajamapantsjack5874]

Loved him in the holdovers, top 5 movie of the year for me

[@nmart1n]

I love this guy, an amazing actor.

[@NightTennisDotCom]

One of the best actors in recent memory Fight me on this!?

[@wishingonthemoon1]

I’m so glad he talked about the Illusionist. I wish he’d talked about Lady in the Water, which I think is one of his finest performances. He’s a gem.

[@StudioMod]

The Illusionist is so insanely underrated.

[@muppetb.lansing8374]

Another couple of great roles for Paul are Dead Souls and also the hugely underrated Love and Mercy (Beach Boys biopic).

[@happzy]

It is a real plearsure to watch Paul Giamatti in any movie he's in. A terrific actor.

[@matrixman23517391]

Respect that they didn’t get “hungry like the wolf” but the video/audio editors managed to find a song with a similar beat 💯

[@CrazyBunny123]

Even though I know who he is now, for the longest time, he was one of the those character actors who I recognized but wouldn’t bother to know his name. I think i first saw him in the movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding

[@jar768jake]

I honestly thought his eyes were going wonkey with age in The Holdovers. I can't believe that it's just an "effect"

[@jarodneedham7326]

One of my top actors hands down. Wish he had been given more opportunity to lead films…would have been amazing to see.

[@amandataebby]

American Splendor is one of my absolute favorite movies of his. I just watched it this year after seeing The Holdovers, never heard about the comics or Harvey before, so it was a random shot. Wow! Super great film!

[@haydeneastburn4383]

What a legend!! I would have loved to hear his part in Straight Outta Compton

[@stephenm8725]

same, as he was great in that

[@arlodante1163]

Would’ve loved to hear him talk about Straight Outta Compton

[@terakahn]

I honestly love him so much in Billions. His chemistry with Damian really made that show shine.

[@yayababic31]

Brilliant actor!!! Everything he's done is amazing. Hope he gets the oscar for The Holdovers, unbelievable movie!!!!!

[@ImagineItColoring]

Love Paul in Sideways, it was a great movie with so many great scenes. Such a great actor!