The Movie That Secretly Portrayed Eddie Vedder From Pearl Jam

Eddie Vedder, best known for being the lead singer and guitarist of Pearl Jam, has more cards under his sleeves than most people think. The singer is not only successful with his role in the band but also with his solo works, especially his film soundtracks. He contributed to several films, including ‘Dead Man Walking,’ ‘I Am Sam,’ ‘A Brokedown Melody,’ ‘Body of War,’ and ‘Reign Over Me.’

His most remarkable musical effort as a soundtrack contribution is for the film ‘Into The Wild.’ Turning towards a folk sound rather than rock and roll, Vedder made an impeccable impression on music critics with his talents. He released the soundtrack album in 2007 and went on a tour as a follow-up in 2008. The singer won awards and nominations following the release of the album, and it sold 39,000 copies in the first week.

Considering his successful understanding of a film and talent for composing a soundtrack accordingly, Bradley Cooper knocked on Vedder’s door for advice when creating the film ‘A Star Is Born.’ The singer advised Cooper and inspired him to create one of the two protagonists in the film, Jackson Maine.

Bradley Cooper’s Character In ‘A Star Is Born’ Was Inspired By Eddie Vedder

Bradley Cooper created the screenplay, produced, directed, and starred in the film ‘A Star is Born.’ To pull it all off, Cooper asked Vedder for advice to transform the film character into a rockstar. At that time, Vedder had doubts whether or not it was a good idea to create another unsuccessful rock film. Moreover, he didn’t trust these types of projects and didn’t think Cooper could really pull it off because it’s a difficult job.

Despite his doubts, Vedder still spent time with Cooper for a few days and allowed him to ask his questions. Cooper told Yahoo in an interview that he asked Vedder a lot of detailed questions to nail the aesthetics and the minor details of being a rockstar. He also stated that Vedder was wonderful during the time he spent with him.

Here is what Bradley Cooper told Yahoo in 2018 about Eddie Vedder:

“I went up to Seattle and spent four or five days with Vedder, and I asked him 9,000 questions. And he gave me minor, little things that only musicians know about what to do, just aesthetically and the inner workings. He was wonderful.”

Vedder also spoke about his time with Cooper during The Howard Stern Show and revealed the most important advice he gave to the actor. He stated that he told him he should be cautious with this project. He then continued to warn him by saying that he was putting himself on the line. However, Vedder still gave him advice, and some of them were as silly as where to position the guitar.

Here is what Eddie told The Howard Stern Show back in 2020:

“We just hung out for a couple of days, and he just asked me a few questions, and I told him things like, make sure your guitar covers your balls at all times. You don’t wanna be one of those guys. Well, I think sometimes the guitar gets a little high, it looks more like a bib.

You had to kind of have ‘the talk’ and say: ‘Look, there are a few movies out there on surfing a few movies on rock and roll, none of them get it right. You’re putting yourself on the line here. I don’t think anyone can pull it off, it’s not that you can’t. If anyone could, it might be you. But I would really think this through.'”

Vedder not only helped Cooper to adapt to the character, but he also influenced Cooper so much that the character Jackson Maine resembled Eddie Vedder. Apparently, Cooper was not only in contact with Vedder for musical advice, but he also learned Eddie’s attitude in his daily life, which helped him create Jackson Maine.

Did Eddie Vedder Like The Final Product?

The film was so successful that it received 8 Oscars Nomination in the 91st academy awards. Vedder was also surprised to see how the film turned out to be. He stated that the first time he watched it, he was just ‘blown away’ and talked about the movie while getting goosebumps.

Here is how Vedder described his feelings after watching the film:

“I will admit, the first time he asked if we would come down and see it, on the way over, I’m thinking of all the ways I can let him down nicely.

And I tell you when I saw it, I was just fucking blown away. It just took me there and everything and what he can do with his eyes and what they did together and then Sam Elliott and all that. I mean it really took me there. I’m getting chills right now.

You can watch Vedder’s interview about ‘A Star is Born’ below.