The infamous “tape scene” in Christopher Nolan’s epic sci-fi film Interstellar stands as one of Matthew McConaughey’s most powerful and recognizable performances, even becoming a popular meme. What many don’t know is the raw emotion captured onscreen wasn’t the product of extensive rehearsals or numerous takes. McConaughey, in fact, delivered this unforgettable moment flawlessly on his very first attempt, with no prior rehearsal.
For those who might need a refresher, this pivotal scene features McConaughey’s character, Cooper, deep in space on a time-bending mission. He watches two decades’ worth of video messages from his children back on Earth, witnessing their lives unfold, their growth, and the arrival of their own families. Adult versions of his son, Tom (played by Casey Affleck, with a young Timothée Chalamet as 15-year-old Tom), and daughter, Murphy “Murph” Cooper (Jessica Chastain), deliver heartfelt updates.
As Cooper absorbs these tapes, he’s overcome with profound grief and tears, a truly devastating display of a father missing his children’s lives. This is arguably one of the most impactful sequences in Nolan’s film, and McConaughey is frequently asked about its creation. While he’s spoken about the single take before, a recent interview with Vanity Fair shed more light on his unique approach.
McConaughey recalled filming the scene on a Monday morning. Feeling rested and content from a quiet weekend with his family, he arrived on set. As Nolan prepared to set up wide shots and suggested a rehearsal of the tape playback, McConaughey waved off the crew. He insisted they start rolling cameras immediately.
“All of a sudden things came over, and cameras were there and we played the tape. And again, this is that first take. That’s the one we use,” McConaughey recounted.
He further explained his process, highlighting why this spontaneous approach yielded such authentic results. “I didn’t have to go to a place,” he explained. “When Casey Affleck and Chastain come on as older, and the way they’re… The gap, the dread of having to miss that in my own life with my own kids, I just reacted, which is what I’ve learned I like to do if you’ve got scenes like that.”
He elaborated, “Because everything after take one is acting for real. We can improve as actors, we can improve stuff in take two, I can too. But everything after take one — if you’re fully relaxed, and just reacting — everything after take one is acting. I didn’t wanna know what was coming. And that’s just me relaxing, and then what happened… happened.”
McConaughey shared insights into many of his celebrated roles in the interview, including his acclaimed portrayal of Rust Cohle in True Detective.
Interstellar continues to spark discussions over a decade after its release, with its thought-provoking ending still a topic of debate among fans.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN.