Decided my answer was a bit short. I though it was interesting that you weren't sure if Johnny was so sweet and funny because he was still being Gilbert or if that was the real Johnny. Johnny admits that, like Gilbert, he was going through a rough time then, and it's so nice to know that, again like Gilbert, he kept his sweet nature. And how perceptive of you to know the real Johnny through his reaction to your little grandson!
As Xaxis so wisely said, "A little method, a little madness and a little bundle of joy. What more could any set ask for!

I think have I read Johnny say that his characters become part of himself, at least while he is working on a movie; in the case of Hunter Thompson, the character lingered a very long time, maybe permanently. The angry scene in the basement was really intense! I wish Darlene had elaborated a bit more on just what Johnny did to prepare for that scene. It would also be interesting to know if his methods of preparing have changed, WEGG was several movies ago.

This is all so interesting!

I think she was always with Johnny even when he was Gilbert. Even Johnny says all those characters are in there somewhere. I do agree that it was plain that the awesome remark and the feelings for her grandbaby were real. I think some of the reasons why Johnny had some of his down times were that his romances weren't getting him closer to his own family which I think he always wanted.