TIFF 2015 Exclusive: Daniel Kaluuya Talks SicarioPosted by Wilson Morales
September 16, 2015
Playing at the Toronto International Film Festival and set for theatrical release on Sept. 18 with a wide release on Oct. 2 is the intense thriller Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Donovan, Daniel Kaluuya, and Maximiliano Hernández.
In Mexico, SICARIO means hitman.
In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by an elite government task force official (Josh Brolin) to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past (Benicio Del Toro), the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.
For Kaluuya, the Ugandan English actor, comedian and writer, who is best known for playing Posh Kenneth in the British teen-drama Skins, this is his first big role in a Hollywood film. Since being declared as a ‘UK Star of Tomorrow’ in 2009 by Screen International Magazine, Kaluuya has appeared on the London stage a number of times and also had a role on the Johnny English sequel, Johnny English Reborn. He’s also a writer, who’s written episodes for Skins and looking forward to doing a feature film.
In Sicario, he plays Reggie, the partner to Emily Blunt’s character.
Blackfilm.com caught up with Kaluuya as he talked about his role in Sicario.
How would you describe Reggie?
Daniel Kaluuya: Playing Reggie was cool. He’s a nice guy who isn’t defined by his job. He has a personality away from it and you rarely find that in films. Usually it’s quite mechanical and the writing brought some life to it. He’s also a loyal guy. He’s really loyal to his partner, played by Emily Blunt. He’s got a great moral compass and thinks deep about what’s right and what’s wrong. He’s seen a lot, being in Iraq and dealing with all that stuff. He knows there are other ways of going about things and doesn’t agree with the CIA on they do their business.
What was the attraction to doing this film?
DK: It was working with great talent and the script. The script was really amazing. I was really exited to be a part if something like that. Being new, it was a pleasure to work with Denis, and Roger Deakins, and Emily, Josh and Benecio. To me, they are some of the best talent of their generation.
How was working with Emily, Josh and Benecio?
DK: They are really cool and fun people. When it’s showtime, it’s showtime. They are prepared and have a high level of intelligence in how they approach the story. It was eye opening to sit down to watch and listen to how they handle the script and their character arc and ideas. My character has an arc and is also grounded.
Being that film starts off in Arizona, did you use an American accent?
DK: He’s in Arizona, but having served in the military, he’s been all over the world. He spent a couple of years in Iraq and then a few years in Maryland, so he’s adapted to wherever he’s been located.
Having done a number of British TV series, what does this film do for your career when you’re featured opposite some well-known talent?
DK: I’m going to see what happens. It’s been a long journey. I’ve done some incredible cinema with this film and to be a part of that is still insane to me. At the NY premiere, the energy around me was really organic and I want to continue to get good notices. We have to see what happens. It takes about a year or two to see the change.
What’s next for you?
DK: I have just written a film. I’m working with Film4. They helped produced “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame,” and stuff like that. I used to write for “Skins,” so it’s a blessing to be able to write and act.
Which do you prefer?
DK: It all depends. I’m talking to you now based on my acting abilities. Writing is great but it’s a challenge and requires discipline, just like acting. I never want to be placed in one box, so I want to exploit all the different avenues I can and not be in one lane. I have ideas for acting and ideas for writing. It depends on what you want to say and the medium you want to do it at.
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