For this series of interviews, I’ve chosen 8 questions as a tribute to the iconic 8mm camera, diving into the vision and passion of each filmmaker/actor.
Michael Cooke is an actor/filmmaker who has spent the last decade working in theatre, short films, TV, and feature films. With experience on the big screen, he has learned a lot about the industry. More recently, he has been directing and creating his own content to have more control over his creative vision.
Is there a movie from your childhood that sparked your love for cinema, or was it something that developed gradually?
I think it was a gradual thing. I got a paper round when I was 10, and every week I would go into the shopping mall and buy a new DVD, and before I knew it, I had 3 or 4 hundred in a giant chest. The first movie I watched that blew my mind was maybe The Shawshank Redemption on VHS.
Which filmmaker inspires you the most, and why?
That’s a really tricky one because I find filmmakers have different attributes, like the Coens for the intentional dialogue that cuts through a story, or Tarantino for the directness of how he tells stories – you know it’s him. I love Nolan for how visually inspiring his work is, and Scorsese for his coolness, so overall, I think that’s a really tricky question.
If you could organize your own film festival, what kind of films would you show, and why?
I would show films real people no political agendas or pretentious vanity projects. I would show films that people can connect to and relate to, that are entertaining and take folk on a journey. Because I would say the biggest negative about the current festival system is that they’re showing films for filmmakers, and that’s not the true essence of why I feel films should be made. We shouldn’t have to explain to someone why a films good.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced as a filmmaker/actor, and how did you overcome it?
The rejection is definitely the biggest obstacle, but I think if you approach this industry expecting nothing and giving everything, you’re happier, and the work you do is more meaningful. There’s always going to be ups and downs, and I’ve found, personally, when I look at the industry – acting or filmmaking – as a creative outlet first rather than a business, I find the work I do is more meaningful. And before you ask, but no one’s giving me work to be creative, then make your own work. It’s hard, but it’s rewarding.
Can you describe a moment on set that has left a lasting impression on you?
There are two that stand out – one acting and one filmmaking. The acting one was when I was doing a TV show. I was working with this really great director, and my character got shot at the start of the episode. We were doing a scene, and he came to me and said, ‘Remember, Michael, being shot is only something that’s happened to your character, it’s not the character.’ That blew my mind, and I’ve carried that with me.
The second, as a filmmaker, was when I was making my first short, and there was a moment where it was like time slowed down. I realized, looking around at the eight or nine folk involved doing their thing, that—holy S***—we are making a movie. And to be honest, that’s probably the most cathartic moment I’ve had in film.
If you had the chance to make a film about your own life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
It would be a comedy of errors. I always have a joke with my friends about how I’ve stumbled and tripped my way through life and can’t believe how lucky I’ve been to have had the opportunities I’ve had, so I’m so grateful. I would have to get my identical twin brother to play me; he’d kill me if I didn’t.
What are your top three favorite movies of all time, and what makes them so special to you?
Drive – apart from it being visually exceptional, the score is incredible and the story is solid, but I think there is something about Ryan Gosling’s character I connect to. Secondly, I would say right now The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – the way the movie makes me feel. I guess it’s not the best film ever, but it makes me feel something I find hard to explain, and that’s what movies are supposed to do. The third film I would say is The Peanut Butter Falcon – I love indie movies, and there was a rawness to this which made me feel hopeful and high, and it has stuck with me. I would advise with caution; these three films are subject to change at any given moment, lol.
If you could share one life lesson with our readers, what would it be?
Advice is hard because we all have different circumstances, but if I had to say anything, I would reiterate: Don’t approach this as a business. Being creative is a way of life, and if you treat it as such, I honestly believe you’ll be successful. If you’re in it for the money or the fame, go find something else to do; you’ll probably be happier.
If you want to know more about filmmakerMichael Cooke, take a look here!
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