Josh O'Connor admits he usually detests watching his own films for the first time, but the experience of viewing 'Disclosure Day' was entirely different. The British actor described working with Steven Spielberg as a surreal dream, one that still feels unreal even after completing the project.
A Childhood Dream Realised
O'Connor recalled a quote describing Spielberg as 'the director of every child's imagination.' Although he didn't grow up in a moviegoing family, as a '90s kid, Spielberg's influence was inescapable. 'It's just in our psyche,' O'Connor told the Associated Press. On his first day shooting 'Disclosure Day,' he found himself on a backlot with dripping pipes, beams of light, and smoke—an environment so vividly familiar that all he could think was, 'Wow, I'm in a Steven Spielberg movie.'
The Mystery of 'Disclosure Day'
Little is known about the plot of 'Disclosure Day,' which opens on June 12. However, it has been suggested by Emily Blunt and confirmed by O'Connor that the film answers questions raised by 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' O'Connor plays a cybersecurity expert with a mysterious connection to Blunt's meteorologist, holding truths that powerful figures want hidden. The actor spoke about the film's secrecy, his awe at seeing it for the first time, and what he calls 'the greatest Steven Spielberg story.'
Working with Spielberg
O'Connor found Spielberg to be more than he expected. 'He's got this energy about him. He's still so excited. He's still like a child. He's inquisitive. He is excited about performance,' O'Connor said. 'There's nothing better in the universe than hearing Steven by a monitor, crying or laughing or shouting with joy. He's still got it.'
Character Insights
O'Connor described his character Daniel as having 'some special powers,' though he hesitates to overplay that. Daniel and Emily Blunt's character share a special bond of which they are unaware, and the film drives them together. 'Daniel has never really computed it,' O'Connor said. 'He's sort of an unglamorous hero. He's your everyday guy and he's found himself in this situation and he has to adapt.'
Secrecy and First Viewing
The film's secrecy extended to the script delivery: while filming 'Knives Out,' a motorbike arrived with the script and returned to collect it the next morning. 'That's the first time that's happened for me,' O'Connor noted. For the first viewing, he and Blunt watched together in a screening room. 'Seeing any movie you're in for the first time is a nightmare,' he admitted. 'But this experience was unlike any other. Emily and I were just in awe.'
A Versatile Career
O'Connor takes pride in working with diverse directors like Alice Rohrwacher, Kelly Reichardt, Steven Spielberg, and Rian Johnson. 'They all work in very different ways and make very different films and tell different stories—ultimately that was my dream,' he said, citing Gene Wilder and Robin Williams as inspirations for versatility.
The Greatest Spielberg Story
O'Connor shared his favourite anecdote from the shoot. Struggling with an emotional scene, he texted Spielberg for advice. Later that night, he received a text: 'The door is on the latch, just push.' O'Connor found it profound, unlocking the scene's emotional release. The next day, he thanked Spielberg, who laughed and revealed the text was meant for his wife. 'It became a very big joke for all of us. But it did unlock the scene for me, so, fair play,' O'Connor said, adding, 'I know. It's ridiculous.'
