Benicio del Toro, a highly regarded veteran actor, admitted feeling anxious about collaborating once more with director Wes Anderson for their latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, especially after Anderson’s initial comments about his role. This reunion, which follows their previous work on The French Dispatch, placed del Toro directly in the spotlight and highlighted just how carefully Anderson crafts his films, making the experience both challenging and exhilarating for the actor.
Del Toro felt uneasy after Anderson’s early remarks about his role
Although Benicio del Toro is no stranger to demanding productions, the suggestion from Wes Anderson that his character would be featured “in every shot” of The Phoenician Scheme left del Toro apprehensive. The actor, known for significant performances in films like Sicario and The Usual Suspects, interpreted Anderson’s remark quite literally due to the director’s meticulous attention to detail in visual storytelling. For del Toro, the thought of being on camera at all times brought a sense of intimidation, particularly given the film’s intense and shadowy espionage tone.
Despite his initial nerves, del Toro found himself invigorated when he read the screenplay, appreciating the layered narrative crafted by Anderson and Roman Coppola. He expressed his excitement about the complexity and motivation the role provided:
Anyone would love to play a character like that
—Benicio del Toro, Actor
He never put it that way [to me]. I think had he done that, I would’ve got real scared. I was scared, but not that scared. The script was so good. It really was like a motivational pill. Anyone would love to play a character like that. I think all the characters, Michael’s, Mia’s, myself, they all have arcs and that’s really exciting for an actor. That’s always a challenge and fun.
—Benicio del Toro, Actor
For del Toro, the captivating story and well-developed character arcs, including those portrayed by Michael and Mia, added to the allure. While he entered the project with some fear sparked by Anderson’s early description, the finished script quickly turned that apprehension into enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
Learning curve with Anderson’s unconventional direction
Even with his experience on The French Dispatch, del Toro encountered creative differences during The Phoenician Scheme. One scene in particular tested his comfort—the overhead bathtub shot during the opening credits. Anderson asked del Toro’s character, Korda, to move unnaturally fast within that moment, a direction that initially puzzled the seasoned actor. Accustomed to providing constructive feedback on set, del Toro questioned whether the rapid actions matched the intended slow-motion effect on screen.
So if I’m smoking, I got to smoke fast. If I eat, I got to eat fast. So I said [to Anderson], ‘What? I mean, doesn’t that defeat the purpose? If you’re doing it in slow motion, we might as well shoot it normal.’ And he said, ‘No, no, no, it’s going to be different.’ I said, ‘Okay.’
—Benicio del Toro, Actor
Despite his reservations, del Toro trusted Anderson and went ahead with the director’s vision, dedicating long hours to get the scene right. The resulting shot proved to be a striking visual and narrative highlight, setting the stage for the rest of the film and demonstrating once more why Anderson and del Toro’s collaborations are celebrated among cinema enthusiasts.
The impact of The Phoenician Scheme on cast and audience
The Phoenician Scheme pushes its cast, including Michael and Mia, to engage in emotionally rich performances and navigate complex character development. Del Toro, who previously offered input into character direction for Denis Villeneuve in Sicario, brought his insights to this film as well, continually seeking to refine his portrayal of Korda and align with Anderson’s unique directorial style. Working with Roman Coppola and Anderson on the screenplay provided a framework for the cast to explore their roles with depth, while still adhering to the distinctive Wes Anderson aesthetic.
The film’s release adds another acclaimed entry to both del Toro’s and Anderson’s careers. As the duo continue to experiment and challenge one another, The Phoenician Scheme not only highlights their creative synergy but also sets a high bar for future collaborations in the genre of espionage thrillers.
Currently playing in theatres, The Phoenician Scheme invites audiences into an intricately crafted world, with Benicio del Toro’s portrayal of Korda earning attention for capturing vulnerability, conflict, and the charged energy of Anderson’s vision. The project underscores the actor’s willingness to push himself and demonstrates the continuing allure of director-actor partnerships when both are willing to step out of their comfort zones.
