Oscar Isaac Tries to Play Tears for Fears on Bagpipe on ‘Fallon’

Oscar Isaac demonstrated his musical versatility during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, tackling everything from bagpipes to electric bass in a spirited round of the show’s “Random Instrument Challenge.”

The actor, currently promoting Guillermo del Toro’s new adaptation of Frankenstein, attempted to perform Tears for Fears’ “Shout” on bagpipes with less than stellar results. Isaac openly acknowledged his failure with the Scottish instrument, but quickly redeemed himself by successfully playing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” on electric bass for the house band The Roots to identify.

The musical challenges continued when Isaac teamed up with Fallon on banjo to perform Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”, showcasing a more collaborative approach to the late-night television tradition.

Beyond the comedic musical segment, Isaac revealed intriguing details about his approach to playing Victor Frankenstein in del Toro’s gothic reimagining. The director encouraged him to abandon the traditional mad scientist portrayal, instead instructing him “to be like freaking Mick Jagger.” This rock star influence extended further when the costume designer presented Isaac with high-heeled boots, prompting him to study Prince’s performance style.

“I watched some videos of him,” Isaac explained to Fallon. “I couldn’t help it.”

Del Toro’s vision for the classic Mary Shelley tale appears deeply personal, with Isaac describing it as “this incredible, passionate, high melodrama” and comparing it to an opera. The actor noted that del Toro “has really made it a biography of his own life.”

The evening concluded with Isaac performing “Damn Tour”, an original composition he co-wrote with his son for their band Fleece.

Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein has been described by Rolling Stone as “part 18th-century dandy and part swaggering Swinging Sixties rock star, as if Lord Byron had been genetically spliced with Brian Jones.”

Frankenstein will stream on Netflix from November 7th, offering viewers del Toro’s distinctively gothic take on the enduring tale of scientific ambition and its consequences.