Nicholas Galitzine – Handsome Devil

By starrymag | June 14, 2017

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I worked on a remake of a Bette Davis classic The Watcher in the Woods with Anjelica Huston. But the film I’m really excited about is an adaption of a Margaret Mahy novel, who is considered the godmother of the YA genre, called The Changeover. It’s a supernatural drama/thriller set in New Zealand and we had the incredible Timothy Spall on the cast.

 

Q) Please tell us about the premise for Handsome Devil and about your character Conor.

 

A) Handsome Devil is about two young men who are forced to share a room together at a strict Irish boarding school. At first it seems they have nothing in common, but as their relationship grows it turns out that they are both outsiders in a system which doesn’t accept them. My character, Conor Masters, is a type of rugby prodigy and finds himself conflicted between his passion and being true to himself, because he is told he can’t be true to both.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

 

A) I just loved the script so as soon as I read it I know I wanted to be involved. Also seeing that Andrew Scott was involved that’s always going to be an attractive element.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about your role?

 

A) I think just playing the anxiety of someone who is in the closet is a very daunting task because it’s the portrayal of someone who so desperately wants to be themselves but isn’t allowed by the institutions that surround him.

 

Q) Where did you connect with your character at all?

 

A) I think we grew up in similar schools so a lot of the archetypes he interacted with were very familiar to me. I think we all have anxieties and issues of identity as we grow up so that felt nostalgic in that way.

 

Q) What was it like working with Fionn O’Shea?

 

A) He is a terrible human. If you ever get the chance to meet him in a work or social capacity, swiftly decline. Acting opposite him was always tumultuous. [smile]

 

Q) What piece of advice did director John Butler give to you that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) I guess to not be afraid to make strong choices as an actor. I feel this was the first time I really felt challenged. Also, not to worry about the Irish accent. The minute you start overthinking it is when weird sounds start coming out of your mouth.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Handsome Devil?

 

A) Night shoots playing rugby, almost getting run over by a tractor, jamming with Fionn in the music room…I could go on. It was such a fun set to be on. Such a great family vibe that came all the way from the top.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from the film?

 

A) To “never speak in a borrowed voice” as Andrew Scott’s character states. Be true to yourself. Revel in your uniqueness. Individually is what makes us attractive as human beings.

 

Q) Bullying is such a prevalent theme in schools these days. What advice would you give to someone being bullied?

 

A) I suppose to not be afraid to seek help from a teacher they trust, like a Mr. Sherry. Speak to your parents or siblings. Don’t be afraid of admitting your situation because whatever you may or think or what it may feel like, you are not alone.

 

Q) Who is someone you’d most like to work with in the future?

 

A) I’d say certainly James McAvoy and Cillian Murphy. I love how they keep reinventing themselves from project to project. They are always so believable in everything they do. Director wise, I love so many. Edgar Wright is someone I grew up watching, Ben Wheatley is a brilliant talent, Christopher Nolan can do no wrong…Basically anyone I can learn from. That’s always been my main goal from project to project; sponging up any useful piece of knowledge that can make me a better actor.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the movie?

 

A) It’s always nice to hear that something that you have put so much time and effort into has resonated with someone. So, of course! And social media is such a useful way of communicating with those fans. I’ve been very lucky so far to have fans in distant countries and it’s really touching to know you have affected someone on the other side of the world.