IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM KEELEY
interview by JANA LETONJA
Irish actor Sam Keeley’s work spans gripping television dramas and acclaimed feature films. He currently stars opposite Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey in HBO’s ‘Task’, which just aired its last episode. Known for his intensity and layered performances, Sam has led AMC+’s ‘Kin’, headlined Paramount’s ‘68 Whiskey’, and appeared in ‘The Siege of Jadotville’, ‘Burnt’, ‘Joe vs. Carole’, ‘The English Game’, and ‘The Dublin Murders’.
We’ve just been able to watch you in HBO’s ‘Task’. What first drew you the series and the role of Jayson?
The scripts. I’d been a fan of Brad’s work for years and to be a part of this world he was creating, coupled with the opportunity to portray a character as complex as Jayson, was a no brainer.
Can you talk about Jayson’s personal connection to the case and how that informed your performance?
I think the fact that in Jayson’s world, his honour was questioned and his ability to be a leader gets challenged by his own club, and at his core, Jayson is a family man, and will go to great lengths to protect that, that’s what I feel is most important to him. When the drugs go missing, it becomes an obsession for him, not only to get the drugs back but also to find who is responsible. I tried really hard to track his desperation to do so as the episodes progressed.
How did you approach balancing the procedural elements of the show with the emotional undercurrents driving your character?
It was all on the page, there was never a day where we had to figure out something in the writing. All the elements that make this show great were there, and everyone that was involved on this job knew the assignment. That left me to be very free to focus on the emotional elements of Jayson.
What do you think sets ‘Task’ apart from other crime dramas?
I think ‘Task’ is constantly asking big questions and covers themes like love, death, family, morality, faith. You’re being given an opportunity to have a glimpse into these characters’ lives and see them struggle with life and the choices they have to make in order to survive. The crime elements supplement that really beautifully, making it stand out from other crime shows in recent times in my opinion.
As ‘Task’ aired weekly, how do you think the slower release impacts audience engagement compared to binge-watching?
I personally really enjoy the week-by-week release of the show. It creates ritual, and makes the viewing experience special. I don’t think being able to have everything you want at any given moment improves an experience. It’s good to wait for special things.
In recent years, you’ve moved between large-scale TV projects and feature films. How does your process shift between the two?
Through film and television, my process remains the same in terms of my acting. I guess the only difference would be preservation of my energy. When It comes to television shows, the shooting process is, more often than not, a lot longer than film, and making sure that I can keep myself healthy and switched on during that time is something I have to manage.
Which past role has challenged you the most, and why?
I think the last two roles that have changed me the most have been Jayson in ‘Task’, and I play a character called Viking in a show called ‘KIN’. These characters share a similar energy, and putting myself in a position where I have to view the world through a lens that is so different from my own has made a lasting impact on me and my perspective that has stayed with me so far.
How do you prepare for emotionally demanding roles without carrying the weight of them home?
My prep for roles starts months in advance of setting foot on set. Taking Jayson as an example, I knew that the subject matter was going to be very heavy and dark, and that I would need to be able to leave that at the door when I got home in the evening. Luckily on ‘Task’, most of the cast lived in the same building in Philadelphia and we hung out together a lot. Restaurants, bars and walks through the city became a way to decompress. Philadelphia has no shortage of great places.
Outside of acting, what are the things you are enjoying the most?
Outside of acting, I’m pretty focused on writing and practising Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. That keeps me busy.
Now that ‘Task’ has aired, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?
I’m perusing a number of projects. I have a production company, through which I’m working on a documentary at the moment, which is very exciting. I’m also hoping to star in an independent feature film early next year. Whatever other opportunities arise, I’ll take as they come. I’m trying to enjoy the moment as much as I can.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography RANDY TRAN
groomer NICOLE ELLE KING
styling BRODIE REARDON
