Philadelphia Inquirer
By Ruben V. Nepales
May 26, 2006

Jennifer Aniston on Vince, Brad and their 'Break-Up'

Not once was Brad Pitt's name mentioned in our recent press con with Jennifer Aniston.

But their much-publicized divorce was the underlying theme of the noontime conversation in Santa Monica's Shutters on the Beach Hotel, especially because the movie she was promoting was titled The Break-Up.

Relaxed and often amused, Jennifer politely refused to answer only two questions that she deemed were too personal. Otherwise, she did allude to her separation from Brad, referring to it as "you know..." or in some other indirect terms.

The actress was at her funniest and most revealing when she talked about strangers trying to console her. She said the most memorable was a Greek woman. Her father, John Aniston, is of Greek descent (he is an actor himself and appeared on the TV soap, "Days of Our Lives"). Telly Savalas, the late Greek-American actor, was Jennifer's godfather.

Mom to the 37-year-old LA native is Nancy Aniston, who was divorced from John in 1980. "Very happy" is how Jennifer described her current relationship with her parents. She stopped talking to her mother over a period of time twice: when Nancy agreed to be interviewed about Jennifer in a tabloid TV show and again when she penned a book about their relationship.

In this encounter, Jennifer answered questions about her current boyfriend, Vince Vaughn, her leading man in "The Break-Up" who also co-produced and co-wrote the story. Joey Lauren Adams, Vince's ex-girlfriend, also stars in this movie about how a couple (Jennifer and Vince) can't seem to break up properly and continue to stay together, bickering. Others in the cast are Ann-Margret, Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio and Jon Favreau.

Weren't you hesitant to accept a movie with this title? Or was it therapeutic?

It was definitely therapeutic. It was also all happening at the exact same time with my... you know. At first, I thought it was a joke when I got the phone call from my agent about a movie called "The Break-Up" (laughter). I said, you've got to be kidding me. But after reading the script, I thought there was no better way to heal than through laughter. I don't know if I could have done as good a job with it if it had come six months earlier.

Why do you think there are more breakups today than there were a generation or two ago?

People are just lazy. And we have become a society where everything is disposable. But who knows if there are people who should not have stayed together among the older generations. My parents certainly shouldn't have stayed married and they didn't. You have to put in as much work into a marriage as you can and exhaust every option before you break up.

Were you surprised at how your own breakup generated all this media interest?

I wasn't aware of a lot that was going on... there was so much that was fabricated... creating unnecessary suffering. To anybody, that would be surreal.

There's quite a number of paparazzi waiting outside this hotel. Do you ever get used to it?

I wish there was a way to get used to it. It's way more than it's ever been and I don't think it's just because we went through a breakup. I think it's because there are so many publications now. There's not just the Crap Three. There's now the Crap Seven (laughter). It also has something to do with the weird phase happening in television. It's all reality TV now so people are obsessed with reality or whatever they are given as reality. It's also messing with movie ticket sales. Who needs to go see a star in a movie if there's no mystique left?

Following up on that, do strangers come up and try to console you?

I've consoled a lot of weeping, wonderful people (laughter). It's quite moving. I've had a Greek woman in an elevator go off in Greek about something. It wasn't very nice (laughter) but I've had all kinds of the strangest experiences -- name it.

How was it working as a comedienne with Vince?

Working with him is like working with a tennis pro. He's the cream of the crop. He is also an amazing dramatic actor. He thinks, he listens, and he is not up there. He's a really generous actor and likes to try things. I also love to try things. You don't always get that kind of fun and feel like you're on an equal playing field.

How did you get along with Joey Lauren Adams (Vince's ex-girlfriend)?

Joey and I met while doing this movie. We got along right off the bat.

You look good. Do you enjoy maybe being a little selfish and taking more care of yourself?

That is priority number one. That's the only way you can really have a great relationship -- if yourself is your priority. You don't compromise yourself. Compromise is such a weird word to use in the context of relationships because it sounds like you're giving up something of yourself. A good friend said it's better to look at it as a collaboration. You should be present, participate, give, nurture and care. Do all of that but still take care of yourself. I don't think it works any other way.

Was doing the nude scene in this film a scary experience?

It was pretty scary. That was a long walk [in the nude]. I don't know if I walk in my house that far naked (laughter) by myself, quite honestly. On top of it, doing the scene felt like it was taking so long. I felt like I was walking in slow motion. I broke a sweat every time.

In the film, your character wants help in the house from Vince's character and gifts like flowers. In real life, what do you like to receive?

I don't want chocolates but I do like flowers.

What are the other little things that you like a man to do to show his affection?

Oh, just being considerate. I don't need things. People just want to be equal participants. I'd much rather have that than a bouquet of flowers.

What are the four things in life that you can't live without?

Well, my dog. That's the first thing. Water (laughter). A Zone Bar is always good. And health. My health is very important to me. I can add friends.

And the four deal-breakers?

Lying is a no-no. Inconsistency. Those are the two big ones. Any kind of cruel behavior is not acceptable. A lot falls under that umbrella. Someone who hates dogs.

In the movie, the couple is not connecting. Do you think part of the problem is that some men have arrested development (laughter)?

Oh, God, that's tricky. I don't know if I should answer that one (laughter). I think that sometimes yes, men do not develop as quickly as women do but I think they eventually do catch up.