‘I am inspired by Indian filmmaking’

The Emmy-winning Hollywood actor, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is deeply inspired by different facets of Indian culture, but it is the style of filmmaking that interests him the most. During a chat with us, the actor shares, “I am inspired [by a lot of things from India]... but I instantly think about the filmmaking style, besides the music, colours, fashion, and other aspects of the culture.”

When asked what he likes about the filmmaking style in India, the actor — who has appeared in Watchmen (2009), Aquaman (2018), The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror, The Matrix Resurrections (2021), and the latest Ambulance, among others — explains, “[I like it] how all of the [aspects of the culture] are infused into a ‘spectacle’. I hope it is a respectable term. [This] makes movies and moviegoing experience, a lot more exciting and exhilarating for me. That is the one aspect that influences me a lot!”

The 35-year-old’s exploration of Indian culture as a source of inspiration is part of his quest for real-life influences for his craft. “In some ways, it helps an actor to live a full life and add experiences [that help put] things in perspective,” he shares, adding, “And then there are other times when it helps to have a rich imagination, to make up stories and things like that [that help you with your craft].”

He goes on, “For instance, in Ambulance, I drew on my experience of what it feels like to have an elder brother, to copy him, but also do my own thing, then fight with my sisters. And being one of five siblings, fighting for a voice, wanting to be seen, and forging my own identity... It is [important to take] these opportunities from real life and put into a role.”