In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, David Dastmalchian shared his long-standing admiration for Stellan Skarsgård, tracing back to his performance in the film “Breaking the Waves” from 1996. Dastmalchian confessed, “Since then I’ve tracked every single thing he’s done,” highlighting the depth of his respect for the seasoned actor.
Faced with the opportunity to work with the venerated Swedish actor, Dastmalchian’s anticipation was palpable. However, their first encounter in character on the set of “Dune” was far from relaxing. He described the moment:
“The first scene we did together was in the steam room. It’s me, Stellan, Dave (Bautista), and these incredible background artists who played slaves of the Baron. Stellan Skarsgård, as the Baron, was fully in his terrifying makeup and prosthetics. When he came out of the steam, his presence was profoundly intimidating. Despite the makeup, it was his eyes and voice that truly embodied the terror. It literally scared the crap out of me.”
Despite being petrified, Dastmalchian’s regard for Skarsgård’s talent transformed the fear into a thrilling experience. Although the prosthetics and intense character work made casual conversation difficult, the formidable first impression of Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen stuck with Dastmalchian. He reminisced, “He’s rising out of this steam and the sight of him was just petrifying.”
FAQ
- What movie did David Dastmalchian watch that sparked his fascination with Stellan Skarsgård?
- What was David Dastmalchian’s reaction to working with Stellan Skarsgård in “Dune”?
- How did Stellan Skarsgård’s portrayal of the Baron impact Dastmalchian?
- Did Dastmalchian and Skarsgård have much interaction between takes?
Dastmalchian was drawn to Stellan Skarsgård’s performance in the 1996 film “Breaking the Waves”.
He was both terrified and thrilled by the experience, particularly during their steam room scene.
The combination of prosthetics, the intensity of Skarsgård’s eyes, and his voice made a terrifying yet awe-inspiring impact on Dastmalchian.
No, Skarsgård’s intense transformation into the Baron, with the prosthetics and makeup, did not easily lend itself to casual interactions between takes.
Conclusion
David Dastmalchian’s experience working with Stellan Skarsgård on the set of “Dune” exemplifies the deep impact that transformational performances can have on actors and audiences alike. Despite being initially unsettled by Skarsgård’s portrayal of Baron Harkonnen, Dastmalchian ultimately appreciated the power and presence that Skarsgård brought to the role. This interchange serves as a testament to the craft of acting and the enduring influence that one artist can have on another.