Actor Sallieu Sesay chatted about appearing in John Trengove’s nihilistic thriller “Manodrome” alongside Jesse Eisenberg.
What was it like being a part of “Manodrome”?
Being part of “Manodrome” was a longtime dream coming to fruition. By the time writer/director John Trengove and I had our first zoom meeting, I had been paying my dues for eight years. So a little bit about myself – for the past eight years I’ve fully immersed myself in the world of film and TV training day in and day out with the great Ivana Chubbuck.
I’ve spent numerous hours meticulously helping my editors cut and recut my demo reels, so much that I learned the ins and outs of how to edit them myself.
All this time spent honing my skill set has led me to achieve what were once just dreams of mine. I am finding that it’s the sacrifices that I’ve made thus far that have catapulted me into this new beginning.
The sacrifices of having to commute almost an hour and a half away to attend acting and writing classes, having to ensure that I have the proper family, work and self-care balance all while continuously working on being the best version of myself.
I realize that the person who got me here will have to evolve into someone even greater, in order for me to get to where I’m going next. My downtime is never spent idling, I am constantly learning and allowing myself plenty of room for expansion whether it be reading or studying psychology.
I am a firm believer that knowledge is key, I read plenty of books that not only allow me to expand my mind but also further develop craft. I find it very fascinating to learn about shadow work and inner child work; it was unbeknownst to me when I first began this journey that I would also be starting my journey within.
One of my favorite books, which I read years ago, is Powerhouse by James Andrew Miller. Listening to how Michael Ovitz, Ron Meyer, Rowland Perkins and Bill Haber worked to build up CAA was purely inspirational.
Stories like these get my imagination going which further fuel my drive to continue striving towards achieving my goals.
So with “Manodrome” specifically, I remember my manager getting back to me and saying, “you should hear what casting is saying about you, they are saying ‘Sallieu is the next big thing’.”
I had all kinds of mixed emotions emerge, I laughed hysterically out of pure excitement and joy, and cried because the young me had arrived on where he set out to be. This booking did not just happen coincidentally – it took time for me to develop as a person and as an artist to arrive here.
Being in “Manodrome” helped to reaffirm the path that I’m on. I remember what John Trengove, Gina Gammel and Jesse Eisenberg said to me individually and collectively, I truly felt honored and completely seen by them.
They vividly saw the character I created in my audition – I broke so many rules and I didn’t do so with that intention in mind. It was done in order to display a fully fleshed out person that evidently transcended into the character.
“Manodrome” wasn’t my first set, but it was my first large scale feature film set where I had a sex scene and worked very closely with an intimacy coordinator, which I thought was very cool because it allowed for those involved to really choreograph what we would be doing on the day.
How was it working opposite Jesse Eisenberg?
Jesse is such a down to earth and humble man. He’s a very charming guy, super gifted and talented. I learned a lot about him through in-depth conversatinos. I remember many years ago, seeing him in The Social Network before the idea or the notion of “Manodrome” even existed and thinking “this guy is Mark Zuckerburg.”
Jesse is very giving. I mean, he’s an Oscar Nominated Actor and for him to be so gracious and kind to me left quite the impression and made me feel very comfortable. We discussed things such as eye lines and he’d tap in with me and ask if there was anything I needed from him.
There was absolutely no ego when working with Jesse – he was as gracious to others on set as he was to me. I mean watching him just solidified my well planted belief in the importance of kindness and humility. The quote I always say is “Kindness is Currency.”
I can’t say enough good things about Jesse Eisenberg. We talked very candidly about some very personal things and his level of vulnerability and openness astonished me.
Your character reveals a huge spoiler with Ralphie… how did that feel?
Well, in the breakdown my character is described as “strong and muscular, loves the gym” – that’s me. For me, it’s not about what I look like on the outside when I work out, it’s really about those endorphins I feel to get that natural feel good energy. “Outgoing and magnetic personality” – again me. “The most pivotal role in the film” – literally what it says.
My character is the catalyst which triggers so much. I’m a writer and director as well, so reading this made me realize this character’s magnitude. We’re addressing characters’ core wounds, flaws, and internal need.
I knew the weight of what Ahmet would do in this story and I had to make sure to flesh him out fully, which is what I did.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for the foreseeable future will always include training, reading, and self-reflection. I have goals to continue training privately with Ivana Chubbuck, Susan Batson, and Larry Moss. I mentioned previously that I write as well.
So, I have plans to produce my own feature films and tell some very personal stories which I hope will resonate with people. Reading: Continuing on my journey of self-actualization. I would love to collaborate with Jesse Eisenberg again. I think the world of the guy.
I look forward to doing Broadway in New York. I started in the theatre and I’ll always have a love for it. I remember when we would stay the night at the theatre striking our set at Wazzu (Go Cougs!).
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (Now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
I think being an actor in a digital age is interesting because it just so happens to be the age that I’m entering and making a name for myself. I don’t work aggressively on social media; however, I work very diligently in craft. I study hard.
I read from Larry Moss’ book The Intent to Live and Ivana Chubbuck’s Book The Power of The Actor. I also read Michael Shurtleff’s book repeatedly while doing my hour of cardio at the gym.
I think growing your fans organically is the best. I’ll say that.
Which actors would you like to someday work with as your dream acting partners?
Jesse Eisenberg again. I think a great friendship has begun to flourish and I want to foster its evolution. I believe in having quality relationships that nurture both parties. I would love to work with Riley Keough, I think she’s brilliant.
Before I even knew her name I would watch her incessantly on The Girlfriend Experience. She’s genius to me. Adrien Brody, who I’ve watched for years. I think he’s got a phenomenal career, is kind and knows how to support other actors which is why he works.
Loved him in Blonde most recently with Ana De Armas. I would also love to work with Ana De Armas. I really admire Thuso Mbedu and Viola Davis. Jon Bernthal is a great chameleon.
Would love to be directed in a feature written by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón, Richard Linklater, David Fincher, Ridley Scott, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Martin Scorsese.
Lastly, I’d love to be partnered with Kevin Huvane, Bryan Lourd and Joel Lubin.
You are also a registered nurse, can you tell us more about that?
It’s something I do with compassion. It sharpens my listening and people skills because in practice I work with different people from all walks of life and it’s a great way to do character study. I particularly enjoy psych.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Manodrome”? What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?
Logistically, this film has an Oscar Winner & Oscar Nominee as leads. It’s written and directed by a man whose brilliant writing and vision earned him 28 international awards for his previous film, with wins at both Sundance and Berlin. The story is bold and riveting, and lastly – I’m in it!
To learn more about Sallieu Sesay, follow him on Instagram.
