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.
Dev Patel showcases resilience in overcoming obstacles to create his directorial debut film Monkey Man based on Hindu mythology.
Reflecting on his journey post-Slumdog Millionaire, Patel discusses the challenges of typecasting and disparities in reception in the industry.
Patel emphasizes the importance of authenticity and depth in portraying characters, drawing inspiration from transformational experiences in his career.
Deep dives
Dev Patel's Directing Debut with Monkey Man
Dev Patel navigates through a decade-long journey to make his directorial debut in the film Monkey Man, based on a story about a Hindu god. Overcoming financial struggles and a pandemic shutdown, he showcases resourcefulness and resilience. Despite injuries on set, including a broken hand and toes, Patel's instinctual directing style and passion for the project drive him to create a unique action film.
Teenage Beginnings to Stardom
From his teenage days on the TV show Skins to the breakthrough role in Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel experienced challenges and cultural transitions. Despite early uncertainties, Patel's journey into acting and being cast in Slumdog Millionaire changed his perspective on identity and belonging. His immersion in Indian culture during filming reshaped his understanding and appreciation of his heritage.
Acting and Cultural Impact
While Slumdog Millionaire brought Patel fame and critical acclaim, subsequent roles did not meet his expectations. Facing typecasting and limited opportunities after the success of the film, Patel reflects on the disparity in reception between himself and his co-star, navigating the complexities of the industry post his breakout role and exploring new avenues for creative expression.
Lessons from Early Career Choices
Dev Patel reflects on his early career choices and the impact they had on his development as an actor. He acknowledges the need for more training and reflects on the struggles of being coerced into roles that weren't the right fit for him. Patel highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and the challenges of navigating the Hollywood industry's expectations.
Embracing Authenticity and Growth Through Film
Dev Patel discusses his journey towards authenticity and growth in his acting career through films like 'Lion' and 'The Green Knight.' He shares insights into the transformational experiences he had while filming 'Lion' and the profound impact it had on his approach to storytelling. Patel emphasizes the significance of portraying characters with depth and complexity, aiming to inspire and connect with audiences on a deeper level through his work.
Actor Dev Patel has pursued interesting, complex roles in Hollywood since his arrival in Slumdog Millionaire fifteen years ago. He joins us today to discuss Monkey Man, his directorial debut and most personal project to date.
At the top, we walk through the Hindu mythology that inspired the film (12:30), his decade-long fight to get the project greenlit (16:17), and the conditions of filming on an island during the pandemic (18:08). Then, Dev describes his intense creative process (27:02), how he landed his TV debut at sixteen as a sex-crazed teenager on Skins (28:33), and his life-changing role in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (35:40).
On the back-half, Patel reflects on his years in The Newsroom (47:24), the films that followed, including Garth Davis’ Lion (49:52) and David Lowery’s The Green Knight (51:30), and how director/producer Jordan Peele saved Monkey Man from oblivion (56:32).
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