Diego Calva Reflects on His Post-'Babylon' Journey and Upcoming Cannes Films
Shonda RhimesProlific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.
Diego Calva, the Mexican actor who rose to international prominence with his captivating performance in "Babylon," is navigating a dynamic period in his career. After an initial struggle to define his path following the highly-anticipated film's mixed reception, Calva has found renewed energy and purpose. He is now set to grace the Cannes Film Festival with two new projects: "Club Kid" and "Her Private Hell," marking a significant return to the spotlight since his 2022 breakout. This current phase reflects a conscious effort to select roles and collaborations that align with his artistic vision, leading to a year of remarkable professional growth and critical acclaim.
Calva's journey post-"Babylon" has been one of thoughtful consideration rather than immediate capitalize on his newfound fame. Despite the film's box office challenges and divisive reviews, his portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination, igniting curiosity about his next moves. He admits to facing the common dilemma of rising stars: to accelerate or to pause and reflect. His decision to take a measured approach has seemingly paid off, as evidenced by his recent success in the second season of "The Night Manager," where his performance was notably impactful, including a scene lauded as one of the year's most compelling. This careful cultivation of his career has prepared him for the upcoming premieres at Cannes.
His participation in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with two distinct roles highlights his versatility. In "Club Kid," Calva embodies a compassionate love interest, working alongside director and star Jordan Firstman. The film explores themes of mid-life coming-of-age and personal transformation, resonating deeply with Calva's own experiences as a thirty-something. He emphasizes the collaborative and intimate process of developing his character, Oscar, drawing from personal anecdotes and fostering a strong rapport with Firstman. This approach, he notes, allowed for a tender portrayal of a love story that prioritizes emotional connection over explicit content.
Concurrently, Calva immersed himself in "Her Private Hell," the long-awaited return of director Nicolas Winding Refn. He recounts the unique and unconventional creative process under Refn's guidance, describing a fluid script that evolved during filming and a direction style heavily influenced by music. Refn's method, which involved continuously playing specific songs to evoke desired emotions, fostered an environment of improvisation and a focus on the actors' inherent essence rather than strict adherence to dialogue. Calva found this liberating, appreciating Refn's disregard for his accent and pronunciation, which allowed for a more authentic performance. His collaboration with co-star Sophie Thatcher, based on shared musical tastes and an appreciation for her profound screen presence, further enriched the experience.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Calva acknowledges the challenges of transitioning into the American and European film industries after his success in Mexico. The rapid pace and unfamiliar landscape initially presented a steep learning curve. However, through careful decision-making and surrounding himself with a supportive team, he has learned to navigate these waters with greater confidence and curiosity. He values working with individuals who share his artistic and political perspectives, finding that this alignment reduces pressure and fuels his creative drive. The prospect of moving to Los Angeles, a city he describes with a mix of apprehension and affection, represents another potential step in his evolving journey, symbolizing a deepening commitment to his craft.
Calva’s artistic aspirations extend beyond acting, with an enduring interest in writing and directing. He holds a profound admiration for filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar, Martin Scorsese, Lynne Ramsay, Andrea Arnold, and Natalia Beristáin, expressing a desire to collaborate with them in the future. Despite his growing international recognition, he maintains a grounded perspective, frequently returning to his roots in Mexico City and cherishing the humility instilled by his friends. His presence at Cannes, especially during a year when Almodóvar also has a new film premiering, symbolizes a full-circle moment for the actor, who once sought out Cannes-selected movies at his local video store. His journey underscores the importance of intentional choices, collaborative spirit, and a persistent passion for the art of filmmaking.
