DEADLINE: Steven Spielberg reached out to you personally about the possibility of playing his father inThe Fabelmans.
How did that go?
I looked up unmade Steven Spielberg films to try and guess what he was making.
Merie Weismiller Wallace/Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
He told me what this film was going to be about, and I had this immense feeling.
And so we had a lovely conversation, and I felt great about our Zoom.
And then we officially started.
From left: Seth Rogen, Paul Dano and Michelle Williams inThe Fabelmans.Merie Weismiller Wallace/Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
DEADLINE: Was it the easiest audition process that youve ever had to go through?
DANO: No, because I really felt strongly about this part.
And wanting to be a part of this felt so exciting; waiting was hard.
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But Im thankful, and yeah, the fact that I didnt have to audition is lovely.
Its interesting that Burt and Sammy dont ever confront each other about Mitzi, either.
How did you interpret Burts position as a family man yourself?
And ultimately, he does fall on his sword.
DEADLINE: What notes did Spielberg give you that helped influence your portrayal of Burt?
And the closer we got to filming, the more memories Steven was having.
It was so much like Steven in the sense that movies are a way of life for him.
Steven saw a movie and took a camera and that was it.
I had to ask myself, How do I take this and put it through Burt?
because I couldnt take everything in addition to the beautiful script.
And on top of that, I dont look much like Arnold at all.
But I noticed that his center of energy was in a different place than mine.
He just had a sturdier feeling connected to the ground.
So, I loved having the inspiration of a real person.
DEADLINE: What was the most challenging scene for you?
DANO: Well, there were many challenging scenes.
Spending your day doing that?
Thats a big scary day.
Every day felt like a big day on a film like this.
Every scene mattered and every scene had its own challenge.
How much do you relate to Sammy in that way?
When did you start to take yourself seriously as an artist?
I remember being young and having that desire to succeed.
I remember going to audition after audition and what it felt like to get or not get a part.
And I remember getting my first break and then that second break.
I remember the hustling and meeting other young actors in these audition rooms.
I really think Ive got to do this.
Can you keep putting yourself through this?
Because theres a part of me that loves it, but I think its hard too.
I would say Im still letting myself become the artist I hopefully want to be.
And I think it took time, even though I started young.
But thats the journey.
Im sure everybody is different in how they come into themselves.
Because I think thats where your best work will likely come from.
What exactly wins the Paul Dano stamp of approval?
DANO: Well, I never know what I want to do next until it comes.
And its what made me excited about acting when I was young and watching other actors.
Its like, Wow, you made me believe.
And then you made me believe again in a very different context.
And that was a big goal with this one for me playing Burt.
It was just, how do I capture a life lived?
So, I love collaborating.
Youre putting yourself in the hands of your director, the writer and the editor.
I hope Ill get to continue to shake it up and follow the scent.
