Riley Keough Reveals the Films That Sparked Her Acting Dream

Growing up in a family as famous as the Presleys, Riley Keough could have easily relied on her surname. Instead, she’s carved out her own path, earning a reputation as one of the most interesting actors of her generation. While some might take the mickey out of so-called “nepo babies”, it’s hard to deny Keough’s knack for picking bold projects and delivering standout performances. She’s been part of everything from Steven Soderbergh’s indie drama Magic Mike to George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Lars von Trier’s The House That Jack Built, and the much-hyped series Daisy Jones and the Six.

Despite her family’s deep roots in showbiz, Keough says her fascination with film stars didn’t really kick in until she was about twelve. The flick that first opened her eyes to the magic of storytelling was Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!.

“I was 12, and I was like, ‘Wow, I want to be Nicole Kidman, she made me feel so sad!’”

she recalled.

“I remember thinking how fulfilling it would be to do that, which is a big concept for a kid.”

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

Moulin Rouge! is a wild ride, blending the glitz of early 20th-century Paris with modern pop tunes. Nicole Kidman’s turn as a cabaret performer who falls for a broke writer (played by Ewan McGregor) left a big impression on Keough. The film’s over-the-top style and emotional punch made it a hit with punters and critics alike, even nabbing a few Oscar nods and inspiring a stage show down the track.

For Keough, the connection to Moulin Rouge! runs even deeper. Baz Luhrmann, who directed the film, later got the green light from the Presley estate to make the biopic Elvis. He brought the same offbeat style to that project, and it ended up being a massive success, shining a light on the challenges her grandfather faced in his later years. The family was reportedly pretty chuffed with how it turned out.

Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

While Moulin Rouge! is a big name, the other film that fired up Keough’s passion for acting is a bit more under the radar. She’s a huge fan of The Secret Lives of Altar Boys, a coming-of-age dramedy based on a graphic novel. Keough especially rates Emile Hirsch’s lead performance, but she also points out that Kieran Culkin’s role has had a lasting impact, especially now that he’s on a roll with shows like Succession and films like A Real Pain.

The Secret Lives of Altar Boys didn’t make a huge splash when it first came out, but it struck a chord with young viewers who felt a bit on the outer. The film captures that sense of being lost and looking for your place in the world, something that clearly resonated with Keough as a teenager.

Charting Her Own Course

Keough’s choices show she’s not interested in playing it safe or just following in her family’s footsteps. She’s gone after roles that challenge her and let her explore different sides of herself. Whether it’s a gritty indie or a blockbuster, she brings a unique energy to every project. Her early love for films like Moulin Rouge! and The Secret Lives of Altar Boys set her on a path to becoming one of the most intriguing actors working today.