Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Actor and Director Dev Patel is a Leading Man
Apr 7, 2024
Actor Dev Patel discusses his directorial debut 'Monkey Man,' inspired by Hindu mythology. He shares challenges faced during filming, his creative process, and experiences in Hollywood. Dev reflects on his roles in 'Skins' and 'Slumdog Millionaire,' as well as projects like 'Lion' and 'The Green Knight.' He also talks about how Jordan Peele saved 'Monkey Man' from oblivion.
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Grandfather's Stories
- Dev Patel's grandfather, a captivating storyteller, shared Hindu myths with him.
- These stories, like Hanuman's, resonated with Patel like iconic figures such as Superman.
Modernizing Mythology
- Patel aimed to ground the fantastical Hanuman story, making it relevant to a modern audience.
- He uses action genre conventions as a "Trojan horse" to explore deeper themes like the caste system.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
- Patel's initial self-doubt about writing and directing mirrored Hanuman's loss of faith.
- Neil Blomkamp's encouragement helped Patel overcome this, pushing him to direct Monkey Man.