Riz Ahmed on Quarantining Alone, Getting in Trouble at School & Music That Inspired Him

TL;DR

Riz Ahmed shares personal experiences and insights on his career and new projects, including his upcoming film and album.

Transcript

our first guest tonight is an emmy-winning actor and raptor you know him from girls and venom and lots of other stuff his new movie the sound of metal opens in theaters november 20th and premieres on amazon prime video december 4th and this is his album it's called the longer buy please welcome riz ahmed hello rizz how are you i'm good thank you it... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Riz Ahmed's reflections during the pandemic led to personal growth and confronting mental health challenges, demonstrating the importance of self-reflection in challenging times.
• 😚 His album "The Long Goodbye" resonates with many globally, exploring themes of detachment and emotional struggle amidst socio-political changes, symbolizing the universal experience of feeling lost.
• 🙉 In his portrayal of Ruben in "Sound of Metal," Ahmed emphasizes authentic representation and connection to the deaf community through rigorous preparation and learning sign language.
• 👂 The film's unique sound design serves to immerse audiences in the emotional and physical journey of hearing loss, showcasing innovative storytelling.
• 😀 Ahmed's personal loss due to the pandemic highlights the broader impact of COVID-19 on families and communities, emphasizing resilience in the face of grief.
• 🥰 Through his career in music and film, Ahmed strives to bring awareness to issues of representation and empathy towards marginalized communities, weaving personal narratives into his art.
• 😑 His experiences during the pandemic suggest the vital role of artistic expression in processing emotions and connecting with audiences on deeper levels.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Riz Ahmed personally?

Riz Ahmed described the pandemic as intense, forcing him to confront his personal struggles and mental health challenges. He had the privilege of socially distancing, which allowed him to reflect deeply on himself and the world. Despite feeling grateful for essential workers, he shared that the experience pushed him to face “inner demons” existing below his busy exterior, igniting a journey of self-discovery amid uncertainty.

Q: What inspired the theme of Riz Ahmed's album "The Long Goodbye"?

The album is a metaphor for a breakup, paralleling Ahmed's feelings toward his country amidst changing social and political landscapes. He explained that many people resonate with this theme globally, feeling a disconnect with their nations while navigating deep emotional experiences. The album encapsulates a journey through grief and healing, emphasizing shared struggles among various cultures.

Q: Can you elaborate on Ahmed's character in "Sound of Metal"?

In "Sound of Metal," Riz Ahmed plays Ruben, a punk rock drummer who experiences significant hearing loss. The film explores his challenging journey and incorporates unique sound design that immerses audiences in his experiences. Ahmed not only undergoes drumming lessons but also learns sign language, illustrating his commitment to authentically portraying Ruben's relationship with deaf culture and the larger deaf community.

Q: How did Ahmed approach learning the drums for his role?

Riz Ahmed revealed that he initially had no drumming experience but dedicated himself to intense training. Despite the challenges, he enjoyed the process of learning, realizing that achieving the technical skill of a metal drummer was a tall order. His journey involved finding a balance that suited the character within the film's context while working closely with a patient drum instructor.

Q: What connection does Ahmed draw between his personal experiences and his uncle's legacy?

Ahmed fondly recollects his uncle's humor, wisdom, and unwavering support despite facing adversity as an immigrant. He highlights his uncle's journey to faith, which emphasized compassion and community. This connection inspires Ahmed to reflect on shared experiences and human relationships, reinforcing the idea of unity in navigating life’s struggles.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Riz Ahmed opens up about his experiences during the pandemic, including confronting personal demons and reflecting on family loss due to COVID-19, particularly his uncle's passing.

• He discusses his new album, "The Long Goodbye," which serves as a metaphorical breakup story relating to his feelings about his country and mirrors similar sentiments worldwide.

• The conversation shifts to Ahmed's latest film, "Sound of Metal," where he portrays a drummer experiencing hearing loss, showcasing his commitment to learning drumming and immersing himself in deaf culture.