When musician Moses Sumney got the call to join the ensemble of "MaXXXine," it marked an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey. This was his first real dive into acting, following his role in the HBO series "The Idol." Sumney, 32, had previously appeared on screen, but mostly as himself or in roles closely tied to his musical persona.
Sumney's transition into acting wasn't entirely out of the blue. He admired multi-talented artists like Donald Glover, who juggles acting, music, writing, and directing. “Donald Glover does a really good job acting and being a musician, but also writing and directing,” Sumney told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. “Those are the kinds of artists I appreciate the most.”
A Journey Through Horror
"MaXXXine" is the third installment in writer-director Ti West's horror trilogy, which started with "X." The prequel, "Pearl," delves into the backstory of the killer from "X." In "MaXXXine," we follow the adult film star Maxine, played by Mia Goth, as she tries to transition into mainstream movies in 1980s Hollywood. Sumney plays Leon, a video store clerk and Maxine's friend, who helps her out when she starts receiving some very creepy videotapes meant to intimidate her.
"For me as an artist, it's all about embarking on an interdisciplinary practice that focuses on storytelling through various forms of media and mediums," Sumney said. "A different form of storytelling is appropriate for every different story."
Sumney's interest in acting blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world on pause, he found himself thinking more about acting and even began studying independently from home. "I started thinking about it more and studying independently from my home while everything was shut down," Sumney said. "It's a little crazy to then have my first show and my first movie happen pretty soon after my interest in it developed."
Breaking into Hollywood
Interestingly, the role in "The Idol" was written specifically for Sumney by creators Sam Levinson, Reza Fahim, and The Weeknd. However, for "MaXXXine," he went through a more traditional audition process. "That felt really good to go up for something like a regular actor and get it," he said.
Leon, Sumney's character in "MaXXXine," resonated with him on several levels. He fondly remembered the ritual of renting videos from a store in the '90s. "Every Friday, we'd go and get three or four VHS tapes for the week," he recalled. One of his most memorable rentals was the comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire." "I watched 'Mrs. Doubtfire' a million times on VHS and just rewound and rewound," Sumney said. "I don't know why I was so obsessed with that movie."
Sumney also found parallels between himself and Maxine. Although he moved to Los Angeles decades after the film's setting, he related to her struggle to break into Hollywood and the eccentric characters she meets. "I definitely walked the late-night streets of Hollywood Boulevard many a time," he said. "Look, L.A. is a place full of clichés that prove themselves true, often."
A Personal Connection
Maxine's character is haunted by her past as a pastor's daughter, a detail that eerily mirrors Sumney's own life. His parents were pastors who moved the family to Ghana when he was 10. He lived there until he was 16. However, he doesn't think "MaXXXine" would be his parents' cup of tea due to its violent and sexual content. "My parents are probably not allowed to watch this movie," he joked. "I don't think it's up their alley."
Sumney's parents were initially skeptical about his career in the entertainment industry. They had hoped he would pursue a law degree, and he did attend the University of California for that purpose but never finished. "I kind of tricked them when I moved to L.A.," Sumney admitted. "They were resistant up until the moment that I made it."
Today, his parents are proud fans of his music. Sumney continues to create, with new music in the pipeline for release this summer. He describes his upcoming collection, set to release in July, not as a full album but more like a "mini album." "My albums tend to be quite big, so for me it's like a mini album," Sumney said. "For another person, it would be an anthology."
Exploring New Sounds
In the past, Sumney's music has spanned genres like indie rock, folk, and electro-soul. This summer, he is venturing into new sonic territory. "I'm interested in exploring R&B, like alternative R&B music in a more direct way than I ever have in the past," Sumney said. "Drums, bass, percussion, rhythm, things that make you want to move your body are all very new for me and present in this music."
Sumney’s journey from music to acting, and his continuous exploration of different artistic mediums, showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling. Whether through the haunting tales of "MaXXXine" or the rhythmic beats of his new R&B tracks, Sumney’s multifaceted artistry continues to captivate and inspire.
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