Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of Harvey Keitel. But in the ten years of running Collider, for whatever reason, I’ve never had the opportunity to talk with this gifted actor. So when Fox Searchlight emailed and asked if I’d like to speak with him for director Paolo Sorrentino’s new drama Youth, you could say I jumped at the chance.

If you’re not familiar with the film, Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel star as lifelong friends vacationing in the Swiss Alps who consider retirement, look back on their lives, and ponder what the future holds. Youth also stars Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, and Jane Fonda and is currently playing in limited release. For more on the film, watch the trailer or read Talia’s review.

During the interview Keitel talked about what he’ll remember about making Youth, the way he likes to work on set, if his preparation process changed throughout his career, the common traits he’s noticed among great filmmakers, how he prepared to play a pimp for Taxi Driver, why he considers it a reward when people approach him about his work, and so much more. Check out what he had to say below.


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Harvey Keitel:

  • With such an impressive resume, what do people most want to talk to him about when they see him on the street?
  • Talks about why he considers it a reward when people approach him about his work.
  • Is there a day or two from making Youth that he’ll always remember?
  • What the atmosphere like on set?
  • How has his preparation process changed throughout his career?
  • Is there a part of his method that he’s done for his entire career?
  • Is there a common trait he’s noticed among the great filmmakers?
  • How many takes does he prefer to do?
  • Does it make him crazy to do 20 or 30 takes?
  • What’s the most he’s ever done to prepare for a role?
  • Talks about how he prepared to play a pimp for Taxi Driver.
  • Has he ever been involved in the editing process?
  • Was there ever a film that ended up totally different from what he was expecting?

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