Justice Smith joins me on a zoom call from Los Angeles, ahead of a trip to the vets with his 8-month-old puppy Ashtray, who besides his acting career, is taking up all of his attention right now. “I can’t wait for her to be an old dog,” he jokes, “Puppies are a lot of expelling energy, haha!!” Speaking of energy, Smith is a blazing hot Hollywood force burning bright, having starred in the Jurassic World movies, Detective Pikachu and the upcoming epic adventure tale Dungeons & Dragons, alongside appearances in hit TV shows The Get Down and teen dramedy Genera+ion. Smith can currently be seen in Apple TV+’s neo-noir thriller, Sharper, in which the knives are out in this stylish, twisty tale of love, con artists, secrets and lies. During our chat we discovered a mutual admiration for his Sharper co-star Julianne Moore, and how we share a zodiac sign (Leo… aka attention seekers), before things got deep as we discussed the perils of how to be present and find inner happiness.

Full look **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

So, let’s talk about your new film Sharper, you play Tom, who finds himself in a whirlwind love story, and then becomes the target of some sophisticated con artists. It’s a smart, mischievous, and stylish, character-driven movie, that harks back to the old 70s and 80s twisty film capers. What drew you to the script?

Julianne Moore! I mean it was the cherry on top that the script was great, but I would’ve played a security guard or the boy next door you know, whoever, whatever, in order to work with Julianne Moore!!

She’s amazing right! What do you love about her, apart from everything?

She’s one of my favourite actresses and Boogie Nights (which she stars in), is my all-time favourite movie, and she’s incredible in it. Working with her exceeded my expectations because she’s so kind and interested in getting to know you in between set-ups and it was like an indirect masterclass working with her, watching her craft this character right in front of my eyes. She does this thing where she’ll say her line and then she’ll tweak it or say it in a different way, and just mould her character unapologetically. As a young actor, there’s this myth that to be respected and good at what you do, your process has to be private – like you’ve been in a dark room with candles taking notes on your script, and then come to work and when they say action, that’s when you do your thing. Julianne was like, ‘just try things and take risks’, and it really inspired me to be more into my process and see what happens in the moment.

Vest & sweater **Raf Simons**, pants **Colbo NY**, loafers **Acne Studios**

So that process of being present, in the moment, how did you apply it to your character in this film?

It’s ironic really, because I went into this film with that mentality, and it’s the first film I’ve done where I really decided to prioritise presence over preparation. When I met Julianne, it was almost kismet, because I’m sure she has her own behind-the-scenes process, but watching her bring it to the forefront, was kind of what I set out to do on this film. So, I got to see it in action, professionally, in her ability to be present. So, for me that would look like I did my initial pass of the script and tried for the character arc and took my notes and had my conversations. Then when we started shooting, I didn’t pick my script up again, and I would just focus on the scene of that day, and learn my lines on set, because I can learn my lines really quickly – so that would mean I wouldn’t have any preconceived notions of how I was going to say things, and then I would just respond to whoever my scene partner was that day. It was also easy to do when you have such an incredible cast to work with, all you have to do is really listen to what they’re giving you and respond accordingly.

The movie’s story really highlights how far people will go in terms of ambition and greed, and the divides between love and money, rich and poor. Were you able to relate to the deception in it though, and bring that human sensibility of passing through different worlds to get somewhere or achieve something?

I’ll try and answer this without fully spoiling the movie!! I think there is a parallel between what happens in the film and what’s happening in our culture, like the ways in which we curate ourselves to make people believe we are something we’re not. That’s the mission statement of social media, it’s like ‘how can I present myself in a way to get people to like me’? In the case of this movie, obviously the intention is a little more devious, but that’s like a familiar sentiment for everybody, in that understanding of how to play a certain role in order to get what you want. I related to that, but when it came to the scenes of duality – like holding on to the character’s intention, what I’m saying, thinking about what the audience is going to experience, how to play that honestly so I don’t give anything away… that was difficult! You’re playing it in an ambiguous state, and I think the key to that is just playing the truth of the scene honestly, as if your character actually believes what they’re saying, even though you know that might not be the case. It allows the audience to go on the ride with you.

Away from the camera, you’re the opposite of someone who’s fame or money-driven… as I read that you prefer to follow your heart creatively in terms of perfecting your art. So, are you at a point now where you can happily say no to things, and what kind of passion projects are you keen to really dive into?

100%. I prefer projects that cross my path which light me up, where there is a physical change in my body when I think about being a part of it. That’s the instinct that I’m trying to listen to, but it’s a constant battle, because this business is infectious, in the way that there are a lot of people in it that are pursuing a cheque or popularity. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, I used to, but now I’ve met amazing actors who’ve said upfront that they want to be famous and make money, and if that’s what gets you there through being driven and talented, then that’s a great motivation for them. For me though, I find this push and pull between doing things that light me up, as I have to make money to provide for my family like everyone under capitalism, but I know if I do a project of a higher profile, it will allow me to do more passion projects in the future. So, there is a strategy that comes with all of this, to get me from point A to point B.

Has it been hard at times, navigating the industry? How has your own journey evolved in terms of your process and absorbing and learning the techniques of your craft?

You have no idea!! I wish you could answer this question for me!! I’m still in the thick of it trying to figure out the formula to a happy, successful career. It’s really case by case, as my process changes depending on the film, and that I realised early on. It’s not going to be like for one film I might be method acting so I’ll do that for every single thing, no. It really depends on what I need from that character for that project. Like I mentioned earlier, with Sharper I really prioritised presence, and I incorporated that into other films that came afterwards. Before all of that, I was prioritising immersion and trying to set up my life in a way that influenced the psychology of my character, so when I got to set, I didn’t really have to do much. On other sets I would just prioritise joy, like ‘am I having fun on this project?’, or my performance and the experience for me as a person. I think in the ever-changing nature of my process, from project to project, I’ve realised that the way I choose projects is going to be different each time, from choosing it based on the character, or the story, or the cast or director, or if it’s a good cheque! I’m trying to be ok with not knowing how to approach every single thing, and that’s the hardest part, being ok with nothing being fixed.

But then work and life in general is not meant to be fixed is it, we can’t know or predict how things will be and how you’ll approach a situation when you get there?

Right, and I can’t grapple with that truth!

Denim jacket, jeans & slippers **MM6 Maison Margiela**, button-down **Christian Dior x Colbo NY**, all jewelry **Bernard James**

So, looking back over the characters you’ve played, and those different priorities, from enjoyment or just getting paid megabucks! What’s been your favourite role you’ve really connected with?

I just did this movie which hasn’t been announced yet so I can’t talk about it, but it was perfect in every sense of the word, because the experience and people were amazing! I got to shoot in LA where I live and I got to play a character which is the closest ever to myself and my own journey, and I can’t wait for people to see it! Even if they don’t like it, I’m so grateful for the experience to be part of it and I use it as a backdrop for choosing projects now, like, ‘is this going to be as good as the other one…?’

So, we’ll be chatting again when it finally comes out?

Yes, you’re going to have to talk to me! I really want to talk about it but you know, I can’t!

Left Full look **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**
Right Leather jacket over-head **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**, leather top **Prada**, bracelet **Bernard James**

Let’s rewind back to being a kid for a minute. Did this love of storytelling originate in your childhood, like escapism into other worlds, did it all start the acting bug?

Oh yeah, 100%! I knew I wanted to be an actor since I could form memories, and I was always interested in playing pretend, and being in all the school plays, and I used to play games that were imagination based, like superheroes and villains. I got fixated on lying too!

Do you think it could also be a ‘Leo’ thing? I’m the same zodiac sign, and we Leo’s like attention?

That couldn’t be truer, I love attention, and I’m learning to be ok with that! I mean I pursued acting, but I was also into writing and theatre and video games for escapism, and I still am. I think one of my biggest lessons in life is to find the magic in reality and be ok with being present… there you are, we’re full circle again, haha!

Full look **ERL**, boots **Raf Simons**, necklace **Bernard James**

Is there a writer / director in you then, with a story you would love to tell audiences in the future?

Yes, I’ve been teetering that line for a minute now, and I wrote a short film that I was going to direct as a kind of intro into that world, because I’ve been feeling called to it. But again, I’m realising the reality is that it’s not fully what I expected it to be. There’s a lot of shit that I don’t want to do around directing, but the act of creating something from my brain and seeing it to fruition is something I’m really interested in.

What about music, are you going to put out any new stuff?

Yes definitely, I’ve been working on the same song for a year now! You know, I have all of this creativity and I’m always saying I feel like something could be good if I could make it happen, but it’s actually understanding the steps to making it happen, or the commitment it requires, that’s a wall for me right now. With acting, someone comes to get you and you know what you’re going to do and just do it. When it’s your own baby though, it’s hard to nurture it and do it yourself.

You’ve got a long to-do list ahead of you then…

Well, I want to do more music, cross the threshold into directing, and write more… but I have to get my own spirit right first. I’m not completely happy yet, and I think that’s preventing me believing in myself, because I’m grappling with being happy.

Vest & sweater **Raf Simons**, pants **Colbo NY**

Is that maybe why you seek some of the answers from life philosophers like Yung Pueblo, because he’s the only person you follow on IG?

That’s such a good question… I have therapy tomorrow and maybe I can get back to you on that one, haha! Literally right now in this second, I’m coming off a revelation that I have been making quite a bit of space for other people in my life, and I try to take the high road a lot of the time, but I think it leads to resentment. So, I’m realising the only person who’s looking out for me in this life is me, and that I need to prioritise my own comfort in relationships. I hate that I’m about to quote my own tweet that I wrote the other day… haha! but I don’t want to be on my death bed and be like, I’m so happy I lived my life for everyone else. I want to be able to say I made myself happy and really stood up for myself in this life. So, I guess that’s the wave I’m riding right now, and we’ll see how it goes.

I’m sure you’ll figure it all out Justice, meanwhile, it’s been lovely talking with you…

Likewise, this was a real heavy session, haha!

Well now you don’t need therapy tomorrow…

Exactly, haha!