Josh O'Connor: From Royal Portrayals to Cinematic Heists and Stage Comebacks

A Glimpse into the Private World of Josh O'Connor Amidst a Hectic Schedule

During a busy London Film Festival afternoon, the Soho Hotel buzzed with activity. Yet, within Josh O'Connor's tranquil suite, a sense of calm prevailed. The 35-year-old British actor, celebrated for his award-winning portrayal of Prince Charles in 'The Crown' and his recent performance in 'Challengers,' found solace in showcasing a video of his Cotswolds garden. He proudly displayed vibrant wildflowers, cheerful daisies, and magnificent blush-pink roses, reflecting his passion for horticulture, which he lovingly tends to and even converses with.

The Art of Transformation: O'Connor's Versatile Roles in Cinema

Despite his love for gardening, O'Connor's demanding acting career often keeps him away from home. His current focus is promoting Kelly Reichardt's 'The Mastermind,' a 1970s-set heist film where he plays James Blaine Mooney, a down-on-his-luck character who plans to steal masterpieces from a quiet Massachusetts gallery. O'Connor's portrayal of Mooney's gradual descent from a charismatic chancer to a desperate grifter is both subtle and powerful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. This role further solidifies his reputation as a versatile artist, akin to his work in 'God's Own Country' and 'La Chimera.'

A Triple Feature at the Film Festival: Showcasing Diverse Talent

O'Connor presented three films at the festival, each demonstrating his impressive range. In Rian Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' he takes on the role of Father Jud Duplenticy, a boxer-turned-priest and a prime suspect in a gruesome crime. His performance anchors a stellar cast including Glenn Close and Daniel Craig, offering a stark contrast to his character in 'The Mastermind.' Similarly, in Oliver Hermanus's romantic drama 'The History of Sound,' O'Connor charmingly complements Paul Mescal's introverted lead, playing a fellow enthusiast on a journey to preserve folk music.

An Actor's Busy Horizon: New Films and a Return to the Stage

These three films are just a fraction of O'Connor's burgeoning career. His upcoming projects include 'Rebuilding,' a Sundance hit where he portrays a cowboy escaping a wildfire, a role in Steven Spielberg's next blockbuster alongside Emily Blunt, and a collaboration with Joel Coen, Frances McDormand, and Lesley Manville. Additionally, O'Connor is set to return to the London stage after a considerable break, marking a significant moment for the actor. He acknowledges the intensity of his current schedule but expresses satisfaction with its trajectory.

Behind the Scenes: Conversations and Collaborations

Towards the end of a long day of interviews, O'Connor, dressed casually in an oversized blue knit, black trousers, and suede trainers, radiated warmth and engagement. He shared insights into his collaborations with various directors, particularly his admiration for female filmmakers like Alice Rohrwacher and Kelly Reichardt, whose work deeply resonates with him. O'Connor recounted how he connected with Reichardt through a mutual director and immediately committed to 'The Mastermind' after reading the script, forging a strong friendship with her.

The Enigma of James Mooney: A Character Study

When asked about the intriguing character of James in 'The Mastermind,' O'Connor described him as someone striving for self-improvement, believing he deserves more from life. He drew parallels to Voltaire's 'Candide,' highlighting Mooney's almost blind optimism despite challenging circumstances. O'Connor noted the philosophical undertones of the story, particularly Voltaire's conclusion that "all we can do is tend to our garden," reflecting Mooney's inability to appreciate what he already possesses as he pursues his grand, ultimately flawed, plan.

Inspiration and Preparation: Delving into Cinematic Influences

O'Connor revealed his preparation for 'The Mastermind' included watching 1970s documentaries recommended by Reichardt, as well as his personal choice of 'Dog Day Afternoon.' He found inspiration in Al Pacino's portrayal of a bank robber in the film, particularly the character's lovable yet tragically misguided nature, which he felt resonated with James Mooney's character arc.

Building On-Screen Chemistry: The Family Unit in 'The Mastermind'

The authentic family dynamic in 'The Mastermind,' featuring Alana Haim and young actors Jasper and Sterling Thompson, was a key element for O'Connor. He praised the children's natural enthusiasm and credited their mother for their supportive presence. O'Connor, who has nieces, enjoyed interacting with the boys, noting the fun competition between him and Alana in showering them with gifts. He also humorously recalled his struggle to decipher Sterling's elaborate riddle in the film's opening scene.

The Allure of 1970s Fashion: Costume Design in 'The Mastermind'

O'Connor discussed the distinctive 1970s costumes in 'The Mastermind,' designed by Amy Roth. He appreciated how the clothing contributed to his character's silhouette and narrative, from James's initial suburban attire to his disheveled suit at the film's climax, symbolizing his attempt to reclaim status. The costumes, including borrowed clothes that reflect a "hippie hangover," offered rich opportunities for character exploration.

The 'Knives Out' Experience: A Grand Ensemble and Studio Debut

O'Connor shared his positive experience filming 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' a significantly larger production than his previous independent projects. He enjoyed working with director Rian Johnson and the ensemble cast, highlighting the camaraderie with actors like Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, and Andrew Scott. The film also provided him with the chance to spend more time at home, which he values greatly.

The Recurring Role: O'Connor as a Cinematic Priest

This film marks O'Connor's second portrayal of a priest, following his role in 'Emma.' He lightheartedly pondered why directors cast him in such parts, humorously recalling his childhood as an altar boy who was "kicked off for smiling too much," attributing it to early signs of theatricality rather than genuine piety.

Friendship and Collaboration: Paul Mescal in 'The History of Sound'

O'Connor expressed his delight in working with close friend Paul Mescal on 'The History of Sound.' He shared how their friendship blossomed during lockdown after Mescal expressed admiration for his work. While their rapport made working together enjoyable, it also presented the challenge of maintaining professionalism amidst their shared laughter.

Beyond the Set: Shared Adventures with Friends

Outside of work, O'Connor cherishes time with friends like Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams. He recounted hiking with Mescal in Ireland, an experience he found particularly refreshing and enjoyable.

'Rebuilding': A Resonant Narrative on Wildfires

O'Connor discussed 'Rebuilding,' a film about a community affected by wildfires, which premiered at Sundance. He described the small, independent production as a deeply moving experience, filmed in a remote Colorado town. The film's subject matter gained increased relevance following recent California wildfires, highlighting the ongoing impact of such disasters.

Spielberg's Influence: A Lesson in Passion and Storytelling

Regarding his upcoming role in Steven Spielberg's film alongside Emily Blunt, O'Connor remained tight-lipped about details but expressed immense joy. He emphasized how Spielberg's unwavering passion for storytelling and his genuine care for actors left a profound impression. Witnessing Spielberg's childlike enthusiasm for his craft, even after countless films, taught O'Connor the importance of maintaining that same level of excitement and emotional connection to his work.

Concluding Projects: Joel Coen and Stage Return

O'Connor also confirmed the completion of Joel Coen's 'Jack of Spades,' filmed in Scotland with Frances McDormand and Lesley Manville, though its release is still distant. Looking ahead, he is eagerly anticipating his return to the stage next year in Clifford Odets's 'Golden Boy' at the Almeida. He views this as an opportunity to reconnect with his initial love for theater after a busy period of filming, despite a planned brief hiatus from work.

Navigating Public Persona: Red Carpet and Personal Style

Addressing the demands of red-carpet events and interviews, O'Connor spoke about maintaining a balance between his public persona and private self. He aims to protect his personal identity by creating a "persona" for premieres, which also allows him freedom in fashion choices. He credited stylist Harry Lambert for helping him define a personal style that reflects his preferences, such as his affinity for specific shoes and a beloved jumper from Eme Studios, a gift from young designers he met serendipitously.

A Gardener's Heart: The Enduring Love for Plants

The interview concluded with O'Connor once again sharing a video of his garden, showcasing wildflowers, daisies, echinacea, and particularly beautiful roses. He lamented not being able to spend as much time with his plants as he would like, expressing his continued delight in their growth and beauty.