Before the 2017 acclaimed romance drama Call Me by Your Name propelled Timothée Chalamet toward international fame, Christopher Nolan’s climactic science fiction spectacle had already laid down the base for the actor’s rise to stardom. Neither of the two films, however, both of which landed Academy Awards, were able to stoke his passion for acting; it was instead a coming-of-age comedy that managed to hit the mark.
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Treading the Waters of Hollywood With Interstellar
Timothée Chalamet‘s first step into the film industry started off with him portraying a spoiled teenager in the second season of the television series, Homeland. A couple of years later, the French-American actor landed a role in a project that would mark his film debut, Men, Women & Children (2014). The same year, the 27-year-old bagged a coveted place in Christopher Nolan‘s cinematic masterpiece, Interstellar, which marked a major milestone for Chalamet (for obvious reasons).
Sure, the WB film starring Matthew McConaughey nudged the Oscar nominee toward fame and increased opportunities and even made him realize that acting was his “real ambition.” But at that time, Chalamet had enrolled himself in Columbia University, and as thrilling as it was for him to have offers lined up at his threshold, the inevitable clash of his work and education made things hazy and uncertain for him.
“At that point, I was getting so many offers to work in film that it made it difficult for me to pursue my studies in literature. I think I already knew after Christopher Nolan hired me to play in Interstellar that acting was my real ambition in life.”
Enter Greta Gerwig‘s solo directorial debut, Lady Bird.
The Film That Opened Timothée Chalamet’s Heart to Acting
A comedy/drama starring Little Women‘s Saoirse Ronan and Manchester by the Sea‘s Lucas Hedges, Lady Bird narrates the tale of a strained yet loving relationship between a mother and daughter as the latter tries to navigate the complex facets of her life. And it was this award-winning movie that made the Dune star fall in love with acting after making him realize that it was indeed his true calling.
“It wasn’t until I did Lady Bird and my experience working with outstanding actors like Saoirse Ronan and Lucas Hedges. I learned so much from them and also from Greta Gerwig, the director, that I decided that I would totally dedicate myself to acting.”
Not only did the film earn five Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, but it also became the apple of critics’ eyes, with some even deeming it one of the best films of 2017. So, it makes sense why it would hold such a special place in Chalamet’s heart.
Both Interstellar and Lady Bird can be streamed on Paramount + or rented/purchased on Apple Tv+.
