Ben Mendelsohn is one of the finest actors of his generation. Eight years ago, that statement would seem like a gross over-exaggeration to those outside of Australia, where Mendelsohn has been a star for decades, despite a three-year dry spell in the early-2000s. However, since his astounding turn as the quietly menacing Pope in “Animal Kingdom,” the Australian actor has racked up a superb filmography, catching the attention of international audiences. The leading man-turned-character actor-turned-leading man-again has had memorable roles in critically acclaimed films such as “The Place Beyond the Pines,” “Starred Up,” “Slow West,” “Mississippi Grind,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and “Darkest Hour” as King George “Bertie” VI in the past six years alone. His latest film, “The Land of Steady Habits,” premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. So, with all of this newfound international stardom and upcoming work, how does Mendelsohn feel about his newfound stardom?
“It [the three-year haitus] was actually a really pleasant period in a lot of ways,” he told ABC News Australia, “but it’s made all of this stuff that comes afterwards particularly kind of very sweet, you know…It’s not typical, I guess, to be finding this sort of success in one’s middle age. So it’s pretty cool.”
The formidable actor shows no signs of slowing down, with six projects in the can including the latest adaption of “Robin Hood” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel.” Below is the premise for “The Land of Steady Habits:”
Anders Hill (Mendelsohn), long ensconced in “the land of steady habits”- the affluent hamlets of Connecticut that dot the commuter rail line-is finally ready to reap the rewards of a sensible life. Into his mid fifties and newly retired, his grown son’s college tuitions paid in full, Anders decides he’s had enough of steady habits: he leaves his wife, buys a condo, and waits for freedom to transform him. Stripped of the comforts of his previous identity, Anders embarks on a clumsy, and heartbreaking journey to reconcile his past with his present.
“The Land of Steady Habits” co-stars Connie Britton, rising star Thomas Mann, and two-time Golden Globe winner Edie Falco (“The Sopranos“).
The film is written and helmed by Nicole Holofcener (“Enough Said“) and produced by frequent collaborator Anthony Bregman (“Enough Said,” “Lovely & Amazing“). Netlix is handling the international distribution rights for “The Land of Steady Habits,” with a release date on September 14.