IN CONVERSATION WITH JJ FEILD

interview by JANA LETONJA

JJ Feild can previously be seen in Amazon's ‘The Peripheral’ and Netflix's ‘Turn Up Charlie’. He most recently starred as the male lead in ‘Little Disasters’ for Paramount+, and will soon be seen in ‘Prisoner of Paradise’. He is currently on stage as the lead in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the Bridge Theatre, on until 20th August.

cream ribbed vest and navy pinstripe trousers by MITHRIDATE

tassel loafers by GRENSON

necklace and rings by TOM WOOD

You starred in ‘The Peripheral’ on Amazon. What was it like stepping into this futuristic, tech-driven world, and how did you prepare for your role in this intense, sci-fi universe?

Jonah Nolan and Lisa Joy don’t do anything without incredible scale. The sets, costumes and imagination do the work for you. You just have to commit to believing the world you’re given to play in, without doubt or judgement. It’s no different really for any acting, whether it be Shakespeare or William Gibson.

Working with Idris Elba on ‘Turn Up Charlie’ must have been an amazing experience. What was the dynamic like on set, and how did your character fit into the fun, high-energy tone of the show?

We laughed a lot. It’s a comedy and we played with it all day. Idris has incredible charisma and so much fun to bounce dialogue off.

‘Ford v Ferrari’ was a significant film, both critically and commercially. What did being part of this Oscar-nominated movie mean to you, and how did you get involved with such a high-caliber production?

Most jobs come out of the blue, that’s one of the joys of being an actor. You never really know what you’re doing next. So, when you get a call to be in a James Mangold film with Matt Damon and Christian Bale you say yes, no matter what. It was an incredibly welcoming cast and crew. Felt a real team effort.

You recently wrapped filming ‘Little Disasters’ for Paramount+. Can you share what drew you to this project, and what your character brings to this emotional, limited series?

As a parent myself, any story about children will always hold great value. This is about a parent’s worst nightmare. The idea of possibly losing your child is terrifying. How it affects our relationships from our partners to our friends was a great story to investigate.

Soon, we’ll be seeing in ‘Prisoner of Paradise’ from Emu Films. Can you tell us about your role in this film and what you found most interesting or unique about the project?

Any period film is always a treat to be a part of. This has a unique historical value regarding colonial behaviour. How do we have the courage to stand up for what is morally right when our society is telling us otherwise. Isn’t that still the case with so much of modern life.

You’ve also been announced as part of the upcoming Jack Ryan movie. What are you most excited about regarding this film, and how does your character contribute to the high-stakes action and intrigue associated with the Jack Ryan films?

This franchise is so much fun and so well made. I had an incredible time shooting it. One of the nicest sets I’ve ever been on, but I sadly can’t say more than that.

Returning to the stage for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the Bridge Theatre must be exciting. What makes this particular production stand out, and how does performing live compare to the work you do on film and TV?

This is a remarkable production. It’s a celebration of life and joy. I’ve never been a part of something where people coming out of the show tell us how happy it makes them feel. This is an immersive explosion of colour and comedy and romance. We have circus, dance, music and a lot of laughs. Nothing compares to live theatre, and this is up there as a highlight of my career. Thanks to the genius of Nick Hytner and his team.

herringbone print silk suit and burgundy knit by GIORGIO ARMANI

white and burgundy sneakers by AXEL ARIGATO

You’ve worked in a variety of mediums, from stage productions to big-budget films and high-profile TV series. How do you adapt your approach to acting for these different platforms?

Acting is acting. There’s no difference. The only thing is you need to know how far to pitch your voice and performance, know your camera lenses and know your theatre space, whether it’s a long shot or a huge theatre, or a close and a small intimate theatre. Perhaps the projection changes but the acting never does.

Whether it’s playing a character in a sci-fi drama like ‘The Peripheral’ or a Shakespearean role in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, how do you approach character development? Is there a particular process you follow to make each role feel authentic?

Time. All you need is time. Each job I seem to find a different way in. Whether it’s through research, if it’s a real person or whether it’s losing myself in imagination. You just have to commit to it. Find a way that you can believe in yourself and believe in what you’re doing. I’m not a fan of people who leave it to the last minute and don’t learn their lines. What does that prove or create? It’s not “spontaneous”. They just spend their performance trying to remember what they’re doing and screwing it up for everyone else. 

Looking back on your career so far, what would you consider your proudest moment as an actor, and why?

Impossible question. I’m hard on myself. There are brief moments I’m proud of. I’m getting better at it. I’m proud of turning up and giving my absolute all to ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ at the moment.

Acting can be a demanding profession with tight schedules. How do you manage the balance between your work and personal life, and do you have any routines or hobbies that help you unwind?

It’s an adventure. And luckily, I have a family that enjoys the journey. Mountains are my sanctuary. Anything, in any season, on a mountain refuels my soul.

CREDITS

photography DAVID REISS

grooming NATHALIE ELENI

styling GARETH SCOURFIELD