People will think this is Andy Serkis’ first film, but he actually shot “The Jungle Book” beforehand. I’m guessing you never felt like you were working with a first time director?
Not at all. He feels very, very accomplished already. It feels like he’s very, very, has a natural affinity for direction. I think it’s the right thing for him to be doing. He’s a man of many hats.
What did you take away the most working with him?
His ambition, his drive, and his constant moving of the vehicle forward. His optimism on a daily basis, and keeping everyone in community together, keeping everyone moving toward the same vision. You know, reassuring us toward some epicenter.
You’ve had quite a 12 months with “Hacksaw Ridge” and “Silence” hitting theaters, the awards campaigns for both, you were on the stage in London, you’ve had this new movie coming out, and you shot “Under the Silver Lake,” which I’m guessing is nothing like anything you’ve made recently. Do you feel like you’re in a rhythm? Do you feel like you’re in a flow right now in your career?
I’ve been very, very fortunate, yeah. I feel, since doing “Silence” through “Hacksaw Ridge” through these other two films and doing this play has been a very blessed time, creatively. Definitely. I’ve been lucky enough to do things that mean a lot to me, each in a different way. I will say this, I feel a bit burnt out. I guess, I’ve figured out what my limits are. Doing the play really showed me that because it demands so much of you, it demands everything of you. I’m no spring chicken anymore, I’m 34.
Please, stop. (Laughs).
You know what I mean though. I’m just saying it in the sense of like, I’m feeling tired more often.
You’re still going to Broadway with the “Angels in America” revival though, right? Are you regretting that decision?
No, no, no, no, I’m not regretting it. It’s the only choice. I have to. It’s the opportunity to do this play, in its hometown, while Donald Trump is in office. It feels incredibly important to be a part of, if I’m so lucky to be invited to be.
My last question for you is no one knows anything about David Robert Mitchell’s “Under the Silver Lake” except the cast really.
No. I do.
If you could say one thing, just anything about it. What would you say?
Singular. It’s singular. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done or seen before. It’s absolutely David Robert Mitchell’s vision and it’s totally unique.
“Breathe” opens in limited release on Friday.