1. Greatest onscreen performance?
“Marlon Brando’s performance in ‘On the Waterfront’ (1954) stands out for its natural, understated delivery and mumbling speech. Paul Newman in ‘Cool Hand Luke’ (1967) also left a significant impression. These actors served as paternal inspirations for me, guiding my understanding of masculinity in my father’s absence.”
2. What about onstage?
“Attending Tennessee Williams’s ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1947) in London with Paul Mescal, during early rehearsals for the upcoming Beatles biopic, was memorable. Mescal’s stage presence and physicality were remarkable.”
3. Most visually influential film?
“Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971). Its distinctive, ‘funky’ furniture makes the setting itself feel like a central character. The film’s reliance on practical sets over special effects is particularly striking.”
4. Top New York movie?
“Marc Singer’s ‘Dark Days’ (2000), a documentary exploring individuals living in New York’s subway tunnels. I’m drawn to stories of those marginalized by societal norms.”
5. Director to watch?
“My preferred directors, including Barry Jenkins, Chloé Zhao, and Yorgos Lanthimos, possess unique styles yet share a common thread: their work is profoundly immersive. Their films allow you to completely lose yourself for their duration.”
6. Poem everyone should memorize?
“Frank O’Hara’s ‘To My Dead Father’ (1953).”
7. Myth you enjoy?
“I appreciate the legend of Cu Chulainn, a renowned hero from Irish folklore’s Ulster cycle. This young spiritual warrior is often linked to the ‘fighting Irish’ archetype. The story is deeply ingrained in Irish culture, influencing our arts, music, and performance.”
8. Go-to chocolate?
“Quite a few: Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut and Maltesers are favorites. I indulge in chocolate almost daily.”
9. Restaurant dish to try?
“While Irish stew is popular, I recommend coddle, a unique Dublin specialty. It’s a comforting meal made with boiled sausages, broth, barley, onions, and carrots.”
10. Nicest furniture piece?
“My bean bag. I even brought it to the Beatles film set, offering it to anyone, much to the surprise of others. I adore its comfort; you can just sink into it without rigid seating constraints.”
11. Favorite flower?
“I find the cactus flowers of Joshua Tree, California, particularly appealing. They represent beauty and resilience thriving in a somewhat harsh environment.”
12. Show tune you know every word to?
“The song ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ from ‘Hairspray’ (2002). I once played Link Larkin in the musical and still enjoy attempting its challenging vocal parts.”
13. City with the best style?
“London, without a doubt. Its street style is incredibly vibrant, with people sporting everything from flashy sneakers to classic 1940s-inspired suits around the next corner. There’s a liberating sense of freedom to express yourself through fashion without judgment.”
14. Novel that explains the world?
“Truthfully, I’ve never read a novel.”
15. Recipe everyone should know?
“I once attempted to master spaghetti carbonara, making it authentically with eggs, not cream. However, I’ve since abandoned cooking; my lack of patience and tendency to get distracted make it challenging.”
16. Relatable fictional character?
“Having grown up with comic book films, playing Druig in Chloé Zhao’s 2021 Marvel movie ‘Eternals’ felt most relatable, especially since the character was Irish.”
17. Back-pocket karaoke pick?
“I genuinely don’t do karaoke; I’m quite shy. While I may wear a professional ‘mask’ on set, I’m still reserved. However, I enjoy singing Justin Bieber in the car.”
18. Memorable live musical performance?
“I’m eagerly anticipating seeing Dave, my favorite artist, perform live soon. As a U.K. rapper from Manchester, his concert promises to be unforgettable.”
19. Unforgettable building?
“During a road trip through France, beginning in Lyon several years ago, the numerous chateaus I encountered left a lasting impression.”
20. Building to live in?
“A mountain cabin. Visions of places like Norway, with serene lakes and majestic mountains, have always resonated with me. As someone who grew up in the city, I’m drawn to the contrast of a tranquil, isolated setting. It offers space for reflection and addressing profound questions often overlooked in daily life.”
21. Nicest fabric to wear?
“Recently, I acquired a beautiful Celine hoodie made from cotton knit. It’s incredibly cozy; wearing it feels akin to being wrapped in a pillow.”
22. Role you’ve always wanted to play?
“I aspire to portray a character unexpected for me, approaching it in an unconventional manner. The specific role remains unknown.”
Please note: this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Grooming by Christine Nelli (Forward Artists, using Augustinus Bader). Set design by Peter Klein. Production by Hen’s Tooth Productions. John Law served as lighting director, Jonathan Nesteruk as digital tech, and Matt Roady as photo assistant. Set designer’s assistants included Colin Phelan, Yonatan Zonszein, and Jamen Whitelock. Tae Yoshida was the tailor, with Ali Claire Marino and Casey Huang assisting the stylist. Records provided courtesy of Galaxie 500 and Newbury Comics.
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