Key Takeaways:
– Jeremy Renner had a transformative experience while working on Wind River.
– His character, Cory Lambert, deeply resonated with him.
– Renner admired Cory's strength and empathy despite facing personal tragedy.
– The role impacted him so much he made changes in his own life to emulate the character.
– Taylor Sheridan's powerful writing and direction influenced Renner's transformative experience.
Actor Jeremy Renner has always been known for his versatile performances. From being an archer in Marvel's cinematic universe to a CIA assassin in Hollywood blockbusters, Renner's roles have been as diverse as can be. However, it was in Wind River where Renner found a character that would leave a lasting impact on him.
A Transformed Experience with Wind River
Released in 2017, Wind River saw Jeremy Renner play the role of Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent. Alongside Marvel co-stars Elizabeth Olsen and Jon Bernthal, Renner played a character embedded in the heart-wrenching issue of violence against Indigenous women. Renner's raw portrayal of Cory, who discovers the body of an 18-year-old girl and seeks justice, was lauded by audiences.
His Special Connection to Cory Lambert
Renner confessed in a Variety interview that the character of Cory Lambert impacted him on a personal level. He admired Cory's perspective on life and found qualities he aspires to embody. Spending months immersed in the character, Renner began to see a part of himself in Cory and desired to align his lifestyle more with Cory's.
A Beacon of Empathy Amidst Tragedy
Delving deeper into Cory's character, Renner admired his courage to empathize with the suffering of others despite his own personal losses. Cory was damaged and heartbroken, yet capable of supporting others in their pain. This characteristic deeply stirred Renner. He admired Cory's ability to remain compassionate and giving, despite facing tragic loss.
Influenced by Cory's character, Renner expressed his desires to embrace the same stoicism and empathetic nature in his own life. His admiration for this character was so powerful that it helped him realize the importance of acknowledging others' suffering, even when struggling with personal challenges.
The Role of Taylor Sheridan
The nuances and depth of Cory Lambert's character were crafted by screenwriter Taylor Sheridan. Known for his sensitive and intuitive writing, Sheridan has sketched powerful characters that leave an impression on audiences. Renner credits Sheridan's writing and direction for creating such a compelling character in Cory Lambert that impacted him personally.
Since Wind River, Renner has further collaborated with Sheridan, a testament to the memorable role of Cory Lambert and the powerful experience Renner had filming this movie.
The Message Behind the Acting
Jeremy Renner's transformative experience playing Cory Lambert speaks volumes about the power of acting. Immersing in a character's life can sometimes provide actors with a new perspective on their own lives. For Renner, the experience was more than just a role—it influenced his mindset and life choices.
Wind River was not just a critical success but a movie that led one of Hollywood's leading actors, Jeremy Renner, to view life through a new lens. The movie and its protagonist Cory Lambert have since become memorable influences in Renner's life and career — a testament to Hollywood's power to change lives both on and off the screen.
Wind River is currently available for rent on Amazon Prime. If you've yet to see this poignant film, it's worth a watch not just for its compelling narrative and powerful acting, but also to understand the deep impact it had on Jeremy Renner's life.
