The Dynamic Duo Behind *Urchin*: Harris Dickinson and Frank Dillane
Harris Dickinson and Frank Dillane share a light-hearted camaraderie as they reflect on their recent project, Urchin. Dickinson, marking his debut as a director, calls this film a "miracle," and it’s clear that both actors are thrilled with their work together.
Overview of *Urchin*: A Tale of Struggle and Redemption
Set against the backdrop of London, Urchin tells the harrowing story of Mike, portrayed by Frank Dillane. Dillane, known for his roles in Fear the Walking Dead and as a young Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, captures Mike’s chaotic life as a drifter battling addiction. Viewers witness him navigate not only the harsh realities of living on the streets but also his journey toward sobriety, aided by his no-nonsense social worker and meditative tapes.
Harris Dickinson’s drive to create Urchin stemmed from his desire to highlight these gritty realities that many choose to ignore. "I think people’s tolerance for stories like this is often low because they don’t want to look at the other side of certain social issues," he explains. The film serves not only as entertainment but as a pivotal commentary on the societal issues surrounding addiction and homelessness.
The Emotional Journey of Filmmaking
The filmmaking process was anything but straightforward. Dickinson recalls his experience at the Cannes Film Festival, where he spent days pitching his film to uninterested executives. “It was five or six meetings a day, begging for money and convincing hangover-stricken executives of my wonderful idea,” he recounts. It was a taxing experience, but eventually, he secured the support he needed. Dillane adds, “It’s not necessarily a Hollywood story… It’s about someone struggling with themselves and trying to own their demons.”
The emotional weight of the story brought the two closer, forming a strong bond during filming. While balancing harsh realities, Dickinson and Dillane also shared moments of levity, joking about their experiences on set. Dillane describes the work environment as safe and open, allowing them to experiment with their characters in ways that elevated the narrative.
Character Development: The Complexities of Mike
Mike is not just a character on a screen; he represents the struggles many face in real life. Dickinson spent six years writing this complex portrayal, making Mike an "amalgamation of all different types of people that had crossed into and out of my life." The journey to understand Mike’s nuances required Dillane to embody a character who is at once charming and deeply flawed.
During the audition process, Dickinson sought to capture the essence of Mike accurately. Dillane was always on his radar as a compelling actor, sparking a sense of excitement about working together. "We knew that Frank was the person immediately," Dickinson recalls of their casting choice.
The Balance of Directing and Acting
As Dickinson steps into the director’s chair, he reflects on the duality of his career. "I wanted to direct before I wanted to act," he shares candidly. This duality offers him an opportunity to explore complex narratives while honing his craft. He believes creating a supportive team of artists enhances the storytelling process and fosters a collaborative spirit.
Dillane recognizes the challenges of staying optimistic while portraying a character struggling with addiction. “There were times when I found that difficult to believe and hope as the character,” he admits. Dickinson helped the cast find moments of light-heartedness amidst the serious subject matter, creating a unique dynamic that elevated their performances.
Universal Themes and Audience Impact
Urchin tackles themes of empathy, humanity, and social awareness, urging audiences to reflect on the difficult realities faced by individuals like Mike. Dillane hopes that viewers will resonate with Mike’s struggles: "Anyone can end up in Mike’s position… we all have a Mike inside us." He believes that by humanizing characters often marginalized, the film serves as a potent reminder of our shared humanity.
Dickinson agrees, emphasizing the importance of telling these challenging stories. “I think stories like this are [getting] harder to tell, and they’re difficult subjects. But that doesn’t mean we can’t tell them,” he states.
The Future of *Urchin* and the Filmmakers
With Urchin premiering at Cannes, both Dickinson and Dillane are filled with anticipation. Dickinson reflects on the miracle it took to reach this point. “It’s now a miracle that we get asked to present it at one of the most prestigious festivals where cinema is celebrated,” he exclaims. For Dillane, it’s an exciting new frontier, marking his first experience at Cannes.
As both actors discuss the potential for future projects, there’s an unmistakable chemistry that suggests the possibilities are endless. Dillane humorously quips about the pressure of working together again, while Dickinson expresses eagerness to collaborate once more.
In conclusion, Urchin is more than just a film; it’s a raw portrayal of humanity and a testament to the strength of collaboration in storytelling. As Dickinson and Dillane embark on this journey, the world is eager to witness the impact of their labor of love.