entertainment
Paul Dano: ‘Nobody needs to know about my high-school band!’
The actor on singing with Brian Wilson, why War and Peace is the best book ever written and what drew him to his latest film, The Wizard of the Kremlin

TL;DR
- Dano spent time with Brian Wilson, discussing music and even singing with him, finding the experience of filming in the "Pet Sounds" studio "a trip."
- He found the silent acting in "Little Miss Sunshine" challenging but ultimately rewarding when directors saw his performance.
- Dano considers "War and Peace" to be possibly the greatest book ever written.
- His relationship with food has been more influenced by age and parenthood than by roles in "Okja" or "Fast Food Nation."
- He emphasizes the need to constantly learn and unlearn in acting, while staying connected to intuition.
- Music remains a significant part of his life, though he chose acting as his primary focus.
- Working with "the Daniels" on "Swiss Army Man" was a fun and creatively freeing experience.
- Dano values kindness and collaboration, approaching characters with empathy and seeking their subjective point of view.
- He would most like to hang out with Brian Wilson and Manny from "Swiss Army Man," and wishes he could improve the life of his "Prisoners" character.
- He was drawn to "The Wizard of the Kremlin" for its compelling depiction of modern politics and power.
- Dano advises his 10-year-old self to have more fun and learn to approach life and work "lightly."