In a recent interview with Variety, Hollywood star Bradley Cooper shared insights into his transition from acting to directing, attributing the ease of the shift to his distinctive approach to filmmaking cultivated over two decades in the industry.
Cooper, who made his directorial debut with the acclaimed “A Star Is Born” in 2018, expressed gratitude to filmmakers who recognized his atypical mindset, stating, “I don’t think like an actor – I actually think in terms of the whole story.” He described his role as akin to a quarterback, intimately familiar with the intricacies of the script and the overall narrative.
The actor-turned-director emphasized that directing felt like a “natural transition” for him, citing his extensive experience on set as a valuable learning ground. Cooper highlighted the importance of being actively involved in the filmmaking process, explaining, “I learned how to help the director by being on the field.”
In a departure from conventional set dynamics, Cooper revealed his aversion to chairs on the set of his latest project, “Maestro.” He explained, “When I direct, I don’t watch playback. There’s no chairs. I’ve always hated chairs on sets; your energy dips the minute you sit down in a chair. There’s no video village.”
Cooper’s directorial debut, featuring pop sensation Lady Gaga, provided a unique collaborative experience. Reflecting on their partnership, he shared with Screen Daily, “We were both entering into worlds we didn’t know, and each person had been very comfortable in their world for at least a decade – or two, in my case.”
Their mutual support and honesty, according to Cooper, created a dynamic where they could provide each other with valuable feedback. “I hope that gave her comfort in the way she gave me comfort,” he remarked. “I knew right away we were going to tell each other the truth; there’s no reason not to because eventually everybody’s going to say what they really think.”
