It’s hard to fathom that Dylan McTee made his television debut in Sweet/Vicious. It’s one of the most transformative performances that you’ll see anywhere. And a profound statement that Dylan is an actor to keep your eye on. He showed fearless ambition, taking on a role that many wouldn’t. His character was at the center of the story but for all the wrong reasons. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Dylan about taking on the role of Nate Griffin, his hopes for season two, and his upcoming projects.
PC: What drew you to the project? How did you prepare?
Dylan: I think what initially drew me to the part was my uncertainty as to whether or not I could actually do it. Then, once I agreed to the role, I was overwhelmed by this feeling of responsibility—a responsibility to show this type of person, this specific person, that really exists in the world.
Almost all of my preparation involved getting down to what makes people, often good, do bad things. I looked at rape in the animal kingdom, at the way we raise our men to perform a certain identity, what it means to be a man, etc.. I read Jon Krakauer’s Missoula and watched The Hunting Ground. I wanted to do a lot of research because, honestly, I didn’t know much.
What eventually happened during my preparation was that Nate broke my heart. I know that sounds strange because we all hate him, but I found a sort of tragedy to his life. There’s a great feeling of isolation within his narcissism. He seems to have everything, but I felt he was empty and so would stop at nothing to feel some sort of power. A lot of people are stuck in this hellish reality of power.
PC: When developing your character, did you have any conversations with the creators about Nate’s back story?
Dylan: We had many conversations about how Nate has been conditioned to the point of actually believing he’s done nothing wrong in raping Jules. From that reality, I took it upon myself to imagine where he comes from. I felt he came from a very wealthy, powerful family. He’s had some serious, deeply-rooted familial problems in a superficial rather dark household. The extent of which I hope to explore more of.
PC: Were you ever nervous about playing Nate? And what was the biggest challenge you faced?
Dylan: Well, this was my first job…ever. So, yes, I was nervous! Very nervous. But that all faded away once I really started working with this amazing group of creators. One of which included my best friend, Taylor (Ophelia). Thank God we had each other to lean on.
I’d say the biggest challenge was making Nate more than just Mr. Bad Guy. The challenge lay in embracing him and finding these deeper dimensions. A great mentor of mine once told me that to be a good actor is to be a good person. Really taking on this perspective and fighting for what he believes in was quite the task, given the circumstances. I think that’s something we we all need to do more of, actually. We are surrounded my so many bad people. Rarely do we actually take the time to contemplate why they are the way they are and how we might actually be very similar to them. So, it was my greatest challenge, yes, but also the most enriching. It’s why I love this job.
PC: Do you think Nate has any redeeming qualities?
Dylan: I think everyone does. People always have the ability to surprise you. He’s obviously deeply affected by the end of this season. He’s very dangerous and could cause a lot of harm, but I do sometimes wonder what would happen if he really faced what he’s done and perhaps even accept it. What then would he do? It’s anyone’s guess.
PC: It’s your first television role since graduating college, what did you learn from the experience?
Dylan: I learned that I have much more to learn. I’m just getting started, and I’m in this for life!
PC: If you could play any other character on the show, who would it be and why?
Dylan: Ophelia, hands down. I find her fascinating. Strong but vulnerable. All that weed and good music. She knows how to have a good time.
PC: What do you hope to explore next season with Nate?
Dylan: Well, next season isn’t officially announced, but I’d love to get to explore more of how we systematically produce our young men to act in such a way. The other side of this epidemic. I think there’s much more to explore in that realm. In fact, I think it’s there that we might find the crux of the greater problem.
PC: Tell us a bit about The Here and Now. How did you get involved?
Dylan: THAN (The Here and Now) is a miniseries about four intersecting college students, all struggling in the face of adulthood. I play a writing major from Arizona named Landon who is dealing with alcoholism as well as the loss of a loved one. This project is what one might call a passion project. We picked up some cameras and just shot it. Like, the scene where I’m walking through a frat party is actually a frat party. We walked into this huge party—everyone is wasted and dancing—and I remember the cinematographer and I locked eyes, and I was just like, “Turn it on.” We just wanted to see what would happen. There was so much freedom while shooting. I’m always looking for that in any project. It was so much fun.
PC: What similarities/differences do you share with Landon?
Dylan: I’d rather not share too many specifics about my own life, but I’d say we are both the type of person that might scream at the sky, asking “WHY?!”
Watch Dylan’s Episode Below:
The Here and Now E2: "Landon" from The Here and Now on Vimeo.
PC: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Dylan: When I was a kid, I really wanted to be a magician. And then a plastic surgeon—that one’s sort of weird. I guess I’ve always been obsessed with people’s ability to change or expand themselves. There wasn’t a “moment” but rather a childhood full of dreaming that organically became what is now a profession.
PC: Who is someone you’d like to work with in the future?
Dylan: Daniel Day-Lewis. I think he’s the greatest actor we’ve ever had. What an honor that would be.
PC: Do you have a dream role?
Dylan: Holden Caulfield has always been a dream role of mine. I also want to play Hamlet. I want to play someone who is homeless. And someone who is blind. Also, an alien.
PC: Where can fans see you next?
Dylan: Surfing. Also, I have a film called Midnighters that is coming out soon.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Dylan: Green Porno—Isabella Rosilini’s Sundance masterpiece. Look it up. You’re welcome. (maybe don’t go to the images section)
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Dylan: The Devil Wears Prada
PC: Favorite book?
Dylan: Grapes of Wrath
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Dylan: All My Sons
PC: Favorite social media platform?
Dylan: Myspace
PC: A band or artist people would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dylan: Bright Eyes
PC: Hidden talent?
Dylan: Whistling. One of my life goals is to whistle in a someone’s song. Shoutout to my life goal.
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