The 92nd Street Y, New York - Barry Keoghan in Conversation with MTV’s Josh Horowitz: Bird
Barry Keoghan, a celebrated actor, shares insights into his career and collaborations with top filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Andrea Arnold. He emphasizes the importance of working with female directors, influenced by his upbringing by strong women. Keoghan discusses his unique approach to acting, often involving improvisation and deep character exploration. He reflects on his roles in films like 'Bird' and 'The Batman', highlighting the trust and vulnerability required in his performances. Keoghan also touches on his personal life, including his upbringing and the influence of his grandmother, as well as his aspirations for future roles.
Key Points:
- Barry Keoghan values working with female filmmakers, influenced by his upbringing by strong women.
- He often engages in improvisational acting, as seen in his role in 'Bird' with Andrea Arnold.
- Keoghan's approach to acting involves deep character exploration and vulnerability.
- He reflects on the importance of trust in his performances, particularly in challenging roles.
- Keoghan is open to future roles and continues to manifest career opportunities.
Details:
1. 🎬 Welcome and Introduction of Barry Kogan
- The event is hosted by Josh Horwitz at the 92nd Street Y, a significant cultural venue known for hosting prominent figures, enhancing the event's prestige.
- Barry Kogan is introduced as the most exciting actor of his generation, highlighting his impact and recognition within the industry.
- The event takes place on a Saturday, suggesting a strategic choice to maximize audience engagement due to typically higher availability on weekends.
- Kogan's notable roles include appearances in critically acclaimed films such as 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' and 'Dunkirk,' which have contributed to his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
2. 🎥 Barry's Collaborations with Renowned Filmmakers
- Barry has established a strong pattern of collaboration with renowned filmmakers over the past six to seven years, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Christopher Nolan, Martin McDonagh, and Chloé Zhao, which underscores his versatility and appeal in the film industry.
- His recent collaboration with Andrea Arnold on the film 'Bird' is a testament to his continued engagement with acclaimed directors, showcasing his ability to adapt to different directorial styles and storytelling approaches.
- These collaborations have not only enhanced Barry's career but also positioned him as a sought-after actor capable of delivering performances that resonate with both audiences and critics.
- By working with a diverse array of directors, Barry is able to bring a unique perspective to each project, making him an asset in any film production.
- This strategic selection of projects and directors highlights Barry's commitment to quality and artistic integrity, ensuring his work remains impactful and relevant.
3. 👩🎤 Embracing Female Filmmakers and Influences
- The speaker desires recurring professional relationships, noting this hasn't yet happened, highlighting a gap in current collaborations.
- Their educational journey in film is self-taught, emphasizing a unique, personal learning path without formal training.
- Andrea Arnold's film 'Bird' and other female filmmakers are cited as significant influences, indicating a strong preference for female-directed works.
- Raised by strong female figures, the speaker suggests this upbringing contributes to their affinity for female filmmakers, potentially shaping their professional interests and choices.
4. 🗣️ Family, Upbringing, and Film Reactions
- The speaker's grandmother was a significant influence, serving as both a mother and father figure, which shaped the speaker's traits and values.
- The speaker gravitates towards female filmmakers because it allows them to feel more vulnerable and relaxed, highlighting the impact of upbringing on professional preferences.
- The speaker's grandmother, having raised ten children, is described as 'tough as nails', underscoring the strength and resilience learned from her.
- The grandmother has been exposed to the speaker's films from an early age, implying familiarity and support despite the unconventional nature of some content.
- Feedback from the grandmother on films like 'Killing of a Sacred Deer' was candid, describing it as 'weird', yet she remains an engaged viewer.
- The family prefers watching films like 'Dunkirk' at home rather than at premieres, highlighting a grounded and personal approach to supporting the speaker's work.
5. 🎞️ Unique Filmmaking with Andrea Arnold
- Andrea Arnold is known for eliciting naturalistic performances in her films such as 'Fish Tank' and 'American Honey'.
- Her approach to filmmaking is unique, often starting projects without a script, which is a testament to her confidence and the trust actors have in her vision.
- Actors like working with her because they know her films will have a significant impact, even if the project details are initially unclear.
- The filmmaking process under Arnold is characterized by a strong belief in storytelling, focusing on the emotional and narrative impact rather than conventional script-driven methods.
6. 🎭 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Roles
- The anecdote about carrying the apple illustrates the significance of personal rituals in maintaining authenticity, even within professional roles, emphasizing the balance between personal and professional life.
- The film's credits employ an egalitarian approach by listing names without assigned roles, which fosters a democratic and inclusive atmosphere on set, encouraging collaboration.
- The director prioritizes her team's well-being and comfort, demonstrating effective leadership that creates a supportive and caring work environment, which is crucial for productivity and morale.
- Living with colleagues, as evidenced by the speaker's experience with the director, enhances connection and understanding, leading to improved collaboration and authenticity in creative endeavors.
- Working with non-actors breaks traditional barriers, encouraging exploration and discovery in the creative process, which can lead to more genuine and impactful storytelling.
7. 🪞 Self-Reflection and Learning Through Acting
- Actors often forget the presence of cameras, which enhances genuine performance by allowing them to immerse deeply in their roles without the distraction of technical elements.
- The absence of trailers and maintaining consistency in filming fosters a communal environment that strengthens the overall narrative and performance continuity.
- Building trust with the community and among the film crew is crucial for authentic storytelling, ensuring that the actors and the production team are aligned in their vision and execution.
- Actors find personal connections with their characters, which enhances relatability and authenticity in their performances, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the narrative.
- The filmmaking process is described as therapeutic, offering actors opportunities for learning and self-reflection, which can translate into more nuanced and authentic portrayals on screen.
8. 👶 Working with Young Performers
- Working with young performers keeps actors honest and authentic, providing a fresh perspective and preventing decisions made under pressure.
- The speaker is fascinated by the choices young actors make and aims to support and nurture their authenticity rather than letting them make pressured decisions.
- Emphasizing learning and self-elevation, the speaker highlights the influence of young and strong filmmakers on experienced actors.
- The speaker values authenticity in acting and wants to protect and nurture young performers to maintain genuine choices.
- Young performers offer a unique opportunity for seasoned actors to revisit fundamental acting principles and avoid complacency.
- The creative process with young performers is seen as mutually beneficial, fostering growth and authenticity for all involved.
9. 🎶 Music and Improvisation in Film
9.1. ADHD Management During Long Sessions
9.2. Effects of Sun Exposure on Temporary Tattoos
9.3. Music Rights in Improvisational Films
10. 🕺 Barry's Dance in Film
10.1. Barry's Musical Preferences and Influence on Performance
10.2. Barry's Approach to Creative Vision
10.3. Public and Personal Perception of Barry's Dance
11. 🎼 Musical Inspirations
- Emphasizing the importance of passion over perfection, as seen in people's efforts during weddings where they may get steps wrong but their heart is in it.
- Interest in musicals, specifically inspired by 'La La Land' for its romanticized depiction of LA, which enhances emotional attachment to the city.
- Highlighting how subtle elements in a musical can change one's perspective and deepen appreciation for a place.
- Unintentionally quoting famous lines from 'La La Land' shows the deep impact and memorable nature of musicals.
- Acknowledging the influence and inspiration drawn from director Damien Chazelle's work in 'La La Land'.
12. 🎥 Memorable Roles with Yorgos Lanthimos
12.1. Acknowledgment of Yorgos Lanthimos's Unique Style
12.2. Insights from Working on Set with Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell
12.3. Dealing with Star Struck Moments
12.4. Collaborative Experience with Yorgos Lanthimos
12.5. Yorgos Lanthimos's Unique Directing Approach
13. 🎬 Lessons from Christopher Nolan and Dunkirk
- Christopher Nolan employs a simple, low-tech monitor setup similar to a Nintendo DS, which underscores his strong vision and confidence in filmmaking, allowing for more intuitive and direct interaction with the scene.
- The close proximity of co-actors on set, especially in confined or shrinking spaces, creates a distinct collaborative environment that enhances performance through shared challenges and experiences.
- Nolan's ability to capture complex aerial sequences, like planes flying overhead, with minimal technology demonstrates his precise understanding of visual storytelling and innovative use of practical effects.
- This approach not only sets Nolan apart from other directors but also inspires a unique filmmaking process that balances technical simplicity with creative complexity.
- Nolan's preference for practical effects over CGI enhances the realism and immersive experience of his films, particularly evident in 'Dunkirk,' where practical effects were crucial to the film's authenticity.
14. 🦸♂️ Manifesting Superhero Roles
- In 2013, a simple tweet to Stan Lee expressing a desire to become a superhero resulted in a role in Eternals, demonstrating the powerful combination of manifestation and the strategic use of social media to influence career trajectories.
- The individual practices systematic manifestation techniques using notebooks, suggesting a structured approach that can be emulated by those seeking similar career breakthroughs.
- A self-made short film portraying Spider-Man was developed in 2015 during the casting of the new Spider-Man, serving as a creative and strategic audition piece that highlights the use of personal projects to capture industry attention.
- Despite not having met Stan Lee personally, the act of setting clear intentions through manifestation led to a significant career milestone, illustrating the tangible impact of focused goal-setting on professional success.
15. 🎭 Audition Process and Creative Collaborations
15.1. Creative Audition Techniques
15.2. Impact of Industry Connections
16. 🎥 Reflections on Eternals and Future Hopes
16.1. Reflections on Eternals Experience
16.2. Future Hopes for Eternals
17. 🇮🇪 Embracing the Irish Accent in Film
17.1. Irish Accent in Film
17.2. Collaboration with Martin McDonagh
17.3. Filming Location Impact
18. 🎬 Developing Banshees of Inisherin Role
18.1. Filming Experiences
18.2. Actor's Performance Goals
19. 🖼️ Challenges and Memeification of Roles
- Actors experience significant emotional burnout due to the constant need to access deep emotions, which can impede personal growth and self-discovery.
- Selective role choice is critical for actors to avoid the emotional toll associated with 'selling oneself,' thereby preserving mental health and well-being.
- The final day on set for an actor is often bittersweet, as it encompasses both cherished memories and the emotional burden of departing from the character and experience.
- Actors often develop coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and therapy, to manage the emotional strain of their roles.
- An example of emotional challenge includes how actors may struggle with detaching from intense roles after filming, as seen in portrayals of complex characters in dramatic films.
20. 🎥 Trust in Saltburn
- The actor discusses the phenomenon of 'memeification' in performances, where roles might become memes or TikTok trends, which can influence how they approach scenes. This highlights the modern challenge of balancing performance integrity with cultural trends.
- Significant trust is required in performing challenging roles, especially with scripts that demand vulnerability and unconventional scenes. The actor emphasizes the necessity of building trust within the production team to confidently execute such roles.
- Despite personal trust issues, the actor underscores the importance of forming a strong, trusting connection with the filmmaker. This connection with Emerald was crucial in enabling the actor to take on the challenging role.
- The role demanded revealing personal aspects, which further accentuated the need for trust in the production team, ensuring a safe environment to explore and portray complex character facets.
21. 🃏 Joker in The Batman and Future Hopes
21.1. Iconic Joker Role
21.2. Actor's Future Aspirations with Joker
22. 🔍 Peaky Blinders and Recent Projects
22.1. Experience in Recent Projects
22.2. Involvement in Peaky Blinders Film Project
23. 🧠 Personal Growth and Professional Balance
- The speaker had not worked on a movie for a year, highlighting the gap in their professional acting career. This period allowed space for personal development.
- Participation in a music video was a significant creative engagement during this professional hiatus, providing an outlet for artistic expression.
- The speaker emphasizes personal growth through therapy, which improved their ability to access and process emotions constructively, enhancing emotional intelligence.
- Being in a supportive professional environment with high-level talent is deemed crucial for professional development, suggesting that the right environment fosters growth.
- The ability to revisit and manage emotional experiences constructively is highlighted as a key outcome of personal growth, preventing emotional overwhelm.
- The discussion underlines the balance between personal development and professional activity, suggesting that personal growth directly enhances professional capabilities, making individuals more adaptable and resilient.
24. 🎬 Upcoming Projects and Personal Insight
- The importance of reaching emotional truths in creative work is emphasized, suggesting that authenticity cannot be faked and is crucial in filmmaking.
- There is no single path to filmmaking success; different filmmakers like Marna McDon and Khloe and Andrea have diverse approaches, yet the key is to find truth.
- There is interest in working with dream directors like Barry Jenkins and Baz Luhrmann, indicating a strategic pursuit of high-profile collaborations.
- A new project titled 'The Cutman' is in development, inspired by personal experiences and focusing on themes of family, fame, and personal struggle.
- 'The Cutman' explores the relationship between a boxer and his sister, highlighting the tension between professional success and personal responsibilities.
- The project is personal, reflecting the creator's own experiences with family dynamics and the quest for intimacy and connection.
25. 👨👦 Fatherhood and Career Balance
- A strong support team is essential for managing public life and personal pressures.
- Having a dependable right-hand person can significantly alleviate stress.
- Commitment to personal growth through therapy is crucial for overcoming challenges and enjoying life.
- Developing an honest self-assessment can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
- A meaningful relationship with one's child provides love, hope, and joy, reinforcing personal life balance.
26. 🎭 Acting Challenges and Inspirations
26.1. Personal Challenges in Acting
26.2. Inspirations and Motivations
27. ❤️ Personal Interests and Inspirations
- Encouraging younger kids to have confidence and optimism regardless of their backgrounds.
- Working on initiatives in the UK to support children.
- Expressed a preference for dogs over cats, despite being called a cat by others.
- Collects stones, particularly rose quartz.
- The wallpaper on their phone is a picture of a pet, indicating a fondness for animals.
- Avoids sharing negative feedback from directors, focusing on positive intent.
- Enjoys actors who consistently bring happiness on screen.
28. 🎬 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
- The segment features informal and candid expressions of personal preferences and desires, such as wanting to work with specific actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale. This underscores the importance of manifesting opportunities and setting personal goals, which can drive professional growth and inspire future projects.
- A discussion about food terms like 'yams' versus 'sweet potatoes' highlights cultural differences that can influence perceptions and communication in international contexts. Understanding these nuances is crucial for global collaboration and effective communication.
- The segment emphasizes the value of supporting good work and collaboration. There is encouragement to support a specific film project, demonstrating the importance of backing creative endeavors and fostering a culture of mutual support in the industry.
- The overall tone is positive and supportive, indicative of a strong professional relationship and mutual respect. These elements are essential for future collaborations, ensuring a foundation of trust and shared vision.