During a recent interview on “Jake’s Takes,” actor Matt Damon shared a personal experience of struggling with depression while filming a movie that didn’t turn out as he had hoped. Although he didn’t mention the specific film, Damon expressed the emotional toll it took on him, especially considering his commitment and sacrifices for the project.
“Sometimes, without naming any particular movies, you find yourself in a situation where you realize the movie might not live up to your expectations, yet you’re still involved in its production,” Damon revealed. He further explained, “I remember reaching the midpoint of filming, realizing there were still several months ahead, and feeling depressed about the situation and questioning my choices.”
Damon credited his wife for helping him through this challenging period. Reflecting on her support, he said, “She reminded me that we were in this together and should make the most of our time here. I take pride in being a professional actor; part of that is giving everything you have, even when you know the outcome might not be what you desire. She truly helped me maintain a positive attitude.”
While Damon didn’t disclose the specific movie that caused his depression, he has previously been open about working on films that turned out differently from what he expected. One example is the 2016 film “The Great Wall,” directed by Zhang Yimou, which received negative reviews and faced controversy due to its white savior narrative. Damon portrayed a European mercenary who joins forces with imperial Chinese soldiers to combat an alien threat. Despite its $150 million budget, the film struggled to surpass $50 million at the U.S. box office.
Regarding his experience working on “The Great Wall,” Damon stated during a 2021 interview on the “WTF” podcast, “I realized this is how disasters happen. The movie didn’t come together. It didn’t work as a cohesive whole.”
Damon said, “Being a professional actor means recognizing when you’re in a less-than-ideal project and giving your all. It’s a disheartening experience.
In his upcoming film, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Damon takes on the role of Leslie Groves, the director of the Manhattan Project. The highly anticipated atomic bomb epic is set to hit theaters on July 21, distributed by Universal Pictures.
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