Matt Dillon : The Fox Not The Hedgehog

What makes a movie star? In this captivating conversation with Matt Dillon, we discover it's about far more than just having the right look or landing the big roles. Dillon takes us behind the curtain of his remarkable five-decade career that began when he was just 14 years old and continues to evolve today.

Starting with early breakthrough roles in classics like "The Outsiders" and "Rumble Fish," Dillon reveals how director Francis Ford Coppola shaped his understanding of filmmaking and character development. He offers fascinating insights into his approach to acting, emphasizing what he calls "character logic" over "plot logic" – the idea that characters' actions must remain true to who they are, even when irrational. "If you don't understand why someone is doing what they're doing," he explains, "then the whole make-believe shambles falls apart."

Beyond his celebrated acting career, Dillon opens up about his directorial work, his documentary on Cuban music, and his daily practice as a visual artist. He speaks candidly about resisting being labeled as merely a "sex symbol" and his determination to take creative risks throughout his career. Whether discussing the challenges of working with Lars von Trier on "The House That Jack Built" or reflecting on playing Charles Bukowski's alter ego in "Factotum," Dillon provides a masterclass in artistic integrity.

What emerges is a portrait of a true creative force – someone who at 60 years old believes he's "only skimmed the surface" of his artistic potential. For anyone interested in film, acting, or the pursuit of authentic creative expression, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom from one of cinema's most enduring talents.