Jack O’Connell Discusses Directing Paul Weller and Overcoming Rejection
Actor Jack O’Connell recently appeared on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, discussing his directorial debut with music legend Paul Weller. During the interview, he reflected on his unique approach to collaboration and the paths his life could have taken without his acting career.
Jack O’Connell: Directing Paul Weller
O’Connell shared the story behind his decision to direct the music video for Weller’s song “Nothing.” Initially invited to star in the video, he surprised everyone by requesting to take the director’s role instead.
“I took a bit of a liberty,” O’Connell joked, acknowledging the boldness of his request to Weller, known as the “Modfather.” Moyles praised O’Connell’s courage for making such an approach to a renowned artist.
The Outcome of Creative Confidence
The decision to direct proved rewarding. O’Connell expressed satisfaction with the final cut, highlighting that Weller’s performance was central to the video’s success. He noted, “We shot him with this close-up, and it’s turned out to be 80 percent of what we ended up using because it was so great.”
Weller’s commitment to the project impressed O’Connell, who stated, “He just turned up and delivered… What a guy!”
Reflections on Alternative Realities
Beyond his directorial endeavors, O’Connell contemplated what life might have looked like if he hadn’t achieved success in Hollywood. He reminisced about his athletic background and mused about a future involving football.
- O’Connell imagined himself playing for a non-league football team.
- He noted he feels “old in football years.”
He shared a light-hearted vision of his alternate life, saying, “I’d have probably gone travelling or something. I’d have dreadlocks.” O’Connell concluded that without acting, he might have felt “surplus to requirement.”
