Introduction and Initial Connection
The conversation begins with a warm and excited tone, highlighting the personal connection and admiration between the speakers, who feel they've "passed each other" before but are now finally meeting properly.
- Mutual Admiration: Both speakers express excitement to finally meet and a pre-existing admiration for each other's work.
- Shared Experience: They note the coincidence of both having flown in and having similar schedules, highlighting a shared journey.
- First Impressions: The speakers recall previous fleeting encounters, emphasizing the significance of this dedicated meeting.
Discussion of "Dune"
A significant portion of the interview focuses on the film "Dune" and its creation.
- Fan Appreciation: One speaker identifies as a "Doonie" (fan of Dune) and expresses immense appreciation for both "Dune" and "Dune 2," having seen them in cinemas, including a midnight screening in London.
- Director's Vision: The passion of director Denis Villeneuve for the "Dune" books, which he grew up with, is highlighted as a key driver of the film's quality.
- Practical Filmmaking: Villeneuve's preference for practical sets and shooting in real desert locations (Jordan, Abu Dhabi) is discussed, contributing to the film's immersive and realistic feel.
- Crew's Ingenuity: The impressive work of the crew in creating innovative rigs to capture the challenging desert landscapes is acknowledged.
- Actor's Experience: The experience of shooting in stunning, remote locations is described as a profound and beautiful aspect of the job, connecting actors to the environment.
Filmmaking Process and Actor's Craft
The speakers delve into the art of acting, the creative process, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
- Theatricality vs. Realism: The importance of using acting skills, even seemingly impractical ones like mime, is discussed in the context of creating fictional worlds.
- Ensemble Work and Community: The creation of a sense of community and friendships on set with cast and crew is highlighted as a significant and enjoyable part of the job.
- Tacit Communication: The development of unspoken communication and understanding between cast, crew, and directors over time is described as almost telepathic.
- Intimacy and Vulnerability: The creation of intimate scenes requires a high level of trust and safety, involving the cinematographer and camera operator as integral parts of the process.
- Loose and Exploratory Directing: The benefits of a "loose" and exploratory directing style, allowing actors to use the space and discover moments, are emphasized.
- Spontaneity vs. Structure: The balance between structured dialogue and scenes versus finding moments spontaneously is explored, with a strong emphasis on listening and responding as crucial acting skills.
- The Art of Reaction: The fundamental acting principle of "acting is reacting" is reinforced, highlighting the importance of presence and attentive listening.
- Overthinking and Self-Criticism: Both speakers acknowledge the tendency to overthink and be self-critical, and how the on-set environment can be a freeing space to inhabit other characters.
- Trusting the Director: The necessity of trusting the director's vision, even when their choices are unexpected, is crucial for the filmmaking process.
Project Selection and Motivations
The speakers discuss their individual approaches to choosing projects and what drives their creative decisions.
- Director-Driven Choices: For "Dune," the appeal was primarily director Denis Villeneuve's reputation and previous work.
- Script-First Approach: For "Challengers," the compelling script by Justin Kritsky was the initial draw.
- Thematic Exploration: One speaker is particularly drawn to projects that explore interesting philosophical ideas, even if the execution is uncertain.
- Experimental Journey: The desire for an experimental journey in life and work, embracing learning, discovery, growth, and change, is a strong motivator.
- Obsession and Focus: A shared belief in the power of obsession and intense focus in the creative process is evident.
- "Baby Girl" Project: The immediate interest in "Baby Girl" stemmed from the title and the director Helena Rain, with the script arriving later.
- Chemistry and Collaboration: The importance of chemistry between actors and the careful selection of cast members to create a cohesive ensemble is recognized, especially in films like "Baby Girl" and "Challengers."
"Baby Girl" and "Challengers" Specifics
The conversation touches upon specific aspects of these two projects.
- "Baby Girl" Directing Style: Director Helena Rain is described as having a warm, exploratory, and sometimes physically suggestive approach to directing.
- "Challengers" Director's Style: Luca Guadagnino's ability to suggest unexpected but perfect directorial choices and his deep understanding of characters are highlighted.
- Collaboration with Helena Rain: The director's dual role as writer and actress allowed for dynamic interaction and a shared understanding of the characters and physicalities.
- "Baby Girl" Casting: The process of finding the right co-stars, like Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas, who were generous and supportive, was key to the film's formation.
- "Challengers" Shooting Style: Luca's tendency to shoot quickly and efficiently, with a clear vision of the edit, is noted.
"Euphoria" and Character Immersion
The discussion shifts to the TV series "Euphoria" and the experience of playing the character Rue.
- Character as "Skin": The gradual process of a character becoming like a "second skin," where the actor embodies them naturally, is described.
- Emotional and Physical Toll: The intensity of playing Rue is acknowledged as emotionally and physically draining, but also incredibly rewarding due to the show's impact.
- Connecting with the Audience: The profound connection viewers have with the show and the character's story provides a sense of purpose and validation for the work.
- Leaving the Character at Work: The importance of separating oneself from an intense character like Rue at the end of the day is discussed as a coping mechanism.
- Future of "Euphoria": The anticipation of another season of "Euphoria" is mentioned.
Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care
The speakers discuss the challenges of intense roles and the strategies they employ for well-being.
- Shedding the Role: The need for methods to "rid" themselves of the emotional residue of intense roles is emphasized.
- Disturbing Experiences: Past experiences on "Baby Girl" and "Big Little Lies" are described as emotionally disturbing, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
- Self-Care Practices: Various methods, including prayer, sage burning, massage, and connecting with loved ones, are mentioned as ways to heal and maintain well-being.
- The Importance of Balance: The need for balance between work and personal life, and the recognition of one's own needs, is a continuous journey.
- Embracing Imperfection: The idea that comfort and personal coping mechanisms (like a "blankie") are valid and don't need to be abandoned for perceived perfection is shared.
- Finding Joy in the Process: The commitment to having fun and enjoying the process, even during difficult scenes, is highlighted as essential.
Stage vs. Screen and Future Aspirations
The conversation touches upon different acting mediums and future goals.
- Versatility in Mediums: The speakers express enjoyment and respect for film, TV, and even stage acting.
- Respect for Theater: The demanding nature of theater performance, requiring daily emotional commitment to a live audience, is deeply respected.
- Future Stage Aspirations: One speaker expresses a desire to eventually perform on stage, despite initial nervousness.
- Continuing the Journey: The conversation concludes with a sense of ongoing growth and the excitement of future opportunities.