Liking “putting himself in the shoes of a character and becoming someone else”, the giant of the big screen expressed, during a meeting organized as part of the “In Conversation with…” section of the 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, his recognition of the first directors with whom he collaborated.
Dillon, who favors improvisation over exact knowledge of the script, said he appreciates the freedom of play that certain directors gave him to bring the characters and scenes to life.
Passionate and creative, the hero of “Drugstore Cowboy”, “Crash” and ”The House that Jack Built” brilliantly interprets the most complex roles, thanks to his “encyclopedic” culture which allows him to explore the experiences of each of the characters and understand their psychological traits.
Aware of the reality of the film industry and the many challenges that directing poses, Matt Dillon said he wanted to teach his actors to “be comfortable” without knowing the script.
Matt Dillon’s film career spans more than three decades. He starred in such films as “Outsiders” (1983) and “Rusty James” (1983), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “Drugstore Cowboy” (Gus Van Sant, 1989), “Singles” (Cameron Crowe, 1992), “Mary at All Costs” (Peter and Bobby Farrelly, 1998), “Sexcrimes” (John McNaughton, 1998), “Crash” (Paul Hagis, 2004), “The House that Jack Built” (Lars von Trier, 2018) and “Asteroid City” (Wes Anderson, 2023).
In 2003, he stepped behind the camera with “City of Ghosts,” which he co-wrote with Barry Gifford. In 2006, he was named Best Supporting Actor for “Crash”. His performance earned him his second Independent Spirit Award, after that obtained for “Drugstore Cowboy”. He recently starred opposite Patricia Arquette in the series “Apple High Desert”.
A member of the board of directors of Refugees International since 2008, Matt Dillon has carried out missions in Burma, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and has produced short documentaries raising awareness of the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons due to conflict and climate change.
He just completed a music documentary called “El Gran Fellove” about legendary Cuban scat singer Francisco Fellove. Matt Dillon is also a visual artist.
Between tasty anecdotes and open discussions on their vision and practice of the profession, actors, directors, screenwriters and producers are invited in the “In Conversation with…” section to exchange freely with the festival public.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Film Expert Matt Dillon
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Matt. It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially after your inspiring talk at the Marrakech International Film Festival. You mentioned something intriguing about the process of stepping into a character’s shoes. Can you elaborate on what that means to you as an actor?
Matt Dillon: Absolutely! For me, acting is all about embodying a character and really experiencing their world. When I say I like “putting myself in the shoes of a character,” it’s a way of saying I strive to fully immerse myself in their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It’s like living a completely different life, which is a thrilling and enlightening process.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! You also emphasized the importance of improvisation over strictly adhering to the script. Why do you think that flexibility is crucial when portraying complex roles?
Matt Dillon: Improvisation opens up a whole world of creativity. It allows me to respond to the moment rather than just reciting lines. Some of the most profound moments in my career came from spontaneous reactions during filming. When directors provide that freedom, it leads to authentic performances that resonate more with the audience. It’s about finding that authentic connection with the character in real-time.
Time.news Editor: You’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of directors throughout your career. Can you share a particular experience where a director’s approach made a significant impact on your performance?
Matt Dillon: Certainly! There have been numerous directors who gave me the freedom to explore, but I remember one instance vividly. A director encouraged me to go off-script during a crucial scene. That moment of improvisation led to a raw emotional exchange that I believe transformed the scene entirely. It’s those moments that underline the importance of trust between the actor and director.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite enlightening. You mentioned your “encyclopedic” culture in exploring characters. How does your broad knowledge base influence your approach to acting?
Matt Dillon: I’ve always been a curious person, devouring information about various subjects, cultures, and human psychology. This extensive understanding allows me to delve deeper into the character’s background and motivations. It’s like having a toolbox filled with different experiences and insights that I can draw from to create a more layered and nuanced performance.
Time.news Editor: In a rapidly evolving film industry, what do you see as some of the biggest challenges facing directors today, and how can actors help navigate these challenges?
Matt Dillon: The film industry is indeed changing fast with new technologies and methods of storytelling. Directors face the challenge of maintaining authenticity and emotional depth while adapting to these changes. As actors, it’s our responsibility to create a comfortable and open atmosphere on set. I encourage actors to embrace the uncertainty that comes with not knowing the script fully. It’s about fostering a collaborative environment where creativity can thrive.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful message. what advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you and want to carve their own path in the industry?
Matt Dillon: I’d say always stay curious and open-minded. Embrace each role as a unique opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t shy away from improvisation. Trust in your instincts and remember that the characters you portray are not just lines on a page—they’re expressions of real human experiences. Be brave, take risks, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Matt, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s inspiring to hear your perspective on acting and creativity in the film industry.
Matt Dillon: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.