Like his character Isaac in ‘Ghosts,’ Brandon Scott Jones is multidimensional

As a fellow actor and someone who has navigated the complexities of portraying diverse characters myself, I find the discussions surrounding representation in media incredibly important. Brandon Scott Jones, playing the character Isaac on “Ghosts,” is doing an admirable job in bringing this colonial-era ghost to life. It’s fascinating to see how he delves into the depths of Isaac’s character, exploring his military background and post-life crisis.

In the seventh grade, Brandon Scott Jones received from his mom a book titled “The Fundamentals of Scriptwriting.

Motivated by his fascination with actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who found success in writing with the Academy Award-winning script “Good Will Hunting,” Jones expressed that his ambition was simply to create a role for himself, no matter what the project might be.

Regrettably, Jones’ initial screenplay lacked the authenticity and personal touch found in Damon and Affleck’s tale about a South Boston janitor who unexpectedly turns out to be a mathematical genius, much like their own experiences.

During a chat this past summer over smoothies at Silver Lake Erewhon, Jones shares with a chuckle, “The story revolves around a film director in the pornography industry, and it’s titled ‘Whatever Became of Darren Potter?’

His fascination with writing began unexpectedly during a family outing to the cinema, where he decided to stray from the group and watch “Good Will Hunting” instead of “Titanic”. Later, when they returned to see “Titanic”, he once again departed and caught a glimpse of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, “Boogie Nights,” which focuses on the porn industry.

During a significant phase, when you were absorbing a lot, I crafted a screenplay featuring a gifted actor, similar to ‘Good Will Hunting’, and a pornography director. However, there was no explicit content involved. Instead, it depicted them both striving to regain their prominence in their respective fields.

These writings, along with others from an early period, were composed on the typewriter that Jones received as a Christmas gift in the fourth grade. He kept them in a briefcase. During his eighth-grade year, the student seated next to him in mathematics class would occasionally provide him with notes.

It’s unfortunate that the work, titled “Darren Potter,” was never brought to life (Jones believes he might have a backup somewhere, for those who might be keen on discussing it). Instead, Potter’s endeavor in drama has evolved into a career path that capitalizes on something Jones is more acquainted with – witty self-deprecation.

Jones, a New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts graduate, kicked off his career at Upright Citizens Brigade, starring in their famous improv show “Asssscat.” He later landed a role in Michael Schur’s NBC philosophical comedy “The Good Place,” receiving acclaim for portraying John Wheaton, a character resembling Perez Hilton. In films, he has excelled by making the most of minor roles in “Renfield,” “Isn’t It Romantic?”, and “Senior Year.” Interestingly, he also co-wrote the script for “Senior Year,” a story about a high school cheerleader who wakes up from a coma after twenty years and becomes fixated on completing her senior year and reclaiming her popularity.

He attained the status of Distinguished Character Actor when he landed the role of Curtis, a struggling actor and close friend of Cary (Drew Tarver), in the comedy series “The Other Two” on Comedy Central and Max. This unexpected opportunity came his way at 6:30 am one weekday, while he was playing tennis. His friends, Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, who were the creators of the series, called him in a panic because another actor had dropped out last minute, just before filming began. Within an hour and a half, he found himself on his way to the set. Later, he also became part of the show’s writing team.

Next, we have “Ghosts,” a comedy series produced by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, inspired by the original British show. This CBS production finds a unique balance between “The Good Place” and Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophical play, “No Exit.” True to its title, the show revolves around ghostly beings from various eras of American history who mysteriously find themselves stuck for eternity on the property that is now a Hudson Valley estate.

In this adaptation, Jones portrays Isaac Higgintoot, an individual who served in the American Continental Congress and sadly perished due to dysentery during his tenure as a captain in the Revolutionary War. Coincidentally, Higgintoot shares his surname with the disease that took his life. Today, Isaac finds himself bitter towards his contemporary, Alexander Hamilton, who has amassed wealth, authored a book, and even starred in a musical celebrating his life. Despite this, Isaac wishes to clarify that he was not present at the Boston Tea Party, but rather attended a tea party at his Aunt Geraldine’s residence during that time.

According to Jones, he believes Isaac might have always been just slightly behind the events of history, like he was late to the signing of the Declaration of Independence due to a spilled drink on his shirt. Alternatively, he and his wife Beatrice, portrayed in flashbacks by Hillary Anne Matthews, could be seen as failed Machiavellians who found it deeply upsetting when they weren’t invited to social gatherings.

So far in the series, Isaac has managed to persuade Sam, a clairvoyant author who co-owns the estate with her husband Jay, to pen his biography. Jones remarks that Isaac bears a striking resemblance to one of television’s most iconic contemporary political figures, similar to Selina Meyer, the relentless politician portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus in HBO’s “Veep.

Jones expresses that it’s both intriguing and a bit desperate to reflect on one’s past and yearn for it to hold significance or be connected to something greater.

Not that the afterlife has been too boring for Isaac. At least not in the last few years.

Each season of the television show “Ghosts” has concluded with significant advancements for Isaac. In the first, he acknowledged that times have evolved and it’s acceptable for him to reveal his homosexuality, which was nearly 250 years overdue since his demise. In the second, he proposes to Nigel (portrayed by John Hartman), a ghost of a British soldier whom Isaac unintentionally killed on the battlefield. In the third, he calls off the wedding with Nigel and is subsequently swallowed by the ground due to someone else he wronged: the spirit of a Puritan woman named Patience, played by Jones’ friend and co-star in “Senior Year,” Mary Holland.

In the fourth season of “Ghosts,” debuting on Thursdays, viewers discover the true nature of Patience’s schemes, and if anyone among the residents of the estate – either living or deceased – will pick up on the fact that Isaac is gone.

Jones remarks that the friendship between them added an entertaining aspect to their work together. He finds Holland’s character actor skills remarkable and appreciates her overall acting ability. It was enjoyable for him to be taken aback by the choices she made during filming. In the script, her character is labeled as ‘unhinged and insane,’ which means that when he appears frightened of her on screen, there’s also a hidden sense of joy watching his friend perform, making their collaboration truly delightful.

Port and Wiseman emphasize they don’t intend any disrespect towards their fellow cast members, and the recurring theme of significant Isaac storylines at season’s end is purely coincidental. They also explain that deliberate efforts have been made to avoid portraying Isaac’s sexuality as his defining trait or forcing him into a flamboyant stereotype.

According to Port, he’s not simply defined by a single trait. Instead, he’s deeply rooted in his military background, hailing from the colonial era. There are numerous elements that make up both his character and persona.

Regarding the query about whether queer roles should exclusively be portrayed by individuals identifying as queer, Jones contemplated this thought, being a man who identifies as gay himself.

Jones expresses his sincere belief that acting out a character involves understanding and empathizing with someone you may not be familiar with. He recalls his strong bond with Eric McCormack, who played a gay man on ‘Will & Grace’, despite being straight himself. Jones suggests that limiting opportunities for actors to explore roles outside their real-life identities is concerning. If an actor, regardless of sexual orientation, wishes to portray characters of different orientations, and we as a society discourage this, it begins to feel like a vicious cycle to him.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice how today’s fandom can be overwhelmingly intense, delving even into the tiniest aspects of an actor’s private life – a theme brilliantly portrayed in “The Other Two”. Jones expresses his discomfort with actors, writers, or casting directors feeling pressured to please a vast audience rather than simply embodying their characters genuinely. However, he also emphasizes that it’s unfair for casting directors to claim a lack of gay actors for certain roles, merely because they’re not actively seeking them out.

Jones expresses her hope that the narratives being shared are genuine, regardless of who’s creating them – whether it’s through camera work or writing. Additionally, she mentions that she’d be open to playing a non- LGBTQ+ character, if given the opportunity.

During this upcoming season, Isaac may find himself grappling more deeply with his post-life dilemma, symbolized by the metaphorical unraveling of his colonial-era ponytail and embracing a freer hairstyle.

Following a breakup, he’s attempting to transform himself, as Wiseman explains. He experiments with different hairstyles, like letting his hair down, to see if it affects his outlook. (This aligns with the rules of “Ghosts,” which disallows changes in clothing for the deceased but allows modifications).

And fans will learn more about that biography.

Jones hints, “Is there a piece of you doubting if he’s only interested in a book about himself, no matter the accuracy?

Maybe Isaac, like the person who plays him, just wants to create a part for himself.

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2024-10-17 13:36