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Scott Cooper began his career straight out of the hills of Virginia by landing in New York and studying at the Lee Strasberg institute. It wouldn’t take him long to gravitate towards writing, and eventually directing. He mentions his most influential mentors as Robert Duvall, and William Friedkin. One thing you’ll likely get from listening to our interview is what a genuinely nice person he is. That goes a long way in any business, but especially so in Hollywood. Cooper has made three major films, Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace and now, Black Mass – which is his best film yet. Like Out of the Furnace, it’s not an easy sit but portrays the mob as the cold, opportunistic killers that they were.
We talked for about thirty minutes about his career, working with Johnny Depp, his inspirations and why he still has enough fight in him to keep going, even if giving the people what they want can sometimes run counter to the kinds of films he sets out to make.
Have a listen!