Thank you. I spent a lot of time with Brian before we started filming. If you asked him about the world, you might not get much of a response. But if you asked about music, he’d light up. I loved talking with him. I even got to sing with him and his touring band a few times, which was incredible. We filmed in the actual studio where they recorded Pet Sounds, and he visited the set, which was surreal. I didn’t get much direct feedback on my performance—it was more about us getting to know each other and me learning about his life.
I remember the first few days of filming Little Miss Sunshine, shooting the dinner table scene where everyone is eating chicken and I don’t speak. It felt like the directors were saying, “Okay, maybe give us a little more,” because they couldn’t quite see what I was doing. But when they watched the footage back, they said, “It’s there, we see it,” which was a huge relief. That’s a great question, because sometimes the dialogue is harder, but stepping into the unknown of not speaking was pretty challenging.
I did read the book before filming the BBC’s War and Peace. There are some extremely detailed passages, and the epilogue is really interesting. I do think it’s probably the greatest book ever written.
I’m going to give you the honest, embarrassing answer: playing the leader of the Animal Liberation Front in Okja did change my relationship to food, but only for a very short time. I was also in Fast Food Nation, which definitely had an impact on my eating habits. But the biggest change in my relationship to food has come from age, becoming a parent, and paying a bit more attention to what I put in my body.
I started young—I did my first Broadway play when I was 10 or 11. One of my favorite things about this job is that you’re always learning, but also unlearning. I’ve always wanted to stay in touch with my intuition—the part of me that isn’t overthinking. If anything, I prepare more now than ever, because you pick up tools and want to keep your curiosity alive. I don’t know if I can name a single habit, but I love the question because you do have to constantly learn and unlearn.
Nobody needs to know about my high-school band, although I appreciate the shoutout. Some of my favorite times have been playing in bands with my friends. Music is still a big part of my life—if I’m not on camera, I’ll probably have my headphones in. When I was 20 or 22, my band meant everything, so there was definitely a part of me that would have liked to be a rock star. There’s a great Walter Pater quote: “All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music.” Music gets into your veins faster than anything. But if you want to be good at something, you have to work really hard at it—there’s only so much time, so acting was the thing for me.
It was so fun. I did Swiss Army Man right after War and Peace, so I really needed to just go and have fun in the woods and mess around. It’s important to return to your roots sometimes; to make small, creative films with friends. I was already…I’m a huge fan of the Daniels’ music videos, so when I got the email saying they had a script, I read it immediately. I was pretty much sold by the end of the second page when the farting jetski happened.
In an intense industry, how do you stay kind and grounded? Does it change how you approach difficult characters?
I appreciate being thought of as a kind person. I do think that matters. I love collaboration and I love making friends. Does it help? I think so. Most of us are sensitive people, so I try to find empathy for my characters, whether they’re “good” or “bad.” It’s important not to approach them with judgment. Even the Riddler has his own subjective point of view about what he believes in, so I try to find an emotional way into that. There’s always a piece of you in every character, whether you like it or not, so you have to ask: what piece of you is at work, and why are you stoking that flame?
Which of your characters would you most like to hang out with?
I can certainly see some of my teenage friends in Dwayne from Little Miss Sunshine. I would hang out with Brian Wilson again in a heartbeat. I’d like to hang out with Manny from Swiss Army Man, even though he’s not my character—but he’s dead, so that would be fun. One character whose life I wish I could improve is my character from Prisoners, just because he’s in such a tragic and sad situation.
What drew you to The Wizard of the Kremlin?
Just how compelling, deeply intelligent, and relevant it felt—a story about modern politics and power in a place that we don’t often see behind the curtain. I think the writers tried to be as accurate and truthful as possible. But it is a film; it’s not a documentary.
What advice would you give the 10-year-old you?
I think I would say: have more fun. I started working young and I was a fairly serious kid. There’s a great Aldous Huxley quote: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly.” I’m able to enjoy my work and my life more now than 20 years ago. So I would say: “Have more fun as a 10-year-old. Play more basketball. Play in your band. Go be with your friends.”
The Wizard of the Kremlin is in UK and Irish cinemas from 17 April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Paul Dano inspired by his quote about his highschool band days
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Who is Paul Dano
A Paul Dano is an acclaimed American actor director and screenwriter known for his intense and transformative performances in both independent and major films
Q What is Paul Danos quote about his highschool band
A He once said Lets keep my highschool band days in the past when asked about his teenage musical pursuits indicating he prefers to focus on his acting career
Q What are some of Paul Danos most famous movies
A Some of his most notable films include There Will Be Blood Little Miss Sunshine Prisoners The Batman and Swiss Army Man
Q Did Paul Dano actually play in a band
A Yes in high school he was in a band called Mook He played guitar and has mentioned they were influenced by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam
Q Has he done any music in his acting roles
A Absolutely He sang and performed music in Love Mercy and in Swiss Army Man
Advanced CareerFocused Questions
Q Why do you think Paul Dano wants to keep his band days in the past
A While hes proud of his musical roots he likely said this to emphasize his serious dedication to acting and filmmaking as his craft wanting to be known for his professional work rather than a teenage hobby
Q How did his role in There Will Be Blood change his career
A His silent intense performance as the preacher Eli Sunday opposite Daniel DayLewis was a breakthrough It showcased his ability to hold his own against legendary actors and established him as a major talent in dramatic cinema
Q What was his transition from actor to director like
A He made his directorial debut with Wildlife which was critically praised for its delicate and precise filmmaking It showed he could translate his thoughtful acting approach into confident direction
Q How does he choose such diverse and challenging roles
A Dano is known for being
