Paul Dano Reflects on Brian Wilson, 'Little Miss
Why it matters: Paul Dano's insights offer a rare look into the craft and personal impact of a versatile actor's career.
- Paul Dano spent significant time with Brian Wilson before filming 'Love & Mercy,' gaining insight into Wilson's passion for music, and even sang with his touring band.
- Dano found the non-speaking first half of 'Little Miss Sunshine' particularly challenging, noting the relief when directors confirmed his subtle performance was effective on screen.
- The actor considers 'War and Peace' to be potentially the greatest book ever written, having read it before filming the BBC adaptation.
- Playing roles in 'Okja' and 'Fast Food Nation' had a temporary impact on Dano's eating habits, though he attributes the biggest change in his relationship to food to age and parenthood.
- Dano values staying connected to his intuition in acting, constantly learning and unlearning while preparing more now than ever to keep his curiosity alive.
- Music remains a significant part of Dano's life, though he humorously dismisses the need for public knowledge about his high-school band, Cherry Revision.
Paul Dano reflects on his diverse acting career, from portraying Brian Wilson in 'Love & Mercy' to his silent role in 'Little Miss Sunshine,' revealing how certain roles, like those in 'Okja' and 'Fast Food Nation,' briefly impacted his relationship with food. He emphasizes the continuous process of learning and unlearning in acting, while maintaining a deep, personal connection to music, despite his reluctance to discuss his high-school band.
