Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Capone’s Tilda Del Toro

Tilda Del Toro can do it all. Whether she’s acting, writing, producing, or directing, her talent knows no bounds. Currently, she can be seen starring opposite Tom Hardy in the Al Capone biopic Capone.

We caught up with Tilda to chat about the different facets to her talent, Capone, and why it’s important to approach storytelling from different perspectives.

Career

PC: Take us back to the beginning. How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Tilda: I had a love for all different types of media. At first, I was doing woodcut printing, watercolors, and bookmaking. I tend to have both an introvert and an extrovert in me. I started to crave more extroverted ways to express myself and started acting. I also had a love for stories and was constantly writing in my journal. Anaïs Nin inspired me with that.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tilda: So many experiences and people have influenced my career. I’ve been lucky to have such amazing teachers. Most recently, I would say Studio 4—previously James Franco Studio—and James Caan. I grew so much working with Jimmy. I found freedom in my work. I learned not to confine myself by structure but to understand it better and utilize it.

PC: You have an extensive theater background. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the stage that you’ve been able to apply to your onscreen work?
Tilda: Mistakes are gifts. On stage, if something unexpected happens, there is no turning back. And even more than allowing it, commit to it. In film, it translates so honestly. Never deny those unexpected things that happen. They are golden. That is a lesson straight from improv stages in Chicago.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re a writer, producer, and director. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Tilda: Understanding what producers, directors, and writers experience is so vital to me in my work. Show up on time. Show up prepared. Respect the writer. Bring the director’s vision forward. I have more respect for each role by being them at times, and when I am working as an actress, I am more aware. That awareness gives me comfort, and I can be a better actress because I am more free. And vice versa. I can do my job better because I understand what actors are going through when I’m writing, directing, or producing.

Capone

PC: Tell us about Capone, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Tilda: I feel really fortunate to have been cast in Capone. Capone is about a point of view and time of Al Capone’s life that is rarely mentioned or talked about. That is what drew me to the project immediately. Why are we always telling the same stories from the same points of view about people who fascinate us? Shouldn’t we ask about people’s journeys from all perspectives?

The level of work in Capone is a representation of such talented people. I feel very humbled to have worked on the film. Everyone from Tom Hardy to the director Josh Trank to Peter Deming [cinematographer], Amy Westcott [costume designer], Audrey Doyle [makeup designer]—just to name a few. It’s also supported by producers like Aaron L. Gilbert, Brenda Gilbert, and Lawrence Bender, who care so much about the artist and his/her voice.

I don’t like to talk too much about who/what Mona Lisa is in the film, but I certainly can say that Mona Lisa in this film is a strong presence, and I thought of her in a way like Lady Torrance in The Fugitive Kind. It’s best to see it in the film.

PC: The film has been very well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Tilda: I think Capone is about taking chances and committing to a new perspective. Everyone I came across working on the film was committed with such detail. There is something so refreshing about working on a project from a truthful place—not what you think people will like but what the artist’s vision is. I think everyone individually strived for that in this movie.

PC: You have a few projects coming out soon. Is there anything you can tease about those?
Tilda: At this time, my main focus in Julia, which is an indie I wrote. I will certainly keep everyone posted on the progression. I am regularly auditioning and for bigger roles now. I am super grateful.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tilda: Versailles and The Last Kingdom. Can I name two? [laughs]

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tilda: Any TV documentary movie History channel or BBC puts out about history or aristocracy. Also, Ancient Aliens! Oh my God, my secrets are out.

PC: Favorite book?
Tilda: Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth with Bill Moyers.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tilda: Chicago.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tilda: Johnny Cash.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tilda: Salma Hayek.

To keep up with Tilda, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Capone today.