From Men's Health · Evan Romano · · 2m
Steve Buscemi’s Secret to Stealing a Scene
Steve Buscemi explains how to steal scenes in films with his unique approach to character depth and chemistry.
In brief
Steve Buscemi explains how to steal scenes in films with his unique approach to character depth and chemistry. Steve Buscemi shares his method for making supporting roles feel lived-in through character focus and collaboration. Originally reported by Men's Health.
Steve Buscemi’s eyes
Steve Buscemi’s eyes, like the sun, are warm and thoughtful even when he isn’t animated.
Wild Horse Nine
Wild Horse Nine follows CIA officers Chris and Lee visiting Easter Island in Chile ahead of a 1973 coup.
Steve Buscemi’s role
Buscemi plays MJ, a morally dubious boss to Chris and Lee in Wild Horse Nine.
The Big Lebowski
Buscemi won a Golden Globe for his role in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and appeared in The Big Lebowski.
Character focus
Buscemi says he cares most about the part he plays, not how big it is or how much screen time it has.
Frank Capra’s influence
Buscemi read Frank Capra’s autobiography, The Name Above the Title, to understand character depth.
Wild Horse Nine production
Buscemi filmed Wild Horse Nine with John Turturro in New York and John Malkovich in Chile.
Easter Island filming
Buscemi filmed on Easter Island, where horses and wild animals roam freely.
CIA research
Buscemi read a book on the CIA that was disheartening but informed his character MJ’s ambition.
Genre flexibility
Buscemi has worked in independent films, comedies, TV, and studio movies without being confined to one genre.
Close friendships
Buscemi has close friendships with John Turturro and John Malkovich from past collaborations.
The Big Lebowski reunion
Buscemi, John Malkovich, and Jeff Bridges met for dinner after The Big Lebowski’s release.
Wild Horse Nine monologue
Buscemi has a monologue at the end of Wild Horse Nine where he tells Sam’s character the story’s outcome.
Mark Boone Junior
Buscemi credits Mark Boone Junior with teaching him acting and writing through theater.
The Only Living Pickpocket
Buscemi plays a key role in The Only Living Pickpocket in New York with John Turturro.
Wild Horse Nine release
Wild Horse Nine is a darkly comedic thriller from Martin McDonagh, released in 2024.
The headline
Steve Buscemi shares his method for making supporting roles feel lived-in through character focus and collaboration.
