IN CONVERSATION WITH FINN COLE
interview by JANA LETONJA
Finn Cole just starred in the survival thriller ‘Last Breath’, which premiered this February. Prior to that, Finn starred in critically acclaimed projects like ‘Peaky Blinders’, TNT’s ‘Animal Kingdom’, ‘Dreamland’, ‘F9’, and ‘Locked In’.
blazer, trousers and sunglasses PAUL SMITH
shirt SUNSPEL
belt, jewellery and bandana STYLIST’S OWN
You just starred in ‘Last Breath’, based on a true survival story. What was your reaction when you first read the script and learned about Chris Lemons’ experience?
I was thrilled. I had watched the documentary, so when I found out they were making a movie, I couldn’t resist. My dad was an avid scuba diver, and we both loved the documentary, so the prospect of me taking on a role like this was a dream come true. The script was fast-paced and featured well-rounded characters, so I knew it had the potential to be a great movie.
Playing a character in such a high-stakes, life-or-death scenario must have been intense. How did you prepare for the role, especially for the underwater sequences?
It was an incredibly intense underwater shoot schedule, so training was paramount. We collaborated with Dive Med in Malta, who helped us reach a standard of safety and comfort in the water, as well as a thorough understanding of the equipment. Additionally, we engaged in extensive conversations with the real Chris, Duncan and Dave, and gained valuable insights from other saturation divers. It’s a unique career, so I wanted to pose deeper questions to the professionals who undertake it, and I was eager to get to know them firsthand. Furthermore, our incredibly knowledgeable director, Alex Parkinson, provided invaluable guidance throughout the filming process, allowing me to ask any questions I may have had.
cardigan DOLCE&GABBANA
shirt SUNSPEL
jeans ZEGNA
jewellery STYLING’S OWN
blazer, trousers and sunglasses PAUL SMITH
shirt SUNSPEL
belt, jewellery and bandana STYLIST’S OWN
shoes MORJAS
socks MOSS
The film captures extreme isolation and tension. How did you mentally and physically get into that space during filming?
My approach to acting varies depending on the role. For instance, when underwater, I needed to maintain a high level of focus to ensure the technical aspects were accurate. Safety was of utmost importance. The rest of the process was relatively straightforward. We were filming everything in real life, without the use of green screens, which allowed me to react spontaneously. It’s an actor’s dream. Apart from that, I needed a lot of rest, sleeping for 10 hours a night, and a substantial amount of food to fuel my energy levels. The amount of energy I consumed was quite surprising.
coat DERRICK
shirt LANVIN
shirt EDWARD SEXTON
trousers KIT BLAKE
What was the most challenging or unexpected moment while filming ‘Last Breath’?
The equipment we used is designed for very deep dives, and we were filming in an 11 meter tank, which meant the helmets and breathing systems were a little clunky and lacking efficiency. It was totally safe, but when I had to lay on my side, which is a good chunk of the film, everything got a little harder. I was very grateful for my support divers who were fantastic and extremely supportive when filming these scenes.
If you were actually in Chris Lemons’ situation, how do you think you would react?
That’s a tough question. Who really knows until it actually happens. I’m sure I’d panic and be deeply upset, but what I’ve learned from Chris’ experience is that the final moments, where one is having to accept their fate, can actually be remarkably peaceful and freeing. That stuck with me throughout shooting 'Last Breath'.
full look SAINT LAURENT
You’ve played some deeply layered characters, from Michael Gray in ‘Peaky Blinders’ to J Cody in ‘Animal Kingdom’. How did playing Chris Lemons in ‘Last Breath’ challenge you in new ways?
Playing a real person means you have a responsibility to portray them accurately, sensitively and respectfully. This means I must fully understand Chris’s experience while simultaneously achieving the goals of the movie. Of course there is artistic license when making a film like this, but it was important to me to portray the essence of Chris’ character correctly.
suit PRADA
vest SUNSPEL
chain STYLIST’S OWN
belt MOSS
Having already done period dramas, crime thrillers, and action films, what’s a dream role you’d love to take on?
I don’t have a “dream role” per se. I just follow the good writing and the interesting stories. I’d like the next thing to be different and pose new challenges. That’s what excites me most.
If you could work with any director or actor in the industry, who would it be and why?
I loved Rich Peppiatt’s debut 'Kneecap'. I think working with him would be really fun. And there’s an endless list of actors I’d love to work with.
left
coat DERRICK
shirt LANVIN
shirt EDWARD SEXTON
trousers KIT BLAKE
right
suit PRADA
vest SUNSPEL
chain STYLIST’S OWN
belt MOSS
When you’re not acting, how do you love spending your free time?
I love being outdoors and travelling. That’s the plan for when the weather gets better. Need to get fit again.
coat EMPORIO ARMANI
shirt, trousers, shoes SAINT LAURENT
full look LANVIN
After ‘Last Breath’, what is coming up next for you?
I’m hoping to do lots of the above. But the best thing about this job is that you don’t know what’s next nor when it’s coming. Apart from that, I have another movie to promote which I’m really excited about, and some projects in development. It’s going to be a busy year.
coat DERRICK
shirt LANVIN
tshirt EDWARD SEXTON
trousers KIT BLAKE
TEAM CREDITS:
talent FINN COLE
photography CONNOR HARRIS
styling BENEDICT BROWNE
hair NADIA ALTINBAS
camera assistance YUJIRO SAITO and REBECCA DOCTOR
retouch EDD KASPAR
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA
