Matt Damon visited Criterion Channel's video series to discuss his favorite films and the artistic lessons they taught him. The actor revealed that Steven Soderbergh, his frequent collaborator on projects like the Ocean's franchise and "The Bourne" series, instilled in him a philosophy of constant creative evolution. "You want to keep pushing," Damon explained, capturing Soderbergh's ethos of refusing to settle into comfortable repetition.
Damon demonstrated his cinematic literacy by citing specific influences. He praised Kenneth Lonergan's "You Can Count on Me" as a masterclass in intimate character work, highlighting how the film's emotional restraint and naturalistic dialogue shaped his approach to performance. He also referenced the late River Phoenix's transformative role in Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho," acknowledging how Phoenix's vulnerability and authenticity informed his own craft.
The actor didn't shy away from discussing technical acting choices either. He noted borrowing vocal inflections from Tommy Lee Jones' Oscar-winning turn in the Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men," demonstrating how actors study and absorb techniques from peers across different projects.
Criterion's "Closet" series invites filmmakers and performers to explore their personal film collections and explain which movies shaped their artistic vision. Damon's appearance underscores his identity as a thoughtful cinephile rather than merely a marquee name. His references span indie dramas, prestige westerns, and accessible mainstream work, reflecting the eclectic tastes that likely inform his selective approach to choosing roles.
The conversation positions Damon within a lineage of serious actors who study film rigorously. His emphasis on perpetual growth echoes broader conversations in contemporary Hollywood about artisanal filmmaking and the importance of collaboration with visionary directors like Soderbergh, who has consistently challenged actors to expand their range across multiple genres and formats.