Benny Safdie, known for his work on ‘Good Time’ and ‘Uncut Gems’ with his brother Josh, is breaking out on his own. In a recent interview, Safdie discusses his new projects and the lessons he learned from industry giants like Christopher Nolan and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Arriving late and a bit frazzled, Safdie apologizes for oversleeping, attributing it to a late-night costume painting session in Central Park. Despite the delayed start, he spends over three hours answering questions, sharing insights into his upbringing and creative process.

Benny, now 37, reminisces about his formative years spent shuttling between his parents’ homes and the influence of diners on his work. Reflecting on the success of ‘Good Time’ and ‘Uncut Gems,’ he acknowledges the impact of these gritty crime thrillers on indie filmmaking.

However, Safdie is now venturing into solo projects, with prominent acting roles in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ Kelly Fremon Craig’s ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,’ and Showtime’s ‘The Curse,’ which he co-created with Nathan Fielder. This marks a significant shift from his collaborative work with his brother.

Addressing rumors of a rift with Josh, Safdie clarifies that their separation is amicable, emphasizing their individual pursuits. ‘It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore,’ he explains. ‘I will direct on my own and explore things that I want to explore.’

As Safdie embarks on this new phase of his career, his upcoming projects demonstrate his versatility and ambition. From his foray into acting to his creative collaborations, Benny Safdie is poised to make a lasting impression in the industry.