'FOLLOWED' ACTOR MATTHEW SOLOMON WANTS A WELL DONE QUEER STORY

Actor MATTHEW SOLOMON stars as Mike in FOLLOWED, a found footage horror style film that follows “Drop the Mike,” a video blogger visiting and filming haunting sites around Los Angeles.

In this exclusive interview, Solomon shared what keeps him busy during quarantine, releasing a film in the time of a global pandemic, his memorable experiences while filming, dream project, acting, and more.

Having your first lead role in a film open during a worldwide epidemic must’ve been strange, were you surprised by the enthusiastic response?

The response was a huge relief. I knew this movie had legs and I was scared it would be overlooked because theaters were shut down. I’m so grateful that people went out to see it at the drive-in, and I’m excited for it to reach a wider audience now that it’s streaming. Also watching my own movie as my first drive-in experience was really cool.

Why do you think horror films are doing especially well over these past several films?

Horror movies provide a very specific feeling that’s hard to find. I read that the psychological draw to horror is similar to a rollercoaster: adrenaline filled terror with a rush of relief at the end, or at least anticipating that relief if the movie doesn’t end how you expect. I think that journey is especially satisfying when your daily life is stressful, and man, are we all stressed. People need that escape now more than ever.

For those who have not seen the film yet, can you explain what “Followed” is about and more about who your character “Drop the Mike” is?

Followed is a found footage style horror film following my character, Mike, a video blogger who visits haunting sites around Los Angeles. The movie is essentially a series of videoblogs cut together, the majority of which are shot at the Hotel Lennox, based on the real life Hotel Cecil, and everything goes wrong from there- as they should. It’s horror. Mike is irreverent, sarcastic and snarky, sort of a satirical commentary on internet personalities, but we see him go through a really interesting character arc and you learn he’s a big softie.

What was the most memorable experience you had while filming?

Picking up an actual cow tongue covered in real maggots is high on the list. This movie pushed me way out of my comfort zone because my character loves a lot of things that I certainly do not. For example, horror and murder stories. Aside from that, the most memorable part was our amazing cast and crew. This project felt like summer camp, it seemed everyone was happy to be there and we all shared a similar passion for the project.

How did you get your start in acting? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I played a spider in a play at some summer camp when I was a kid and was like, “Oh, this is the thing.” So I fell in love with it very early on. But when it was time to apply to college I didn’t think it was at all realistic and gave up on the idea for a while. I’m one of those people where I really don’t know what else I would do aside from acting and it just seems to fit right.

What is your dream role or project?

I want to see a really well done queer romantic comedy or drama, something with a huge budget, and ideally a love story between queer people that doesn’t end in tragedy. It’s a bit of a trope that gay love stories end badly. Also period pieces! I just started watching Lovecraft Country and I love a very honest look into the 50s and 60s.

When you are stuck in a creative rut, what helps you get your mojo back?

It may not be the answer people want to hear, but I resign myself to being in a rut. I accept my circumstances and move on. I’m very much a roll a with the punches person and I’ve found that attitude gets me out of ruts way quicker than fighting against them.

What have you been doing with your time during quarantine?

I went through that very productive phase for the first few months where I practiced piano, learned new recipes, refurbished and painted some furniture pieces. I’ve deteriorated into a lazier chapter of quarantine so I’m now with my mom at her house in the Bay Area (after getting tested for Covid and isolating) so I’m enjoying a lot of hiking and reading.

Is there something you never thought you would do that you have found yourself doing or trying during this time?

I love videogames in theory but never got super into them. I have logged so many hours playing videogames during quarantine I’m almost embarrassed. I played so much Zelda I started having dreams about it.

What are your top recommendations for a book everyone should read, a movie everyone should watch (other than Followed) and a song everyone should have on their playlist?

Blankets by Craig Thompson, The Handmaiden directed by Park Chan-wook, and Stay High by Brittany Howard. Something to make you cry, something to make your jaw drop, and something to make you feel warm and fuzzy.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

First book: Existential Crises and Me

Second: Telling People You’re Charming Isn’t Charming

Third: Time for a Nap