The other day THiNC. vaulted Italian Studies into our new 2022 King of the Hill leader, as we couldn’t stop talking about this fantastic new movie from Adam Leon and Vanessa Kirby. And when we get obsessed about a movie, the directors, writers, and actors begin filing cease and desist injunctions against THiNC. It’s just the way it goes. But today, Simon Breckner, the fantastic lead of this heady mindjob of a movie succumbed to my advances, and politely and eloquently answered a ton of my questions via Instagram chat. So first off, thanks a ton Simon for putting up with me! And second of all, like I said during our chat, you were amazing.
If you haven’t seen the movie Italian Studies yet – you definitely have to check it out. You can find it at one of this esteemed streaming facilities. Also, Simon and I delve a little into the meaning behind the movie itself. I’d recommend watching the movie before reading this interview in detail. Thankfully, it’ll just require you clicking, and then marveling.
THiNC. – “Hey there Simon… just finished watching Italian Studies, and adored your performance. I’m doing a pretty big post talking about the movie and was wondering if you’d be up for answering a couple questions?”
Simon Breckner – “Yeah, I can answer questions. And thank u!”
THiNC. – “I liken your role in Italian Studies to Cooper Hoffman’s role as Gary in Licorice Pizza – just sort of a left-field brilliant upstart of a role. Was your Simon (the character), more you, or less you? How authentic was it? In interviews, Adam Leon seems to indicate that the movie stayed pretty close to how he envisioned it, minus your role… yours expanded apparently? Where you involved in the script at all, or in this growing of your character’s centrality to the movie?”
Simon Breckner – “The Simon in the film is like a sweeter, more charming version of me. There was a lot of stuff I said and did that Adam cut out of the film to make me look better. I was definitely a kid that hung around the wrong crowd and is portrayed as having way more sensitive, cooler friends.”
THiNC. – “Were you involved in the script at all, or in this growing of your character’s centrality to the movie?”
Simon Breckner – “Adam showed me the script and I was a big fan. Adam asked me for feedback but I more or less let him do his own thing. I was not involved in how big of a role my character had.”
THiNC. – “Were you filming on the streets guerilla style? Permits? Seems very real world.”
Simon Breckner – “It was shot pretty guerilla style. What I thought was fun was they just had us walk around and have random conversations which they filmed and put in the movie which I thought was pretty cool.”
On the Meaning and Interpretation of Italian Studies
THiNC. – “Do you have any theories about the movie itself? Personally I am not buying the theory that it’s a woman with amnesia, seeing as though she’s worried about bringing it back by meeting with Simon again. Personally, I think Alina was interacting with her book characters and her artistic creations all movie long… ignoring the real world outside of her.”
Simon Breckner – “As to the movie I agree with that interpretation.”
THiNC. – “You do agree? Really? Should we call Adam and let him know?? Hahaha. Or do you think Adam and Vanessa saw it that way as well?”
Simon Breckner – “I think that they saw it that way as well.”
THiNC. – “Interesting. Because literally everyone talking about the movie seems to think it’s about a woman with memory issues, amnesia.”
Simon Breckner – “There’s multiple interpretations I think… but her character is definitely interacting with her creations.”
On Kissing Vanessa Kirby
THiNC. – “Right, got it. Maybe she has amnesia and her memory loss manifests itself with her creations. Or the interviews with the real people that become her creations. Can I ask a stupid question?? What’s it like kissing Vanessa Kirby? Hahaha.”
Simon Breckner – “Super awkward…there was a room full of people watching too.”
THiNC. – “Hahah, I bet.”
Simon Breckner – “And I had to do a really difficult scene right after.”
THiNC. – “So you were stressed? Which scene was it?”
Simon Breckner – “The Scene got cut but it was an intense scene where I got into an argument with this other kid. And, yeah, I was stressed – but I also had a cold at the time.”
THiNC. – “Well, you kissed Vanessa Kirby. You should have it engraved on something. Was she cool to work with?”
Simon Breckner – “Yes, extremely. We were friends. It was good vibes, very goofy energy.”
THiNC. – “Fun. That’s great. Last question and I’ll leave you alone. You’ve been very gracious with your time. Do you see yourself acting more? Or following your music? Both?”
Simon Breckner – “Definitely both. I want to act more.”
THiNC. – “Sweet. Can’t wait to see where you go next. You were fantastic. Take care and don’t hesitate to let us know how THiNC. can help promote whatever you are pushing next.”
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Do the guy a solid and listen to his music – buy his music – give his music away – toss it from building rooftops like its confetti. Heck, while you are at it, check out Simon’s other movie, Dalenda! Thanks so much for swinging by Simon!
Edited by: CY