Interview with 'Jonah Hex' Extra Duane Clemmons

I recently had the opportunity to interview Duane Clemmons, an extra in the upcoming movie Jonah Hex. Not only does Duane play one of Quentin Turnbull's henchmen, he's my first cousin. I've been excited about this movie ever since it began production and I think moviegoers will be excited about it as well.

Duane is a history teacher and coach. In his spare time, he reenacts Civil War battles, having journeyed to Gettysburg a couple of years ago for the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Battle scenes were shot for future documentaries.

But when Duane had the opportunity to be an extra is the new Jonah Hex movie due to be released June 18, he jumped at it.

Telezac Casting contacted the Captain of the reenactment group and another unit commander in New Orleans. According to Clemmons, "They were looking for reenactors to portray the 'Resurrected Army' of Quentin Turnbull. There were 50 of us who answered the call." Reenactors provided the casting company with a resume and application.

How did you find out about the movie?

I jumped at the opportunity since I was a fan of the Jonah Hex comic book. He is not your typical superhero. He is just a normal guy who has had some extraordinary circumstances that have brought about his skills. I was a big Western fan and I loved reading comics. I did not choose the "normal" comic book heroes to read about. Most of my friends read Spiderman, Superman. I liked Conan, Jonah Hex, Ghost Rider, and the Star Wars Marvel series. To get an opportunity to play in a comic book movie, even if I am just an extra was just too irresistible.

I had to report to Telezac Casting in New Orleans. I was fitted in cowboy boots, pants, shirt vest, and a gun belt. The best part was when I was fitted with a dusty derby hat and a duster. The crew took my picture. As a reenactor, my prime goal is to "get into character" by portraying a person during a time period in America's past. Reenactors have to know the history of the time, sometimes even the most minuscule subjects. Also, knowing how to use a rifle the correct way helps our battle scenes. Many more men from our Civil War reenactment unit, the Louisiana 19th, were selected.

What can you tell us about your character?

I'm just a "background artist" or someone with no real lines. We do some shouting and yelling during the filming. My unit mostly did battle scenes, some during the Civil War. I was shot in two different time periods. I am in a battle scene as an outlaw sometime in the 1870's and as a Confederate soldier during the war. I can only assume I am the same character, just at different times in history. He's a fighter.

What was it like working with Josh Brolin? Did you work with any other actors?

I had remembered him playing in Young Guns and No Country for Old Men. Josh Brolin is all business. Right on top of his game and a real professional. He likes to cut up too. The whole crew were some of the most courteous people. That is something when obviously most of them had never been in Deep South Louisiana. John Malkovich is an incredible actor. We were able to get most of our scenes in just a few takes. He is a perfectionist and superb actor. We never met Megan Fox, but she was definitely on the mind of most guys on set. Cute kid.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about the movie in general?

I don't want to give away too much. This is going to be a great movie. Jimmy Hayward is a great director and with the utilization of Louisiana's natural landscape in the movie, it adds a real authenticity to the film. When there are big budget blockbusters using computer graphics and 3D, this movie will be a breath of fresh air for real movie enthusiasts. I hope people will come out and get introduced to a real adventure story.

In addition, Clemmons said that due to tax incentives from the state of Louisiana, "Hollywood is taking full advantage of Louisiana's availability. They are investing a great deal into the state and this is only a good thing for the Louisiana economy and for tourism."

I can't wait to see 'Jonah Hex'! Besides having a personal connection to the movie, the historical aspects draw my attention. I'll be in the theater June 18. How about you?