A24’s Babygirls: Drew Starkey and Harris Dickinson on Chemistry, Submission and Acting With A-List Movie Stars

As I delve deeper into the world of captivating performers, I find myself increasingly enamored by the tales of these young artists who have already graced the silver screen with their presence. Drew Starkey and Harris Dickinson, two rising stars, are currently treading waters that are not unfamiliar to seasoned veterans – they’re both playing love interests for established movie stars.

Drew Starkey shares an interesting discovery with Harris Dickinson: they’re long-lost relatives! Despite only recently meeting, they share a unique connection – they both play love interests opposite more experienced actors in their respective films. Starkey gained recognition through Netflix’s teen drama “Outer Banks” and ventured into the surreal love story “Queer,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, where he portrayed a quiet veteran who was passionately pursued by a tenderhearted heroin addict (Daniel Craig) in 1950s Mexico City. In contrast, Dickinson stars as an intern for a CEO played by Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn, where the power dynamics between lovers become a topic of discussion. As they navigate their budding careers, both actors are discovering their own power and grappling with the anxieties that come with each new script, reflecting on their school-play beginnings.

HARRIS DICKINSON: I’m a bit full up. I had a lot of pancakes this morning.

DREW STARKEY: You’re a pancake guy?

DICKINSON: I was this morning. You’re from North Carolina?

STARKEY: Yes, I grew up in a rural setting. However, it’s peculiar because I was immersed in art from my childhood. How did your artistic journey begin?

JOHNSON: During the summer, my mother was arranging for childcare, and I stumbled upon a local theater school. We performed “Grease.” In that production, every boy took on the role of Danny, while all the girls portrayed Sandy. How did you manage to join it?

A24’s Babygirls: Drew Starkey and Harris Dickinson on Chemistry, Submission and Acting With A-List Movie Stars

FAN: I was merely involved in school productions before moving on to college. Now, it seems someone carelessly left a piece of chewing gum on this very table next to me.

DICKINSON: Someone very famous, probably.

STARKEY: I wonder who was in here last.

DICKINSON: Put that on eBay. You could pay off that college tuition.

However, I decided to attend college with the intention of enrolling in an acting course for fun. A professor recognized my potential and encouraged me by saying, “I believe you have what it takes.

REPHRASED: As a youngster, I spent years in the Marine Cadets. Even they asked me, “Are you considering playing the role of a patient for our training purposes?” Later on, an acting coach advised, “Steer clear of military service. Your talent might be better utilized as an actor instead.

STARKEY: You’re a director as well, though?

Directing has long been a dream of mine, yet it seems like two distinct aspects of my nature. As an actor, I require direction. I immerse myself completely in the worlds I enter.

STARKEY: Talking about guidance and submission, tell me about “Babygirl.”

RESPONSE: I received the script and hesitated, thinking “I’m not sure if I can pull this off.” It’s easy to doubt oneself, perhaps as a self-protective measure. However, after having an extended conversation with Halina, I felt more confident because Nicole was also on board, which was nerve-wracking.

RESPONSE: You two have an excellent knack for finding the funny side, and it feels quite innocent and youthful.

Nicole and I didn’t spend much time together, which left some aspects of each other unclear. There was a certain enigmatic quality to our relationship that proved beneficial.

STARKEY: I didn’t meet Daniel until a month before we shot in Rome, at Cinecittà.

A24’s Babygirls: Drew Starkey and Harris Dickinson on Chemistry, Submission and Acting With A-List Movie Stars

DICKINSON: Where was the rest of it? Actually in the jungle?

REPHRASED: No, the jungle scene wasn’t filmed in a real jungle, but rather set up in a studio backlot. Luca had a particular vision for the plants he wanted and arranged for thousands of pounds of soil to be brought in, creating a jungle-like environment. He was meticulous about the overall atmosphere he desired. He provided visual references, including some photography and paintings by Francis Bacon. In regards to the dynamics between me, Daniel, and Luca, there wasn’t much discussion about the term “chemistry” between us. Instead, we just dived right in. On the first day, my heart was pounding with excitement.

DICKINSON: Did you ask him about James Bond?

STARKEY: He just started talking about it. I got a lot of insider trading on that. It was really strange, because I’m watching this beautifully crafted, prepared performance, but also free of all inhibitions. I’m like, “What is he tapped into? Fuck! Let me lock back in.”

DICKINSON: I love the ayahuasca sequence. How long did it take?

PARAPHRASING: The dance rehearsals, which had been going on for months, took place throughout one particular night. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at it.

DICKINSON: I love to dance, quite frankly, Drew.

STARKEY: I know this about you. Many mutual friends, they all say, “Harris, he’s a dancer.”

DICKINSON: Daniel’s a good dancer, isn’t he? I’ve seen him at the clubs.

STARKEY: He can move his body.

DICKINSON: You need to take a few tumbles first. There’s a habit I’m trying to break, which is to say, “I’ll simply attempt it cautiously.” And then, “Alright. I’m going to be reckless for a moment.” Nicole does that. She just goes for it.

Daniel behaves similarly. They usually take charge. You’re allowed to act silly or make mistakes.

Production: Emily Ullrich; Lighting Director: Max Bernetz; Set Direction: Gille Mills

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2024-12-14 19:16