British actor Harris Dickinson, known for his performances in Babygirl and Triangle of Sadness, took an uncharted path when directing his debut feature film Urchin, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Dickinson openly admits he approached the project without a clear plan or blueprint, describing his process as a mix of ambition, naivety, and simply learning by doing. As a first-time director, he embraced the uncertainty and challenges of filmmaking with an instinctive approach rather than a defined formula.
Urchin tells the story of Mike, a homeless man struggling to escape destructive cycles in London. The character, played by British actor Frank Dillane—known for his role in Fear the Walking Dead—was inspired by real people Dickinson encountered while working with homeless charities. Dickinson wrote the screenplay with the intent to portray a realistic, nuanced view of a man grappling with deep personal struggles. He credits the influence of social-realist filmmakers like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh for shaping his storytelling approach, aiming to capture the complexities of life with honesty and depth.
A key goal for Dickinson was to depict the full spectrum of Mike’s experience, balancing hardship with moments of levity and humanity. This multidimensional portrayal was central to the film’s emotional impact. Dillane, preparing for his role, immersed himself in the character by visiting a prison and consulting with advisers alongside Dickinson. He emphasized the responsibility he felt to authentically represent vulnerability, saying he sought to live with Mike’s feelings and the film’s themes as deeply as possible.
Urchin has received widespread acclaim and is competing in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, noted for its strong selection this year that includes debut films by actors Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Stewart. Dickinson’s rising profile is further bolstered by his casting as John Lennon in one of four upcoming Beatles-themed films directed by Sam Mendes, set for release in April 2028.
At 28 years old, Dickinson expresses gratitude for his career trajectory but remains focused on future projects, stating that keeping busy helps him avoid dwelling too much on the past. His leap into directing and continued acting roles mark him as a versatile and ambitious talent to watch.
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