Barry Keoghan, the versatile actor known for his roles in 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer', 'Bird', 'Saltburn', and the upcoming 'The Batman: Part II', is making waves once again with his latest project, 'Butterfly Jam'. This family drama, set in an East Coast Circassian community, marks a significant moment for Keoghan's production company, Wolfcub Productions, as its first feature film. In this exclusive interview, Keoghan delves into the intricacies of his role as a father, the cultural immersion he experienced during filming, and the unique dance routines that bring the Circassian culture to life. He also reflects on his journey in the film industry, his desire to balance commercial and independent projects, and his upcoming role as Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes' 'The Beatles' blockbuster.
A Father's Journey in 'Butterfly Jam'
In 'Butterfly Jam', Barry Keoghan takes on the role of a father, a departure from his previous characters. He shares, "I'm stepping into those kinds of roles now. Crazy. Now I'm the dad." The movie, directed by Kantemir Balagov, explores the relationship between the father and son, set against the backdrop of a tight-knit Circassian community. Keoghan describes the film as a "proper sort of European movie set in New Jersey," highlighting its unique setting and the rich cultural elements woven into the narrative.
Cultural Immersion and Dance
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Butterfly Jam' is the Circassian culture, which is brought to life through dance. Keoghan explains, "We had a dialect coach there in Circassian. Kantemir surrounds himself with incredible people." He and his co-star, Riley Keough, learned the traditional dagger courtship dance, adding a layer of authenticity to their performances. "It was more like Kantemir and people on set [taught us]," Keoghan notes, "It’s organic. It’s supposed to be done so that not every single move is in the right step. It’s loose." This approach, he believes, captures the essence of the culture, much like Irish dancing, where the focus is on the emotion and storytelling rather than strict choreography.
Balancing Commercial and Independent Projects
Keoghan's career has been a blend of commercial and independent projects, each offering a unique experience. He reflects, "I always look at if I’m doing a commercial movie and then I’m doing an indie. I want to go in between, step into independent movies and step into commercial movies with brilliant directors." 'Butterfly Jam' represents this balance, allowing him to explore a different side of his craft. "I’m trying to find that balance," he says, "And Kantemir’s movie came at the right time." This approach, he believes, enriches his artistic growth and provides a deeper understanding of the film industry.
The Animal Theme and Cannes
Keoghan has an intriguing connection to the animal theme, which is evident in his choice of projects. "I have this animal theme going, spiritually for me, with 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' and 'Bird' and now 'Butterfly Jam' and now Wolfcub," he says. This theme, he believes, is a reflection of his spiritual journey and his connection to the film industry. "There’s an animal theme with Cannes and me," he adds, alluding to his presence at the Cannes Film Festival for 'Butterfly Jam'.
The Beatles and Ringo Starr
In a different realm, Keoghan is making waves with his portrayal of Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes' 'The Beatles' blockbuster. He shares, "I’m on that now. It’s going incredible." The four-part film, directed by Mendes, is a tribute to the legendary band, and Keoghan's performance as Starr is highly anticipated. He reflects, "Sam is such a legend and family now, and everyone’s family out there." The project, he believes, is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of the Beatles.
The Future of Wolfcub Productions
As Wolfcub Productions embarks on its first feature film, Keoghan is excited about the future. "We’ve got a few projects in the works that I can’t talk about just yet, but we’ve got something going with Netflix, a TV series. And we’ve got another two projects in the works as well," he reveals. The company's journey, he believes, is just beginning, and he is eager to explore new horizons in the film industry.
Conclusion
Barry Keoghan's journey in 'Butterfly Jam' is a testament to his versatility and commitment to his craft. From the cultural immersion to the unique dance routines, the film offers a rich and authentic experience. As he continues to balance commercial and independent projects, Keoghan remains dedicated to his artistic growth and the exploration of new themes. With 'The Beatles' and Wolfcub Productions on the horizon, Keoghan is poised to make an even greater impact on the film industry, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
