Interviewer:  Alex Jones
Interview Subject:  Charlie Sheen
Program: American Radio show, Genesis Communications Network
Broadcast Date:  25 February 2011

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There has been a great deal of scepticism surrounding Charlie Sheen and whether he was clean of drugs and alcohol at the time in which this interview was conducted. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that Alex Jones interview begins in a rare tone of laughter and relaxation as he questions Sheen.

Laughing at all appropriate times and continually mentioning their friendship, Jones is able to make Sheen feel secure in the interview. Discussing sensitive issues such as Sheen’s past drug and alcohol abuse, it is this established security which allows Sheen to speak comfortably and without hesitation. From this, Jones is able to extract information that Sheen could, otherwise, feel less obliged to divulge. Uninterrupted by Jones, Sheen begins to show signs that he is not as happy as he initially suggests.

Sheen’s rants exposed an underlying animosity that would suggest he is anything but happy with his current circumstances. Though continually assuring Jones that he is ‘winning’ when probed about Two and a Half Men, Jones manages to make Sheen discuss bitter details surrounding his departure from the series.

This heated tone continues as Sheen speaks of the women (referred to as ‘goddesses’) in his life; particularly since one of the three had recently left him.

Still remaining silent, Jones waits for Sheen to fill the silence, which he does not hesitate to do.

Sheen begins this interview seemingly unfazed by the circumstances surrounding his career and personal life. However, the more comfortable Jones allows him to feel, the more apparent Sheen’s resentment becomes.

Timothy Arendshorst is a first-year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University.