Harris Dickinson’s Bold Directorial Dream
When someone’s acting career is on the rise with **casting directors** eager to offer them major roles, the last thing you’d expect is for that person to take a year-long break from the screen. However, that’s precisely what **Harris Dickinson**, one of the industry’s most promising newcomers, chose to do.
After completing his role in **“Babygirl”** in early 2024, Dickinson immediately shifted his focus to his directorial debut, **“Urchin.”** He explains, “I didn’t work as an actor for a year. I had no choice. There was no way I was going to be able to shoot this and work on other things.” His commitment was unwavering, highlighting a **dedication** rare in such a fast-paced industry.
A Journey to Cannes
This dedication paid off as Dickinson’s premiere at the **Cannes Film Festival** showcased his directorial debut. Just three years earlier, he had garnered significant attention for his role in **Ruben Ostlund’s** Palme d’Or winner, **“Triangle of Sadness.”** In this film, he portrayed one half of a model couple whose extravagant cruise vacation turns hilariously chaotic. Now, competing in Cannes’s **Un Certain Regard** sidebar, he stands alongside celebrated actors like **Kristen Stewart** and **Scarlett Johansson**, who are also showcasing their first feature films as directors.
Considering the artistic journey of those actresses, Dickinson acknowledges, “It makes a lot of sense to me that they’ve decided to make films. Especially when you look at the work they’ve done—it’s clear that they have a real interest in cinema.”
A Passion for Directing
At only **28 years old**, Dickinson may not possess an extensive body of work like his contemporaries, but his passion for **directing** has been evident long before the **limelight**. In 2021, even before his breakthrough, he presented his short film, **“2003,”** at the prestigious **London Film Festival.** This project marked the beginning of **Devisio Pictures,** a production company he co-founded with producer **Archie Pearch.** Following this, **“Urchin”** is their first feature film.
Storyline and Themes of “Urchin”
Starring **Frank Dillane**, “Urchin” tells the story of a troubled yet charming young man struggling to navigate the streets of **London**. His aspirations for a better life clash with deeply rooted **self-destructive tendencies.** Entry into this world is captivating yet unorthodox, revealing the complexities of the human experience. Dickinson also makes a brief appearance in the film, emphasizing his commitment to the story.
Reflecting on the film’s narrative, Dickinson states, “I’ve had people close to me struggle with cyclical behavior. I became interested in the psychology of that, and it made me want to tell a focused character study.” He aimed for a nuanced portrayal, adding layers to the character’s journey.
Grounding the Narrative in Reality
To ensure authenticity, Dickinson emphasized thorough research. “I invited interrogation and scrutiny into the script,” he explains, consulting probation services, mental health organizations, and addiction specialists. This striving for **realism** and commitment to accurate representation is fundamental to him: “It’s coming from a place of truth and attempting to do it justice.”
Social Impact and Authenticity
Moreover, Dickinson’s commitment to social issues is palpable. Throughout the **COVID-19 pandemic,** he contributed his time to a makeshift shelter and even established a London branch of the homeless charity **Under One Sky.** These experiences not only shaped him personally but also added depth to the storyline of “Urchin.”
Challenges During Filming
Filming “Urchin” was undoubtedly challenging, as producer Pearch asserts, “We spent most of our time on the streets late at night—navigating an array of locations presented its own complexities.” **Josée Deshaies,** renowned for her work in “Passages” and “Saint Laurent,” was the director of photography, despite never having shot in London before. “Bringing a fresh perspective was invaluable,” Dickinson notes.
Future Endeavors
With **“Urchin”** now complete and receiving significant attention at Cannes, Dickinson is ready to return to acting, having put his on-screen ambitions on hold for a year. He is set to portray **John Lennon** in **Sam Mendes’s** upcoming project centered around **The Beatles,** alongside fellow rising stars **Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan,** and **Joseph Quinn.** Though he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he assures that his **Liverpudlian accent** is developing.
Looking Ahead
After completing this filming, Dickinson intends to dive back into directing for another feature, which could mean more time away from acting. He shares, “They knew I wanted to make films. I mentioned that during my first meeting with my representatives at **Gersch.** While they’ve been supportive of ‘Urchin,’ maybe they’d appreciate a few acting projects to fill the gaps during my directorial endeavors.” Dickinson’s journey illustrates a passion for storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries, making him a notable talent to watch in the years to come.