In a recent interview, the actor discussed his portrayal of Brian Wilson in the film “Love & Mercy,” sharing insights about his interactions with the legendary musician. He noted that he spent considerable time with Wilson prior to the filming, discovering that while Wilson was somewhat reserved when discussing broader topics, he was animated and enthusiastic when it came to music. The actor expressed his joy in engaging with Wilson, even having the opportunity to sing alongside him and his touring band. They filmed in the studio where “Pet Sounds” was recorded, and Wilson’s presence on set was a memorable experience. Although he didn’t receive extensive feedback on his performance, the time spent getting to know Wilson was invaluable.
The actor also reflected on his experience in “Little Miss Sunshine,” recalling the challenges of the first half, where his character remains silent. He mentioned the initial doubts from the directors during the filming of a dinner scene but felt relieved when they recognized his performance upon review. He acknowledged that while delivering lines can be difficult, the challenge of remaining silent was equally significant.
When asked about his preparation for the BBC adaptation of “War and Peace,” he confirmed that he read the book beforehand, citing its detailed passages and an intriguing epilogue. He described it as potentially the greatest literary work ever created.
The conversation turned to his role in “Okja,” where he played a leader of the Animal Liberation Front. He admitted that taking on such a role briefly altered his perspective on food, although this change was fleeting. He noted that his participation in “Fast Food Nation” had a more lasting impact on his eating habits, and that personal milestones like parenthood have influenced his food choices over time.
The actor was also asked about any acting habits he had to unlearn during his career. He shared that he began acting at a young age, making his Broadway debut around 10 or 11. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning in acting, including the need to unlearn certain preconceptions. He values maintaining his intuition while also preparing diligently, indicating that he now invests more time in preparation than he did earlier in his career.
Discussing his musical endeavors, the actor reminisced about his high school band, Cherry Revision, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment but playfully downplaying its significance. He shared that some of his fondest memories come from making music with friends and acknowledged that music remains a significant part of his life. He reflected on his aspirations of becoming a rock star in his twenties but ultimately chose to focus on acting as his primary career.
Commenting on his collaboration with the filmmaking duo known as the Daniels and actor Daniel Radcliffe in “Swiss Army Man,” he described the experience as enjoyable and liberating. Having just completed “War and Peace,” he relished the opportunity to work on a more lighthearted project. He expressed admiration for the Daniels’ previous work and was immediately captivated by the script, especially a memorable scene involving a jetski.
When asked how he maintains kindness and humility in a demanding industry, he acknowledged the importance of being perceived as kind and highlighted the value of collaboration and friendship. He strives to approach characters with empathy, regardless of their moral alignment, recognizing that every role reflects a piece of oneself. He emphasized the importance of exploring the emotional motivations behind each character he portrays.
Reflecting on which of his characters he would enjoy spending time with, he mentioned a desire to reconnect with Dwayne from “Little Miss Sunshine” and expressed curiosity about hanging out with Manny from “Swiss Army Man,” despite the character’s unusual circumstances. Additionally, he mentioned wishing to improve the situation of his character from “Prisoners,” who faces a profoundly tragic storyline.
In discussing his involvement in “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” he conveyed his fascination with the film’s exploration of contemporary politics and power, noting the writers’ efforts to present an accurate representation of a complex narrative that often goes unseen.
Finally, when reflecting on what advice he would give to his younger self, he encouraged a more carefree approach to life, emphasizing the importance of having fun. He quoted Aldous Huxley, suggesting that a lighter, more playful attitude would enhance both work and personal enjoyment. He concluded that he has learned to appreciate life more fully over the last two decades.
