Harris Dickinson Calls Acting Process 'Weird and Humiliating'
The rising star opens up about the vulnerable side of performing and how his discomfort with acting shapes his approach to directing other actors on set.
Harris Dickinson doesn't sugarcoat what it feels like to bare his soul on camera. The 29-year-old actor-turned-director admits that performing can be downright uncomfortable, calling it a "weird and humiliating thing" that often leaves him feeling exposed.
"It's really vulnerable, isn't it, acting?" Dickinson told Empire magazine. "It's an embarrassing process. Well, it is for me; it's a weird and humiliating thing, and feels rather silly at times."
From Screen to Director's Chair
This year marks a turning point for Dickinson with his directorial debut, Urchin. The film follows Frank Dillane's character Mike as he navigates homelessness through life's ups and downs. Critics praised the movie for its compassionate treatment of difficult subject matter and strong performances.
While Dickinson appeared briefly in Urchin, he focused primarily on directing. The experience taught him valuable lessons about creating safe spaces for actors to do their best work.
Creating Comfort on Set
Dickinson's own struggles with vulnerability inform how he directs others. "So I'm constantly having that in my head when I'm directing and creating the right setting for actors in order to feel comfortable," he explained. "Then, when comfortability comes, I think good performances can come because you're able to access stuff and lose inhibition."
This philosophy proved crucial during challenging projects like The Iron Claw, where Dickinson portrayed David Von Erich, a member of the troubled wrestling family. The role dealt with heavy themes including death, suicide, and family trauma. Since the Von Erichs were real people, the responsibility felt enormous.
Balancing Two Careers
Despite his directorial success, Dickinson continues acting. His performance as a sexually dominant intern in Babygirl transformed what could have been a cheap thriller into compelling erotic drama. He's also set to play John Lennon in Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopics.
The actor's future remains wide open. Whether he chooses roles in front of the camera, behind it, or both, his commitment to fostering comfortable working environments suggests success in whatever direction he takes.