British GQ met with Daniel Kaluuya, the Oscar-winning star, in a pub near Primrose Hill for an interview that revealed his first film as a director, “The Kitchen.” On a wet and muddy night in London, Kaluuya talked about the film, its message, and his style of storytelling.
The interview creates a vivid image of the mood in the pub, with ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” playing loudly and a cook in the kitchen switching to Percy Sledge’s soulful hit, “When a Man Loves a Woman.” This difference sets the scene for Kaluuya’s arrival – arms open, a Dior bag in his hand, and a puffer jacket coming off. The description shows the essence of Kaluuya’s personality – normal-sized but impressive, expressing himself with strong shoulders and very expressive eyes.
“The Kitchen” is a cyberpunk story set in a near-future London where the government has ended council housing. The plot follows the last social housing community, The Kitchen, fighting eviction by a tyrannical government. Kaluuya, who used to live close to the pub shown in the film, stresses the film’s goal to show working-class Britain, especially the Black community, in a subtle and human way.
Kaluuya’s first film as a director, ten years in the making, is a statement of intent to make London’s stories global. He wants to broaden the perspective and narrative of working-class Britain beyond the narrow depiction seen in shows like EastEnders. The film tries to humanize the people it shows, presenting them as complex individuals with humor, risk, depth, and diversity.
The conversation explores the connections between the film’s message and the current situation of the world, especially comparing to a powerful and oppressive government forcing people out and taking resources. Kaluuya admits the accidental timing of the film’s release and its possible effect on the debate about social housing and government actions.
As the interview goes on, Kaluuya thinks about his changing role in the film industry. With “The Kitchen” being his first film as a director, he shows a wish to bring a certain level of truth and depth to London’s stories. The film not only examines themes of resistance but also questions traditional narratives of working-class advancement, stressing the value of community over individual achievement.
Kaluuya’s artistic path is followed from his breakthrough role in “Get Out” to his current position as a versatile talent in the industry. The interview shows his artistic beliefs, emphasizing the need for storytelling that goes beyond rationalizing and offers a real depiction of lived experiences.
In the final parts, Kaluuya thinks about his changing experience on the set of “Sicario,” where he learned the power of silent moments in acting. This insight influenced his later performances, leading to praise and recognition for his work in cinema.
The article gives a complete look at Daniel Kaluuya’s career, from his early days in “Skins” to his first film as a director with “The Kitchen.” It shows the essence of his artistic vision, dedication to truth, and the influence he has had on the cinematic world.
Kaluuya’s life at 18, where he rejected the idea of making himself smaller for the comfort of others. This decision not to fit in became a driving force behind his actions, leading to his role as associate artistic director of the Roundhouse, where he started a youth theatre company to create opportunities for actors of all backgrounds.
Kaluuya’s dislike for the usual aspects of celebrity is clear. He talks about his careful approach to projects, turning down fashion campaigns that didn’t match his values. He wants to build trust with the audience and stay true to himself, as he follows a path that is different from the usual Hollywood story.
The actor’s journey changes as he thinks about his Oscar win in 2021. Even with external success, Kaluuya admits to feeling empty during this time. He reveals the difficulties of being put into expectations and the struggle to keep his real self in the face of industry pressures.
Kaluuya deals with the stereotypes and images put on him as a Black actor, stressing his uniqueness. He shares times where he felt forced to fit in, leading to a realization that he had let his identity be controlled by external forces.
Back in London, Kaluuya talks about the changing scene of the British film and television industry. He supports a more diverse representation of Black British culture, questioning the dominant narrative of Downton Abbey and The Crown. His dedication to telling stories from a London point of view shows a wish to change the global view of the city.
As the interview ends, Kaluuya shows a resolve to raise London’s status to a global level, stressing the need for self-confidence and honest authenticity. He refuses the idea of being happy to just exist, instead promoting the importance of telling the truth and living it.
In his aim to change London’s story, Daniel Kaluuya comes out not just as a famous actor but as a keen supporter of change, encouraging others to join him in telling real stories that show the varied and lively culture of the city.
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Photography: @adrienneraquel
Interviewer: @adambaidawi
Cover star: @danielkaluuya.
Styling: @ronbreezy
Grooming: @jessicasmalls
Set Design: @wayoutstudioco
Production: @petty_cash_production
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