Interview: Jim Belushi Chats about the Fun of Playing Very Different Parts in ‘The Chronology of Water’ and ‘Song Sung Blue’

Jim Belushi has had quite the career, largely making people laugh. Both on the big screen and the small screen, he’s managed to become a beloved comedian. A sitcom like According to Jim, as well as numerous films, have shown that Belushi is a funny and talented guy. This year, however, he’s shown some acting chops that we haven’t seen to date. He’s amusing and charming in Song Sung Blue, while he does some of his most dramatic work in The Chronology of Water. Recently, we hopped on Zoom to chat about both movies for nearly 30 minutes. Today, that discussion comes your way.

Earlier this week, my review here of The Chronology of Water mentions Belushi alongside his co-stars, led by Imogen Poots:

Imogen Poots is outstanding here, turning in captivating work within very challenging material. Watching Poots, through the character, attempt to make Lidia whole through sex, swimming, and everything in between is never anything less than hypnotic. What Poots and Stewart have Lidia go through isn’t always easy to watch, though you’re rewarded for being able to handle it. Stunning, truly. The supporting turns from Thora Birch and Michael Epp (alongside Susannah Flood as Lidia’s mother) are all good, they’re just in Poots’ shadow, given how towering a turn this is. Of the supporting cast, best in show is Jim Belushi, well cast here as Kesey and turning in effective work unlike anything you’ve seen from him before. Belushi is, outside of Poots, the acting highlight, without question.

Previously, my review here of Song Sung Blue talks about Belushi and the cast like so:

Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman are both excellent here, fully invested in all sides of their complicated characters. For Hudson, it stands with Almost Famous as her best work to date, while Jackman is his reliably winning self. Hudson has a chance at being a factor in the Best Actress race, as her second half performance is something to witness. That takes nothing away from Jackman, who’s very good, but Hudson is definitely best in show. The surprises here are Ella Anderson and Jim Belushi, with the former handling some tough dramatic material, while the latter is very amusing. 

Below, you can see my conversation with Belushi. We bounce around between both flicks, though we also make time for films like K-9 and Taking Care of Business, as well as some back and forth on his show According to Jim. Talking about The Chronology of Water, Belushi is quick to praise Poots (my interview with her, which I conducted yesterday, is coming later on this week) and Kristen Stewart (likewise, as I’m speaking with her today), with the same going for Kate Hudson (especially) and Hugh Jackman when getting into Song Sung Blue. Belushi is a really cool guy, generous with his time, quick to laugh, and was happy to continue just shooting the breeze after we wrapped the interview. I had a blast and he seemed to as well, judging by the half hour we spent together. The Chronology of Water is about to hit theaters and Song Sung Blue is out on Christmas, so be sure to check him out in both!

Here now is my interview with The Chronology of Water and Song Sung Blue co-star Jim Belushi. Enjoy:

The Chronology of Water is in theaters this weekend and Song Sung Blue is in theaters on Christmas Day!