JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT - NO CELEBRITY REQUIRED
By SKYE HUNTINGTON

He's talented, versatile, and attention-grabbing, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is almost certainly not a celebrity.

Well, he is, but he doesn't want to be. It's the last thing he wants, even though the tag is arguably the easiest to acquire once ensconced in the film industry.

For someone who wants to avoid the cult, the title of his latest cinematic venture, Greedy People, doesn't help his cause.

Thankfully, the plot doesn't have an LA signpost in sight. Instead, when the inhabitants of a quaint island town find themselves embroiled in a dramatic murder case and the unexpected discovery of a million dollars, a string of progressively poor choices begins to disrupt the tranquility of their once serene community.

Gordon-Levitt stars as a cop in a movie featuring Lily James, Himesh Patel, and Tim Blake Nelson.

For the 42-year-old lead man, born, ironically, in Los Angeles, the film is the latest marker in a career never short of achievement. He has seamlessly transitioned from child to leading adult star, with his journey in front of the camera beginning in the late Eighties in the TV drama series Stranger on My Land. This early exposure to the acting world paved the way for diverse and compelling performances, with adult acting credits including 10 Things I Hate About You, 500 Days of Summer, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and 50/50.

Beyond the silver screen, Joseph's personal life has been equally fulfilling. In 2014, he took a significant step in his off-screen narrative by marrying Tasha McCauley, a robotics entrepreneur. This union brought both a partner in life and a collaborator in innovative ideas, blending the worlds of entertainment and technology.

Together, they have two children, providing a grounding influence amidst Hollywood's whirlwind. The balance between his professional accomplishments and his role as a father and husband is a testament to his multifaceted personality, with no celebrity required.

STRIPLV: What can you reveal about your upcoming movie, Greedy People?
GORDON-LEVITT: It is a film that's really close to my heart. It's a thrilling narrative set in a small town, blending elements of drama and suspense in a way that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story revolves around an unexpected turn of events following a murder and the discovery of a large sum of money. It's fascinating how the plot unfolds, showing how these events affect the lives of the town's residents and lead them down a path of increasingly complex decisions. What I love about this film is how it explores the theme of greed and its impact on human relationships and society. It's a story that will keep you guessing and, I hope, will definitely provoke some reflection on human nature and the choices we make.
STRIPLV: Is that an important aspect you want to bring into your films?
GORDON-LEVITT: Not exclusively. Film should be about having fun, detaching yourself from the serious elements. However, when there is some kind of 'take out' from a movie, I fee
there's a greater accomplishment in it, and perhaps some sort of moral or philosophical lesson or feeling we can portray, like all good art has.
STRIPLV: What did you like about working with the director Potsy Ponciroli?
GORDON-LEVITT: Working with him was an absolute delight. He has a unique vision and a remarkable ability to bring out the best in actors. What stood out to me was his collaborative approach. He's open to ideas, which creates a really dynamic and creative environment on set.
He has this knack for storytelling that's compelling and deeply human, and that resonated with me a lot. Potsy's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity made the whole experience enriching. It's not just about directing actors but about creating a world that feels real and engaging. And working with him was a lot of fun too, which helps!
STRIPLV: You were in Flora and Son in 2023, a project on Apple that garnered incredible reviews.
GORDON-LEVITT: John Carney, the writer and director, possesses a unique talent for creating musical art and drama that resonate with authenticity. Watching his films, it feels like you're witnessing genuine human experiences. I'm a huge fan of his work and I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of one of his creations.
STRIPLV: The film features you as a guitar tutor. This was a pretty good fit, wasn't it, as you've been playing the guitar for a long time, haven't you?
GORDON-LEVITT: Yeah, I would say about 30 years, I've been playing. It's always been an escape for me – music, that is. It's taken me to places I haven't expected – some where I have found salvation; others where I've gained creativity.I've always had a passion for music, so when the opportunity came up it fitted nicely. It's not often in film you get to play out the fantasy of something in real life – it's normally the case that film itself is the fantasy, so this one was the other way round and a really nice diversion for me. Initially, John, the director, wasn't sure I was the right fit for the role. He had envisioned casting a professional musician. However, I made it clear that while I might not be a that – and let's be honest, never will! – I knew I'd throw myself into the project. I argued that the character should be portrayed not as an extraordinary musician but as an everyday guy who happens to play music – someone the audience could see as relatable and real. I promised to bring that authenticity to the character. Thankfully, my persistence paid off.
STRIPLV: You seem to have a very questioning mindset yourself. You quit acting at 19 when you began having doubts about the job?
GORDON-LEVITT: I wanted to see if this was what I really wanted to do. It was a case of, did I really choose to be an actor, or was that a choice I made so young it was beyond my decision-making ability? I wanted to take some time away from the business and that's why I decided to move to New York and study (French Literature) at Columbia. But eventually I came back to all this and wanted to act again. I guess I was lucky that the door remained open.
STRIPLV: What did you study when you were at Columbia university?
GORDON-LEVITT: A little of everything, some literature, some History and then I studied quite a bit of French literature and poetry. I read Jacques Prevert, Baudelaire, a little bit of Sartre.
STRIPLV: What was it like being away from California and the film business and getting into university life? Did you enjoy a greater degree of anonymity in New York?
GORDON-LEVITT: When I was 19 or 20, and at Columbia, I could dress loudly and just walk down the street, or be ridiculous with my friends on the subway, and no one particularly noticed that I was an actor. And I do miss that sometimes. But I'm so lucky to be able to do the job I do, if that's the downside — that I don't really have the opportunity to be ridiculous on the subway with my friends without being noticed? That's a price I'm well willing to pay, I guess. (Laughs)
STRIPLV: When you play a real person that is still alive, like you did in The Walk – about the French highwire artist Phillipe Petit – how do you stay honest to them but make it your own?
GORDON-LEVITT: It's about finding that balance, no pun intended! You know, it's a movie and it's only 90 minutes long so you can't ever – even historians – can't ever really represent the perfect truth if such a thing exists. It's always somebody's version of somebody's story. The Walk was Robert Zemeckis's version, that's a beautiful act.
STRIPLV: I believe that Phillipe called you and was very happy with how you had portrayed him?
GORDON-LEVITT: It was very important to me that he felt honored, and I told him that. I talked to him about what he hoped it would be, what the film meant to him and tried to focus on that. He called me and said that he saw the movie and wanted me to be the first one that who he told that he loved it. He felt that I really give justice to it, to the coup. He wouldn't have said that to me if he didn't believe it – he is a very blunt Frenchman! I'm sure that if he didn't like it, he just wouldn't have called me. So, it really meant a great deal to me to receive that call from him.
STRIPLV: You've spoken before about your love of musician Jacques Brel. Are you still a fan?
GORDON-LEVITT: I love Jacques Brel, yes. He was actually one of my mom's favorite singers. My mom is a Francophile as well, she spoke tons of French to my brother and me but not to the point where we learned it when we were kids, but I didn't start to be able to speak French until I studied it at university, but she did just pass on her love for the culture and the movies. Her favourite movie is The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
STRIPLV: When was your first trip to France?
GORDON-LEVITT: I was 18 but I didn't end up in Paris that time. I don't think I really felt in love until I went to Paris. I'm a city boy, I guess. I first visited Paris on a trip with an old friend of mine, I was 21, we started our trip in Nice and then, we went to Bordeaux, Tours and it was there, close enough to Paris that you could buy the magazine Pariscope with all the movie listings. My friend and I both love movies and Paris has the best cinema in the world, worldwide cinema! LA and NY are pretty good, but Paris beats them both combined! The amount of amazing little cinemas, especially in the Latin Quarter, they'll play old movies. From places all over the world, and not only would they play those movies, but people would come and watch them. If you go, there would be an audience! I love that. So, we were looking at Pariscope in Tour and we were like, "Forget these other places, let's go to Paris!
STRIPLV: Do you remember the moment you decided you wanted to be an actor?
GORDON-LEVITT: I have done it ever since I was a little kid. I remember the first play I was ever in. It was The Wizard of Oz. I was playing the scarecrow. I actually have quite a lot of vivid memories of being five years old on stage, doing our first scene and walking off the stage and doing a little comic trip because you know the scarecrow has trouble walking and the audience laughed. We got off stage and the girl who was playing Dorothy, she smiled, and I remembered being so exhilarated. I loved it. I've wanted to do it ever since.
STRIPLV: You received a lot of acclaim for directing and writing, as well as starring in Don Jon. Having returned to behind the camera with Apple TV+ series Me Corman, will you direct again soon?
GORDON-LEVITT: I want to direct another movie. I learned so much working with Mr. Zemeckis as well as Mr. Stone, I can't wait to do another one. I'm just trying to figure out what it is.
STRIPLV: You seem very happy in yourself.
GORDON-LEVITT: I have numerous reasons to be thankful: a loving partner, wonderful children, supportive and healthy parents and a career that fulfils me. I'm in good health and live in safety. Acknowledging these blessings makes me feel incredibly fortunate and often very content. However, to be completely transparent, I don't experience happiness all the time. This isn't a complaint or a plea for sympathy. It's simply a human condition. Even when we have much to be grateful for, it's natural to navigate the ebbs and flows of our personal journeys. We are all prone to mistakes, we all get angry at times, this is real life.


LEVITT-ATION

Think you know everything about the Greedy People star? Think again.

Although many will recognize Joseph Gordon-Levitt primarily for his talents as an actor, this is someone who is, in fact, something of a multifaceted artist with a profound passion for music too. Specifically, he exemplifies creativity and skill through his mastery of the drums and guitar.

Gordon-Levitt's affinity for these instruments showcases his ability to weave together rhythmic beats and melodious strums, revealing a deep connection to the musical world. Beyond his musical pursuits, Joseph's life is rich with personal and professional experiences that have shaped his career and personal ethos.

Hailing from California, Joseph's family background included his older brother Dan, a talented photographer and globally recognized fire spinner. The loss of Dan in October 2010 was a profound tragedy for Joseph, leaving a void that he has since honored in unique ways, including wearing mismatched colorful socks as a tribute to his brother's vibrant spirit and legacy in the arts and performance world.

Joseph's linguistic prowess as a Francophile allowed him to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Marion Cotillard in her native language at the Hollywood Film Festival in 2012. His collaborations with Cotillard in Inception (2010) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) not only highlighted a compelling on-screen chemistry but also solidified their professional relationship in the film industry.

A memorable encounter on the set of the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You led to a lasting friendship with the late Heath Ledger. The Australian introduced Joseph to the band Radiohead and to this day, the album OK Computer serves as a poignant reminder of their friendship and the time they spent together.

Finally, in a move to harness collective creativity, Joseph founded HitRecord, an innovative online platform that empowers artists to collaborate on a variety of projects. This unique production company has become a hub for creativity, producing books, short films and DVDs by bringing together diverse talents from across the globe.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's journey is a testament to a versatile talents, as well as deep personal connections and lasting commitment to fostering creativity among artists worldwide. His story reflects a life lived with passion, remembrance and a continuous push towards collaborative innovation.