James Gandolfini, the late talented actor known for his iconic role as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, portrayed the head of the CIA in the film Zero Dark Thirty. In a surprising turn of events, he was utterly flabbergasted when he learned that Leon Panetta, the former Director of the CIA, whom he was portraying on screen, was unable to find him. This hilarious revelation was made by Gandolfini National Board of Review Awards ceremony, where he also shared that he apologised to Panetta. Here’s what happened.
James Gandolfini Was Shocked to Know CIA Head Couldn’t Find Him
In the bone-chilling thriller showcasing the search for the terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, The Sopranos actor James Gandolfini took on the role of Leon Panetta, the former director of the CIA. Yet, despite his compelling portrayal, the actor had doubts that the real-life politician would find his onscreen persona not as impressive. At the National Board of Review Awards in New York City (via Daily Express), the actor revealed,
“I sent a note to Leon saying, ‘I’m very sorry about everything. The wig, everything. You’re kind of like my father. You’ll find something to be angry about.'”
Following that, the actor was also notified by screenwriter Mark Boal that the CIA director intended to contact Gandolfini but was unable to do so. Consequently, Boal requested the actor’s phone number on the director’s behalf. He then jokingly stated,
“He’s the head of the CIA! He can’t find me? Come on, really?!”
In the end, despite all the doubts, Panetta did give his approval for both him and the film.
Former CIA Director Approved James Gandolfini’s Film
Immediately after stepping down from his position after a dedicated tenure, Leon Panetta gave his approval for Zero Dark Thirty. He acknowledged it as a work of fiction, but the one that managed to showcase a more accurate portrayal than most, which is a very big credit on its own coming from the man who lived the movie himself. As reported by Indie Wire, he said,
“I think people ought to make their own judgments,–There are parts of it that give you a good sense of how the intelligence operations do work. But I also think people in the end have to understand that it isn’t a documentary, it’s a movie.”
He further continued stating,
“[There’s] no question that some of the intelligence gathered was a result of some of these methods,–But I think it’s difficult to say that they were the critical element. I think they were part of the vast puzzle that you had to put together in order to ultimately locate where bin Laden was.–I think we would have found him, even without that piece of the puzzle.”
And speaking of James Gandolfini’s performance portraying him in the film, Panetta said,
“Somebody came up to me and said I saw you in that movie but you lost a lot of weight.”
The film was a work of art indeed and has gained acclaim over the years both from critics and fans, and the man Leon Panetta himself.
Zero Dark Thirty is available on STARZ to stream
Source: National Board of Review Awards (via Daily Express)
