Paul Dano Discusses Music, Acting, and His Role in The Wizard of the Kremlin

In an extensive interview with The Guardian, Paul Dano reflects on his diverse career, from portraying Brian Wilson in ‘Love & Mercy’ to starring in the politically charged ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin.’ Dano recounts his experiences interacting with Wilson, including singing alongside him and his band in the studio where ‘Pet Sounds’ was recorded. He shares insights on roles that challenged him, such as his vow of silence in ‘Little Miss Sunshine,’ and discusses the influence of literature, citing Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ as the greatest book ever written. Dano also touches on how acting and age have influenced his relationship with food, and the importance of unlearning habits while keeping intuition alive. Despite his early musical ambitions, he reveals that acting ultimately became his main focus. He praises the collaborative and creative process in films like ‘Swiss Army Man,’ working with the Daniels and Daniel Radcliffe, and emphasises empathy and kindness when approaching characters, even those morally complex like the Riddler. On ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin,’ Dano was drawn to the film’s intelligent exploration of contemporary politics and power. Finally, he offers advice to his younger self: to embrace fun, curiosity, and friendship, balancing seriousness with enjoyment in life and work.