Renowned actor, Matt Damon recently opened up about his battle with depression while working on a movie project that he believed was destined for failure. As he immersed himself in the production, a sense of doubt and unease gradually took hold, leading him to question his choices and mutter to himself, “What have I done?”
The Weight of a Losing Effort on Matt Damon
Damon’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional toll of investing in a project with little hope of success. Pouring his heart and soul into the film, he faced the daunting realization that his efforts might be in vain. This weight became a heavy burden, impacting his mental well-being and triggering a depressive state.
As Damon confronted the prospect of failure, he began questioning his worth and purpose as an actor. Doubts crept in, leading him to question his talent, choices, and overall career trajectory. The internal struggle intensified, causing him to wonder if he had made a grave mistake by committing to the project.
Although Damon did not name the movie in which he fell into depression, in the past he mentioned “The Great Wall.” Zhang Yimou’s poorly-reviewed 2016 monster movie generated controversy for its white savior narrative. Matt Damon played William Garin, a European mercenary.
When asked about the movie the actor said when any outsider comes into a new culture, finds value in the culture, and also brings some skill from the outside that aids them in their fight against whatever and they’re all changed forever. Damon’s experience serves as a reminder that seeking help and prioritizing self-care are essential, regardless of one’s public image or professional achievements.
In Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Damon stars as Manhattan Project director Leslie Groves. The atomic bomb epic opens July 21 from Universal Pictures.