Michael Shannon Breaks Down His Career, from 'Boardwalk Empire' to 'The Flash' | Vanity Fair

"I did all that? It doesn't seem real." Michael Shannon takes us through his illustrious career, including his roles in 'Groundhog Day,' 'Shotgun Stories,' 'Revolutionary Road,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Take Shelter,' 'The Iceman,' 'Man of Steel,' 'Knives Out,' 'George & Tammy' and 'The Flash.'
The Flash opens in theaters on June 16th
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Francis Bernal
Editor: Michael Suyeda, Jason Malizia
Guest: Michael Shannon
Producer: Frank Cosgriff
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Rafael Vasquez
Production Manager: Natasha Soto-Albors
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Zach Eisen
Gaffer: Alfonso
Audio Engineer: Michael Giggino
Production Assistant: Kameryn Hamilton
Post Production Supervisor: Edward Taylor
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
00:00 Michael Shannon's Career Timeline
00:25 Groundhog Day
01:43 Shotgun Stories
03:40 Revolutionary Road
04:54 Boardwalk Empire
08:14 Take Shelter
09:52 The Iceman
10:39 Man of Steel
12:24 Knives Out
14:29 George & Tammy
15:33 The Flash
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[@believeinmatter]

One of the best character actors currently working, he can be as funny as he can be intimidating.

[@DavidOtto82]

holy moly...didnt realize i have seen him in that many movies and not once realized i was seeing the same person. i guess thats what makes a great actor ;D

[@kuivia]

@@DavidOtto82 Honestly so true, because they're their characters and not just "The actor" as much as I love Jim Carrey, he's always Jim Carrey for example:p

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Iceman at last just-viewed last week!

[@dogdydod5247]

defuc is a character actor. Is it just what we call actors who aren't attractive

[@kuivia]

@@dogdydod5247 Bad takes for 500 points.

[@charlesrocks]

His interpretation of Zod is menacing and empathetic. It's such a deep take on the character.

[@ericthegeneric1611]

I've always told people. He was the best villian ever.

[@User-54631]

@@ericthegeneric1611 next to Gary oldman or Daniel day Lewis, yes

[@OverG88]

Absolutely the best Zod we had!

[@se7ensavage707]

He was brilliant.

[@kennethsmith2030]

yea found myself understanding him protecting his people ...

[@gastonsepulveda9187]

"You have to care about the story more than your own performance. You're serving a writer and a director, and you're delivering their intent to the audience". That's what acting is all about. Mr. Shannon is a legend.

[@Dyrock666]

Honestly though. This is what puts him miles above many others

[@Thehomelessathlete]

no entitled fake philanthropy BS

[@jerriotglencamp7562]

I liked him in boardwalk empire and revolutionary road.

[@TheDeconstructivist]

Shannon is honestly kind of a legend at this point. So humble. So talented. So authentic. I'll watch anything he's in at this point.

[@rsolo9294]

I have mixed feelings about shape of water

[@TheDeconstructivist]

@@rsolo9294 Me too... but I still loved Shannon's performance!

[@elliedee8829]

Same

[@andrew4233th]

This guy is unbelievably underrated. (His performance is Nocturnal Animals is always overlooked.) He deserves so much more attention for his great range as an actor.

[@15Candles]

His performance in Boardwalk Empire is one of the greatest villanous performance i've ever seen in a TV series

[@garethbruce6475]

Personally I think that's a terrible film but yeah a magnificent performance in it

[@chriswright8114]

did you appreciate his performance in Nocturnal Animals?

[@AMoonDancer]

Came to say exactly this. So yeah I totally agree. He's one of the best actors out there and deserves way more recognition.

[@junglegrawlix]

It wasn’t overlooked, he was nominated for an Oscar

[@ankuras143]

His respect and love for Zack Snyder moved me. :')

[@batman-sr2px]

both zack snyder and rian johnson got a lot of unfair criticism

[@a7000zo]

@@batman-sr2px Their "mistake" was taking established source material and bending it to the will of the stories they truly wanted to tell. Is this a wrong approach? Depends on who you ask. Some people love the idea of an artist trying something different with these worlds/characters/lore. Others absolutely despise it. The result? Divisive movies like the Snyder trilogy and The Last Jedi. I'll forever defend those movies, but I sympathize with the naysayers. No need to be toxic about it.

[@ptolemeeselenion1542]

Yep.

[@zacharyweinberger4659]

@@a7000zo Well said

[@vinceramirez198]

Amen to this

[@ezza_t]

Taking Shelter was one of those movies that really moved me and I'm glad they didn't skip past it for this interview. Seeing him get emotional about one of the scenes shows just how important of a project that role must have been to him

[@AnthonyJMurph]

He brought it to Ebertfest down in Champaign, IL. My parents still talk about the film and meeting him.

[@nealaborgman2055]

He often talks and states that Take Shelter was the film that has meant the most to him.

[@Reticuli]

It's amazing.

[@markw9512]

It was definitely a powerful and brilliant film. Also a harbinger.

[@yakyamblin]

“Actors are the aperture between the audience and the story…. The more transparent you are, the more the audience gets to receive the story.” Beautifully said. Possibly the best description of acting I’ve heard.

[@jiyuwekin]

Take Shelter was such a wild performance. Shannon deserved way more recognition for that film.

[@nubianfx]

the chills i got watching that film

[@kevjohn2006]

Agreed. Great performances (and writing, directing, cinematography, etc.) all around, but especially M.S. Underrated and vastly underseen.

[@djzan646]

There is a STORM coming!!!

[@clasher101]

Amen to that. Everyone should watch that film at least once in their life.

[@takima504]

Okay bet, I’ll watch it one of these nights what streaming service is it on?

[@vincesaligue5963]

His loyalty to Zack is 🔥🔥🔥

[@nicholasmilillomusic]

Love how he talks about Zack. He truly loves him as a person and you see and feel that.

[@guckles19]

Take Shelter is one of my all-time favorite films. Michael’s powerhouse performance in that was just absolutely astounding. Plus, the score is so haunting and profound. It’s a film a like to revisit over and over. I highly recommend it if any of you haven’t seen it yet.

[@fettfan91]

This guy has delivered some incredible performances over his career. 8 Mile, Midnight Special, Waco, The Shape of Water, the list goes on and on.

[@lgerback34]

Thumbs up for the mention of Midnight Special.

[@lilmilontiktok]

So many better ones too

[@theatlastech8792]

Let's go to Prison

[@TalkSickMass]

Groundhog Day

[@User-54631]

@@theatlastech8792 that movie is hilarious.

[@Pewling]

His role in Boardwalk Empire had me glued to the screen. Such a charismatic and wonderfully skilled actor!

[@shirindashti5158]

Been meaning to watch that one!

[@itzbp9949]

Was absolutely fantastic in that

[@joemckim1183]

@@shirindashti5158 Trust me you'll love the show, so many great actors in that show.

[@poindextertunes]

yes.

[@freddybeer]

Same! Incredible performance in an incredible show!

[@katalysms1]

"I don't know all the sides of the story. I should keep my mouth shut.... I would really feel awkward without Zacks blessing." Always love Shannon, seems like a normal respectful person.

[@mrmoviemanic1]

Boardwalk Empire is just a masterpiece.

[@aisha7564]

I'm so glad he brought up his take on the whole of what happened with Zack Snyder and expressed his doubts!

[@Facefear]

Thanks for sticking up for Zach, guy's clearly deserves the loyalty he's gotten. You were a wonderful Zod.

[@mithunshenoy459]

Legendary in The Iceman. Why this guy hasn't won an oscar so far is beyond me!

[@nabeelmirza6060]

Should have won every award for his performance in "Take Shelter".

[@plankton199]

A master of his craft that doesn't see himself as the most important thing. He has such a huge talent and his humble take on his career is endearing.

[@SaifZiya]

I remember his scene from Man of Steel that goes like this: "I will find him, I will find him". One of my fav movies of all time.

[@stormtempterf8058]

The ash monologue was my favorite. Really opens a window into Zod's thinking processes.

[@Darkseidsolosfiction]

​@@stormtempterf8058 fr I was rooting for the zod

[@Itscrazyk1997]

Bro 100% 🔥

[@SanTelmo1981]

That scene is in the video at 10:40

[@mattyc3287]

Yes, honestly one of my favorite villain screams. His role in that movie is very underrated

[@amitroy2996]

Underrated actor. Incredible in every single role. Artists like him need more focus.

[@MellowMutated]

Fr

[@orryyang8846]

he is not underrated, he is hot, dare you not put any respect on him

[@amitroy2996]

@@orryyang8846 Didn't get your meaning

[@jol0973]

If only Hollywood gave this underrated actor the role of an iconic villain...something big...like Superman or something.

[@amitroy2996]

@@jol0973 He played General Zod.

[@BroughtCat]

Honestly Micheal Shannon is such a cool and talented dude. I loved it when he talked about his admiration for Zack Snyder ❤

[@UncleAir]

Love how humble he is. That goes a long way

[@huangjun_art]

I love the way he talks about Zack Snyder. And his version of General Zod is by far the best super villain I have ever seen in any comicbook movie.

[@homelessjesse9453]

Then you haven't seen Superman 2 with the great Terence Stamp as Zod.

[@Jalanko13]

@@homelessjesse9453 Michael’s version is so much richer, deeper and complex than Terrance Stamp’s and it’s not even close. Sit back down, boomer.

[@diegopalacios6443]

Joker?

[@90abonnessansvideosdu42]

@@diegopalacios6443 i mean this is opinion

[@user-ayush818]

​@@homelessjesse94530:35 🎉

[@Rodrigood11]

The Academy and everyone else in Hollywood owe so much to M. Shannon. Take Shelter is top 5 best movies made this century (80% thanks to his performance) and it is annoying how few people even know about it. He elevates every motion picture he is in!

[@dallastexas5653]

It’s tripping me out that quite a few folk in the comments are proclaiming their love for Take Shelter. I saw this movie when it first hit DVD but I do not remember much else about it.

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

I'm so happy Boardwalk Empire is being mentioned here. It's a brilliant series that barely got any attention.

[@juanjoyaborja.3054]

If they fleshed out the fifth season properly, it could have been perfect. But it kinda fell off once the HBO funding went to GOT instead. GOT turned out garbage, of course. They should’ve stuck to perfecting Boardwalk empire.

[@ashwin8850]

True that

[@ccaatthheerriinnee]

He’s the American Gary Oldman

[@joiscara7191]

He was in Bad Boy 2 in the opening with the Klan Rally. “We've got our rights!” I didn’t even notice it was him until years later when a friend pointed it out. Best Character Actor Ever.

[@dylanjordan4747]

they get him out of jail and use him for something later in the movie too, he’s also greg in 8 mile

[@0MissElizabeth0]

he's so brilliant

[@303TAG303]

great movie 😂

[@caliente-frio3966]

He was also the guy banging Eminem's mom in 8 Mile. Took me years to notice that too (after I became more familiar with him after Boardwalk Empire).

[@barbaravs1814]

Forever in love with the passion that shone through with his Zod. It's roles like those (especially of a villain), that leave a mark on you, that make you question more things in life. I have to add that Shannon has a fascinating energy, so it's always interesting to see him on-screen.

[@hongo3870]

He was the best part of that movie, really.

[@pascalbourelier3463]

His General Zod is the scariest most real villain I have ever been shocked by in a movie, full stop. So much of the story was important, historic, and slapped you with an apocalyptic survival urgency few actors are able to deliver so raw!

[@swannix]

I think the key to this kind of believability is that 3 dimensional fleshed out characters that are written like this don't see themselves as villains

[@dizzybala]

Loved him in Boardwalk, just finished a rewatch of that actually. His deadpan humour is fantastic.

[@henryvaughn8494]

It’s awesome how honest he is in this. Such a great, humble actor!!!

[@masonhall2966]

The respect for Zack was nice to see

[@juliefreds4594]

He can be so intimidating in movies and tv but he seems so down to earth and caring. ♥️

[@sheltondoggett4007]

I met Micheal once at a play in New York on broadway. He’s been one of my favorite actors! And he was just a humble guy! Wanted to talk more about me than himself and was really approachable! Cool dude! Great experience! Great actor!

[@Kaitschi]

He is in a Movie with Leo diCaprio/Kate Winslet and also in a Movie with Jake Gyllenhaal/Amy Adams and in both he steals the Show ... that say's everything. Such an amazing Actor, love his Sense of Humor and his Zod is unmatched.

[@EvanFowler]

This is one of the most interesting of these that you guys have ever done. He's really open. So glad that he talked about the Nichols films. Even Shotgun Stories. Loved this. Fascinating stuff.

[@MrNotaComedian]

Met this guy last year when he was doing some additional filming for the series Waco in New Mexico. One of the most wholesome and normal celebrities you could ever meet! he was dressed so casually you would’ve even known he was famous.

[@chevyisawhip]

He’s genuinely one of the first actors that, as a kid, I was like ‘this guy is an artist’.

[@danielfreeman8725]

"I really really liked Zack" He gets a lot of weird hate (not saying he's the greatest filmmaker) but he gets talked about by so many people wh worked with him as being a nice person It bugs me when people are super vicious about some dude who just wants to make movies and people like working with.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Everything I hear about him is that he is this great guy that people respect and enjoy working with. Why folks turn into unhinged sociopaths over him is very strange to me. I wish someone could explain to me, because I don't understand the disconnect happening here.

[@petetran]

agreed. Zack was on the Russo Bros' interview show recently and it was amazing to hear those filmmakers just geek out about movie making

[@Robby_Rob]

Yeah weird comment honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever read one bad piece about Snyder, so where did you find hit pieces?

[@STRANGEANATOMYBAND]

@@Robby_Rob Just look at the comment after yours. People go out of their way to bash him and his fans, though admittedly some of his fans are just as toxic. It’s more of a twitter thing, but you can definitely find a ton of articles and reviews ragging on him and his movies. I think the fact that he and his career seem to persevere despite their vitriol drives them even more crazy.

[@batman-sr2px]

@@birdiewolf3497 it was worst during BvS era. so much bs written about that movie and bad talking about how snyder is fascist and made a fascist angry superman.

[@Thewrightplanforpancakes]

One that I love him in and not a lot of people know about is The Night Before with Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie. He plays a brilliant funny part as a Dealer, really shows his range

[@AvantiMusicNJ]

Dude is sooooo underrated. He steals every scene he’s in, and covers every character type. He’s unreal in Waco

[@kidcosan]

His take on General Zod is amazing. I was so excited to see him play the role again in the upcoming movie the Flash.

[@pab1381]

Dude say what you want but literally everyone who has worked with Zack Snyder has had nothing but great things to say about him. Always.

[@ramoore2318]

Megan Fox?

[@pab1381]

@@ramoore2318 when has she worked with him?

[@tartatovsky]

@@ramoore2318 ...are you trying to say Micheal Bay?

[@ramoore2318]

@@tartatovsky Well I did just confirm that's what I meant yes

[@tartatovsky]

@@ramoore2318 so it doesn't have anything to do with Zack Snyder then lol

[@reedusurrights2547]

Guy has been underrated for years and years in my opinion, glad he’s finally getting his props and time in the spotlight

[@redgravegaming9519]

Such an underrated actor. His acting skills are just spine chilling. So much emotion. So much realism. All packed into his face and body language. Very gifted actor. He needs to make more movies.

[@moon-vf6mx]

One of my favorites! Thank you for this ☝🏽

[@lazerbeam6746]

My boy still respects Zack after 10 years ❤

[@CinefreekProductions]

I wish he would've talked about his experience on 8 Mile as Greg.

[@lacyLor]

I’ve loved him since Take Shelter. I’m happy he’s found so much success in his career. He truly deserves it.

[@Ajax_97]

Fascinating to hear his take of his career/experiences. Definitely someone I could sit and have a meal with and just listen to it all. Very chill guy

[@AA-qb7ni]

Underrated legendary actor in my opinion.

[@kowrtuy2996]

Wish he’d talked about Nocturnal Animals, huge missed opportunity

[@joshmosh1313]

First saw his performance in the film Bug and was instantly a fan. He's under rated and it's nice to see him get recognition. He needs more roles.

[@martinturon4799]

Wow , I completely forgot about Bug! A great William Friedkin film

[@dephataznboi]

Loved his take on General Zod. It really made me feel for him & in a way made me feel like he was the superman of his world & Clark was the bad guy. Really gives you perspective in life.

[@geekedkryptonian614]

Can’t wait to see him return as Zod. His portrayal of that character is my favorite CBM villain.

[@Orcishihi]

I LOVED Midnight Special. And the way how he spoke about that particular scene in Take Shelter? What a guy.

[@tlniec]

Really appreciate his intensity and commitment to every role. And he sure knows how to flip a table!

[@Funk_Reactions]

Loved boardwalk empire! Great series.

[@RoboLANE]

His take on Zod is PHENOMENAL my favourite role of his

[@DEJKIX]

Kangaroo Jack was the first ever movie ive seen him in, and he quickly became a fave actor of mine!😂

[@Luciphell]

So great to get these glimpses.

[@NeverDoubtTheWorm]

This was a great one. I love his little tidbits for each role and film 🙌🏾

[@UbeBop]

Should have included his reading of the delta gamma sorority letter. Easily the highlight/defining part of his career.

[@Nelly34e]

One of the greatest actors ever. And Boardwalk Empire is a masterpiece. I miss that show so much.

[@adamkalinowski9064]

I can't love this enough! Throughout your career you've just continously stepped up your game. It's been facinating to watch. I rarely comment.

[@lukenarlee8118]

That was amazing. Maybe my favorite episode of this ever. I've been a fan of his for many years, but I've never seen him in interviews much. I love what a deep thinker he is. What a fascinating human being. I could have watched an hour of this.

[@mattwong7191]

I was rivetted to this interview even though I've barely seen any of Michael Shannon's work. But he's such a commanding presence in the movies and shows he's in (my first real exposure to him was Zod and he was captivating) that I had to watch this. He seems like a really genuine guy and I really appreciate his loyalty and association with the various directors he's worked for. I also think the whole Justice League thing was a mess and people have mixed feelings on Snyder, but Shannon is clearly very loyal to him when he definitely doesn't need to be, at least in a show-biz sense. I also really appreciate his take on Zod - it makes Man of Steel feel like a more compelling movie to me now. Great interview!

[@noraN33]

Watch Take Shelter ❤

[@noraN33]

99 homes too

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

I strongly recommend Boardwalk Empire. You'll have to jive at least somewhat with the period/subject to get around to Shannon's parts, but he absolutely steals the show...despite a long list of great performances! He shows an *insane* amount of range as Nelson Van Alden.

[@Cryptic141]

His Zod is very intimidating

[@Karl_Drogo55]

If no ones seen Boardwalk Empire...HIGHLY recommend watching it asap..His character is great on it but it has such a stacked cast too. Very gripping show overall.

[@wyatthill6252]

One of the most underrated shows ever. It should have never been canceled

[@sexysatan3934]

I miss Boardwalk Empire so much

[@chromatinkiss]

Respect to Shannon for getting Snyder's blessing

[@AA-ys4hi]

He’s awesome. A mesmerizing performer. One of the best actors out there today.

[@kiernanmooney6210]

Yeah dude, I'm with everyone on Take Shelter. That scene in the bunker goes hard.

[@adamjmorgan9922]

Take Shelter is amazing

[@Preludedraw]

Love him saying he loves Zack Snyder and he fact that he was upset about what they did to Snyder.

[@boboboy8189]

he even asked Snyder can he be in the flash movie.

[@masterzombie161]

Well to be fair the way how they handled the live action DC movies have been abysmal.

[@jesseohalloran2567]

I know his role wasn't huge in it but I would have loved to hear him talk about 8 Mile.

[@sunsetjunior9313]

a gem of an actor....have always appreciated his honesty both on and off camera

[@johndanasy]

Take shelter is his most underrated film of all time, I love every single minute. Maybe people want more the special effects, but if you focus on the performances between him and Jessica. It’s perfectly done…

[@kevjohn2006]

Shannon is one of my favorite actors ever! I have not been shy about sharing my fandom. I don't really want to focus just on his performance in a blockbuster, but I am (still) a fan of comic book movies (don't judge me!!) and his Zod is one of the best, top 3 at least, villains in any film in the genre. "Take Shelter" is fantastic and heartbreaking. EDIT: I wrote this before I watched the entire clip. I wasn't sure if Take Shelter was going to be mentioned. Fantastic film that doesn't get the credit it deserves of being a masterpiece.

[@PissTakeProduction]

Loved him in Boardwalk Empire. Great Character. Perfect choice by the directors.

[@imi1741]

one of best living actor hands down

[@DanaJaneWriter]

Great. You didn't let him talk about the awesome crazy movie called "Bug"(2006) To this day it is still my favorite of his performances. (and of Ashley Judd's) Thankfully I had a chance to say that to him personally. 🎉

[@slowdown7276]

What he said at the end is so so eye opening and important. Actors are an aperture between the audience and the story and aspire to be as transparent as possible so that audience can be intimate with the story.

[@ayekon5517]

He is just amazing. Fan of his acting since I saw him in Broadwalk empire. Exited to see him once again as zod in the flash

[@GriffinDuyThespian]

as a fellow character actor I look up to this dude tremendously

[@kbuttstadt]

Awesome! My first movie set visit was Groundhog Day and his first movie was Groundhog Day! Woodstock, IL!

[@nathanhower4017]

Super bummed they didn't make a stop at The Little Drummer Girl. Another great character performance.

[@gabereichenbach5662]

Probably my favorite actor, wish he received more recognition for his talent.

[@theneowindjoker4915]

Love him. Everything I've seen him in, he was excellent. Kinda flew under the radar, gradually becoming one of my favourite actors. Underated.

[@stanmo4331]

very insightful interview. He is a very complex person and it's to his credit that I've watched many of his movies and in each one he is unique...

[@adolfogarzachaires394]

when talking about actors, Shannon is always underlooked, he has made so many movies, it's amazing how he can play anything he gets

[@Chertoff88]

Great actor. Best superhero villain in a live action film hands down. You don't need tons of special effects when you have great acting.

[@marks2997]

Such a lovely guy - you can hear the passion in the way he talks about his roles. Not every actor has that spark. And of course his performance in Nocturnal Animals is sublime.

[@birdsfan3705]

Mr. Shannon is so talented. Love all of his rolls. The recent Waco roll is amazing as well. Thank you for entertains us so well!

[@visions_of_noah]

How did they leave out Shape of Water? One of his most memorable roles.

[@johnbrown5662]

No 8 Mile? No Bad Boys 2? No Pearl Harbor?

[@jasonbyfield]

14:42 "...get in the submarine and go deep." Oof.

[@blaq4427]

No 99 Homes? He was incredible in it!