Join actor Harris Dickinson, known for his roles in 'Beach Rats' and 'Triangle of Sadness,' as he discusses his latest film, 'Babygirl.' He shares his experiences working with Nicole Kidman and unpacks the exploration of masculinity in his roles. Harris reflects on his upbringing in England, his formative years, and his journey from hotel work to pursuing acting. He delves into the challenges of intimate and action scenes, and reveals the inspiration for his upcoming directorial debut, all while being guided by a poignant Bukowski poem.
Harris Dickinson's latest role in 'Babygirl' explores complex themes of masculinity and modern power dynamics in the workplace.
His collaboration with Nicole Kidman in 'Babygirl' highlights the interplay of vulnerability and seduction, enhancing the film's tension and intimacy.
Dickinson's transition into directing reflects his desire to tell personal stories and address societal issues like homelessness and addiction.
Deep dives
Harris Dickinson's Rise in Film
Harris Dickinson has rapidly established himself as a compelling actor in contemporary cinema, starting with his breakout role in Eliza Hitman's 'Beach Rats'. He has collaborated with notable filmmakers, appearing in projects such as 'The Souvenir, Part 2', 'Triangle of Sadness', and 'A Murder at the End of the World'. His latest film, 'Baby Girl', features him in a climactic corporate dynamic opposite Nicole Kidman, showcasing a narrative rich with tension and intrigue. Dickinson's ability to embody characters that wrestle with complex themes, particularly modern masculinity, has garnered significant acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Exploring Masculinity through Characters
Throughout his career, Dickinson has selected roles that delve into the nuances of masculinity, portraying characters that reflect the evolving sexual politics of society. For instance, his character Samuel in 'Baby Girl' is a young man navigating his identity amidst power dynamics in the workplace. This exploration extends to his other roles, such as a repressed teenager grappling with his identity in 'Beach Rats' and a vulnerable male model in 'Triangle of Sadness'. By examining these themes, Dickinson contributes to a broader conversation about what it means to be a man in today's world.
Collaboration with Nicole Kidman
Dickinson's collaboration with Nicole Kidman in 'Baby Girl' adds layers of complexity to the film's narrative, particularly in its depiction of sexual tension and power plays. Their chemistry creates a dynamic that oscillates between vulnerability and seduction, illustrating how power can complicate personal relationships. Dickinson noted that while preparing for the film, he aimed to explore the awkwardness inherent in sexual encounters, thereby portraying an authentic representation of intimacy rather than the often glamorized versions typically seen on screen. Their collaboration is not only a key aspect of the film's narrative but also highlights Dickinson’s ability to effectively perform within such charged and intimate scenes.
From Acting to Directing
In addition to his acting career, Dickinson has ventured into directing, motivated by a desire to tell his own stories and explore themes that resonate with his experiences. He mentioned making short films during his youth, revealing a long-standing passion for storytelling through visual media. This creative journey culminated in a feature film that addresses complex societal issues, such as homelessness and addiction, which he believes are often overlooked. Dickinson emphasizes the importance of showing both the humor and gravity of these experiences, therefore creating a more nuanced view of societal struggles.
Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors
Throughout the conversation, Dickinson reflects on his career path, acknowledging the balance he seeks between his professional ambitions and personal life. He identifies the desire for community and purpose in both his acting and directing endeavors while expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has within the industry. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Dickinson aims to explore roles that challenge conventional narratives and contribute positively to discussions on gender and identity. His journey is marked by a commitment to authenticity, both in front of the camera and behind it, as he navigates his evolving role in the film industry.
To close out the holidays, our conversation with actor Harris Dickinson.
We discuss his latest role in Halina Reijn’s Babygirl (6:50), Nicole Kidman’s “disarming and generous” quality on set (9:27), and the exploration of masculinity in Harris’ roles— from Beach Rats (12:48) to Triangle of Sadness (13:03) to Babygirl (13:24). Then, we dive into the online discourse about his new performance (15:52), his upbringing in Walthamstow, England (17:10), and the early short films he made with his high school mates (20:20).
On the back-half, Harris unpacks his formative university years (24:45), his post-grad search for purpose, first in the military (30:20) then working at a hotel in east London (33:26), and the inspiration behind his forthcoming directorial debut (34:25). To close, we talk about the parallels between filming fight scenes (43:50) and intimate scenes(44:48) and the Charles Bukowski poem that keeps him creating (52:25).
