Cory Michael Smith continues to captivate audiences with his undeniable charm and remarkable depth as an actor. As he transitions between diverse projects, his ability to surprise and engage remains a consistent thread. Fresh off completing two films this spring – the rapid-turnaround project Mountainhead, helmed by Succession‘s Jesse Armstrong, and a role in Joachim Trier’s quietly profound Sentimental Value – Smith is now set to star in A24’s forthcoming thriller, October, under the direction of Jeremy Saulnier. In this introspective moment between projects, he shares insights into refining his craft, deepening his artistic process, and embracing new challenges.
The Genesis of a Character: Internal vs. External
When preparing for a role, Smith’s creative process is often influenced by the project’s timeline. He recounts the experience of shooting Mountainhead, a film for which he was brought on with only four weeks’ notice and a script finalized just two weeks prior to filming. “Jesse is a master of language,” Smith notes, describing the intensity of working with such a dense script.
While external factors can shape the initial approach, Smith’s fundamental connection to a character stems from an emotional resonance. “Usually, when I’m reading a script, I first have an emotional connection to the character because of what they’re experiencing or because their history seems interesting to me,” he explains. Even when portraying characters who make questionable choices, Smith finds it compelling to explore their motivations, seeking to understand the underlying reasons for their actions. He enjoys imbuing characters who make difficult decisions with sensitivity, vulnerability, or an air of mystery.
A Defining Moment: The Path Forward
The acting career is marked by the pursuit of desired roles, a competitive endeavor where triumph often feels like a confluence of being in the “right place at the right time.” For Smith, the upcoming A24 feature October, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, represents a significant potential turning point. “At this point, it feels like the biggest shift,” he states. Describing the project as a “crazy script” with an “excellent filmmaker,” Smith acknowledges the immense responsibility of leading this film. The genre—an action-thriller fugitive film set during Halloween—and the character’s distinct physical and spiritual departure from his previous roles signify a new frontier. The summer leading up to filming is dedicated to embodying this new persona.
Influential Collaborations: Shaping Artistic Vision
Smith credits numerous directors with shaping his career. His recent experience on Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, which premiered at Cannes, offered a valuable lesson in directorial community-building. Trier’s approach, characterized by long, luxurious shooting times and a focus on collaborative creation, stood in contrast to the more time-is-money pace often found in the U.S. system. Smith appreciated the opportunity to simply observe Trier’s distinct method.
Furthermore, Smith’s work with Todd Haynes on three films—Carol, Wonderstruck, and May December—provided early and profound mentorship. Haynes’s meticulous attention to detail, evident in his extensive visual preparation through photo books, deeply impressed Smith. “There was so much trust from Todd for the actors to bring that feeling,” Smith recalls, highlighting Haynes’s ability to imbue every aspect of the production with emotion while simultaneously trusting his actors to deliver their performances authentically. The repeated invitation to collaborate with Haynes is, for Smith, “the best compliment a director can give.”
Aspirations: Exploring New Genres and Roles
Looking ahead, Smith expresses a desire to explore romantic leads, a genre he has not extensively pursued but sees as fertile ground for storytelling. He emphasizes the universal importance of love, desire, and understanding in human experience. Beyond romance, Smith remains open to all genres, actively seeking roles that offer a departure from his previous work. He notes a particular interest in sophisticated horror films, having never ventured into that genre, and a continued enthusiasm for period pieces.
A Moment of Calm: Reflecting on the Tide
Currently in a period of preparation before the filming of October, Smith likens his emotional state to the quiet repose of a bay when the tide recedes, revealing a vast expanse of beach. He describes this phase as “peaceful and quiet,” a deliberate pause to meticulously prepare for the “momentous, exciting, and eventful” undertaking ahead. This period of intentional stillness allows him to “breathe slowly” and ensure he is ready when the tide of his career inevitably turns.
Interview by Kar Aslan
Photography by Cristian Hunter
Fashion by Sandra Benbaruk
EIC Michael Marson
Casting by Imagemachine cs
Executive Production SB#11 Studio NYC
Grooming by Jessica Ortiz at Kalpana
Retouching by Journal Lunaire Studio
Photographer’s assistants Jovin Dsouza, Joan Vitores and Shannon O’Connor
Stylist’s assistants Hye Na Ro, Jin Oh Kim and Mir Nazeeba