Gleeson plays evil, good and in between
Domhnall Gleeson took the phrase “working actor” to new heights in 2015. He was in four very different movies: the sci-fi thriller “Ex Machina,” the romantic immigration tale “Brooklyn,” the wilderness survival picture “The Revenant” and the blockbuster sequel “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” All are nominated for Academy Awards.
His characters varied from a gentle Irish soul in “Brooklyn” to the evil Gen. Hux in “Force Awakens.” So what about 2016? Well, he’s shooting the new “Star Wars” installment in London.
Calling from his home in Dublin, he spoke about growing up in an acting family, playing characters both sensitive and wicked, and what it was like shooting “The Revenant” in the frozen wilderness.
“At first, it didn’t really seem like a need inside me.” — Domhnall Gleeson, on his interest in acting growing up
Q: Your dad, Brendan Gleeson, is also a wellknown actor. Did you try to hide that fact as a kid?
A: I was very proud that he was my dad. I mean, I didn’t go around shouting it from the rooftops. “Braveheart” came out when I was in secondary school, and people my age hadn’t seen that. So people didn’t really know him.
Q: So how did you realize you were interested in acting?
A: At first, it didn’t really seem like a need inside me. Maybe I was afraid of it. I mean, I had done plays in school. I did “Grease” in fourth year. I was Doody.
Q: Wait, who?
A: Doody. One of the friends of Danny.
Q: You’ve gone on to play the quintessential nice guy numerous times. Does that have something to do with your off-screen persona?
A: It’s happened enough now that I realize it has to come from somewhere. I don’t find it to be insulting or emasculating at all. The best men have to have some sensitivity.
Q: So was turning to the dark side as Gen. Hux in “The Force Awakens” a challenge?
A: I liked him because he allowed me to explore the notion of authority; he’s someone who enjoys authority and holds onto it at all costs. The costume was brilliant and added a whole other layer for me. We talked about the idea that he’s an obsessive and probably doesn’t sleep much. So he was pale with dark eyes. We wanted him to look like somebody who was dead set on one thing.
Q: Did you film with the cast in Abu Dhabi?
A: No, and if I’d been in Abu Dhabi, I can promise you I’d be a nightmare to be around.
Q: Why?
A: I’m good in the cold. I like it.
Q: So the reportedly brutal conditions on “The Revenant” set didn’t bother you?
A: Well, cold and wet is a different thing. As long as I was working, I was fine, because you know this is on camera and the possibility of it being really good keeps you warm.
But when you’re out there, in and out of the river, standing around and not knowing if you’re going to get to your bit that day, those suck. You’re just trying to keep warm with heat pads in your gloves.