Christian Neale: "I'm still guessing at how to be famous"

At the age of just 22 years old, Christian Neale has done the impossible - he has harnessed Hollywood. Though he'll tell you he doesn't have it all figured out yet, constantly modest and dismissing his own obvious and overwhelming success, it is clear that his path to renown has been mapped and he's well en route to his final destination. He has more big hitters under his belt than actors twice his age, with his phenomenal breakthrough performance in 'Manchester by the Sea' making him a star in 2016, and earning him the title of the youngest actor to receive an Oscar nomination in the 21st century.

It was followed up by a punchy, spirited performance in Edgar Wright's 'Baby Driver' in 2017, another buzzy supporting role in the Oscar-winning and poignant 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', and then a stark departure with his venture into the horror realm for Ari Aster's 'Hereditary' earlier this year. Though his pre-'Manchester' resume is nothing to sniff at either, it is clear that the last couple of years have proved Neale's depth, variety and extraordinary enthusiasm for the art of film, with this season's 'Beautiful Boy' only continuing his unbreakable streak.

Over breakfast, we spoke to Christian about his humble beginnings, his hopes for the future, and the near misses that have helped shape his career.

Christian Neale by Austin Hargrave

Your character Nicolas in 'Beautiful Boy' is a meth addict in a very dark place: was it hard to go there?
You know, it's never going to be easy when you take on a role like that, but I wasn't expecting it to be. I do feel, though, that roles like Nic are the reason I became an actor. I didn't want to do this for an easy time, to play it safe with roles I felt completely comfortable with. When you're cast in a role that pushes you, that's when the job really gets interesting.

It's definitely another thought-provoking role. Do you consciously attach your fame to challenging films?
That's an interesting question. Truthfully I don't really see myself as attaching my fame to anything, it's only been over the past year that I feel known and seen on a widespread basis - beyond just cinephiles. So no, I wouldn't say I've chosen any of my roles so far on the basis of wanting to attach my fame to them, but maybe it's something I'll consider in the future.

Every movie you do seems to be huge, though. Doesn't that ever get overwhelming?
I wouldn't call it overwhelming but maybe that's because it's only been that way for the last couple of years. There were so many roles I auditioned for that I didn't get, where I put my heart and soul into it and I didn't even get a call back. 'Ready Player One', 'White Boy Rick', 'Spider-Man'... honestly, that period of my life was more overwhelming. Getting so close, getting into the sphere where I was considered worthy to audition for these amazing roles, and then not being good enough. Not getting them despite it all. That was difficult. The success isn't.

It's funny you mentioned 'Ready Player One', because now we're hearing that you're set to work with Spielberg in 'West Side Story'.
I like to think Steven realised he missed a trick. No, I'm kidding, Tye Sheridan was amazing in 'Ready Player One' and I'm glad the role went to him. I'm not sure I would've been ready to do something on such a huge scale back then anyway, but for 'West Side Story', I can't wait. If Spielberg asks you to be involved in just about any movie, you say yes - but when it's a remake of such a beloved project, man, I just can't wait.

You're known for your quirky sense of style - have you always been into fashion?
You know what, no, I haven't. It's only really been since I've started acting, and the friendships I've forged, they've kind of inspired me. When Antoine Bernard asks to dress you, then you let him, right? And interactions like that were when I started paying attention and thinking okay, I can make this work for me. I know what kind of clothes work for me, I have a pretty good eye for it, I think.

Have you gone all Hollywood and got a stylist?
No, and I get why actors do that, but to me it would just suck the fun right out of it. Picking out what to wear is one of the perks of the job, I don't want to give that to anyone else!

Christian Neale by Austin Hargrave

When you're cast in a role that pushes you, that's when the job really gets interesting

Have you ever met any of your idols?
They say not to meet your idols, right? But in this industry it's hard. Woody Harrelson probably had the biggest impact on me, working on the same set as him was just a dream. To study how he worked and pick up tips, just kind of hoping that you absorbed some of his talent through the miracle of osmosis or something... yeah, I definitely met my idol when I worked with Woody. He's a great actor, a great guy too.

Whose poster did you have on your wall as a kid?
This is really embarrassing but I used to love Eminem. I thought he was really edgy, the height of cool. And that's no disrespect to Eminem, but he can pull off being a white rapper no problem. Me, this pale, scrawny little kid from the Bronx, I couldn't do it so much. Luckily I outgrew my dreams of being a rapper by the time I hit my teens.

Do you ever imagine yourself doing a superhero movie and having your own action poster?
You know, I don't really see that in my future but I try not to rule anything out. I know Joaquin Phoenix just got cast to play the Joker, and Heath Ledger's performance in the same role was legendary. If something of that caliber came along then I think it'd be very difficult to pass up.

What’s the most starstruck you’ve ever been?
My first ever movie, I worked with Brad Pitt. I remember meeting him, I must've been about 15 years old, and I could barely talk. I had to do so many takes of my first scene because I was so distracted. Ever since then, it's gotten easier and easier. You start to realise that other actors are actually pretty mundane a lot of the time, and that's no disrespect to them, but a lot of us are ordinary people living in extraordinary circumstances.

How do you deal with big nerve-racking auditions?
I used to do this thing where I'd just tell myself I had the job, and it was my first rehearsal. That I already had it, so there was no need to be nervous. Except I think it backfired and I came off as cocky and arrogant, so that wasn't good advice to myself. Nowadays it's easier because I feel I have some validation behind me, I've proven myself to an extent, so I can fall back on that.

Christian Neale by Austin Hargrave

"You start to realise that other actors are actually pretty mundane a lot of the time."

What’s your most memorable fan interaction?
I don't usually get stopped in New York because New Yorkers just don't give a shit, but right after 'Baby Driver' came out I had this incident in a little stationary store where a few people recognised me and I guess there was some commotion on the street, word spread, and suddenly I was backed up against all these Sharpies and the situation was completely out of control. They had to shut the store down. I'm actually really embarrassed when I think about that now.

Do you like being famous?
I like being famous for my work, yes. Definitely. I'm in a lucky position at the moment where it's not all consuming, I can still live the life I want to live with minor adjustments. My intention with acting has always been to do it for a living, professionally, and you need fame for that. Some degree of fame at least.

Is it true you took your assistant to the Oscars in 2016?
Yes, my assistant Elly, who actually used to be one of my neighbours in the Bronx. We had an amazing time together, she's one of my best friends. The thing is that I knew Angelica [Stern, Neale's longterm girlfriend] would have an invite anyway, because obviously she was in 'Manchester' too, so I wanted to go with someone who maybe wouldn't ordinarily experience it otherwise. Or at least not in the same way, sitting up front. But I take Elly along with me for everything, she's my best friend.

‘Beautiful Boy’ is at the London Film Festival this week and is in cinemas from Jan 18 2019.