2 MINUTE READ
When Thibaud Dooms took on his first major role in the challenging world that is Belgian Cinema, he knew: “This is going to stick with me.” The intense lead-role in Koen Mortier’s movie ‘Skunk’ is decidedly one for the books. We met Thibaud in the Budascoop in Courtrai to talk dreamworlds, dream-fits and dream-roles.
“The power of a role lies within the transformation it entails.”
Thibaud explains in his recognisable, dulcet voice. “The role (of Liam) gave me a lot – a kind of inner power.” The young actor unabashedly lays bare his soul, showing gratitude for the forced evolution.
“It made me realise I can be masculine and strong, in a straightforward sense. It freed me from many preconveived opinions I had about myself.” “You have to be in it to truly understand,” he continues, “it may sound obvious but each role contains new ways of looking at the world around you, of looking yourself.” That way, acting is not a ‘job’ to Thibaud, it’s more a state of being he actively accesses daily. A practise in experiencing, writing and remembering. “That is why my dream role is something very physical, magical. Something supernatural, an entity – something iconic. Something that allows me to discover a way to present in a way I cannot even fathom right now.”
It is an apt description of how Thibaud experiences cinema himself, as a way to be transported into a completely different world. “It really calms me down. I purposely plan my visit at times it won’t be crowded. I feed into my enthusiasm by reading up on the details, checking in with the hype.” He then finds a spot in the cinema, coffee at the ready, and lets the movie do its job. But it doesn’t stop at the credits. “ I (try to) carry the vibe with me as long as I can,” he continues. In order to maintain the feeling he plays music from the movie or goes for a long walk. “Sometimes it kind of feels as if I’m walking in a movie, myself.” He adds, laughing. Cinema is experienced physically as well, which leans into the concept of clothing. It’s practically the first thing people notice upon meeting, Thibaud judges. “That’s why I think shoes are important – they tell you a lot about a person, it defines how you walk and stand. Assembling an outfit is basically like creating a character – you can use it to project confidence. Or just the opposite. That’s why I can feel uneasy when I’m wearing something I’m not ‘feeling’.
In his search for outfits Thibaud scours the internet. Advice can be gained by approaching young designer – creating a fruitful symbiotic relationship at the same time. “Clothing is something vulnerable”, he decides, “liking something and wearing it are often two things far removed.” “I’m still working toward that, I admit. Wearing items with a confidence – just because I like them.” It’s a reflection of the devotion and intensity Thibaud approaches his career, and life. An attitude we can but respect.
