Riley Keough Reveals the Films That Sparked Her Acting Dream

Growing up as Elvis Presley's granddaughter, Riley Keough might have been expected to follow a well-trodden path into the world of entertainment. Yet, she has carved out her own place, earning a reputation as one of the most compelling performers of her generation. While some may be quick to label her a 'nepo baby', Keough's career is marked by a willingness to take risks and a genuine commitment to her craft. Her filmography includes a diverse range of projects, from Steven Soderbergh’s intimate character study Magic Mike to George Miller’s high-octane Mad Max: Fury Road, Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Lars von Trier’s The House That Jack Built, and the acclaimed series Daisy Jones and the Six.

Despite her family’s deep roots in show business, Keough’s fascination with the silver screen didn’t truly ignite until her early teens. She recalls a pivotal moment when, as a pre-teen, she encountered a film that changed her perspective on storytelling and performance.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

Keough has spoken about the profound effect that Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! had on her at the age of twelve. The film, a vibrant musical blending early twentieth-century Bohemian flair with modern pop, left a lasting impression.

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

she remembered.

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

Moulin Rouge! is renowned for its bold visual style and emotional depth, with Nicole Kidman portraying a cabaret performer who falls for a struggling writer, played by Ewan McGregor. The film’s unique approach and critical acclaim, including several Oscar nominations and a subsequent stage adaptation, made it a cultural touchstone for many, Keough included.

Family Connections and Artistic Influence

Keough’s connection to Moulin Rouge! extends beyond her admiration for the film itself. Baz Luhrmann, the director, would later be entrusted with creating the definitive biopic of her grandfather, Elvis. The Presley estate, known for its careful management of Elvis’s legacy, allowed Luhrmann to bring his distinctive style to the project. The resulting film, Elvis, not only became a major box office success and awards contender but also resonated with Keough and her family, offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges her grandfather faced in his later years.

For Keough, seeing her family’s story honoured in such a creative and personal way added another layer of meaning to her early cinematic inspirations. The connection between Moulin Rouge! and Elvis, both in style and in spirit, underscores the impact that bold, imaginative filmmaking can have on those who grow up surrounded by the industry.

Finding Inspiration in Lesser-Known Gems

While Moulin Rouge! is widely celebrated, Keough also points to a more understated film as a key influence: The Secret Lives of Altar Boys. This coming-of-age dramedy, adapted from a graphic novel, struck a chord with her during her formative years. She has singled out Emile Hirsch’s lead performance as particularly memorable, capturing the sense of isolation and longing that many adolescents experience.

Although The Secret Lives of Altar Boys did not achieve mainstream success upon release, its exploration of youthful alienation resonated with Keough. She also noted the lasting impact of Kieran Culkin’s role in the film, especially as his career has flourished in recent years with projects like Succession and A Real Pain. For Keough, these performances exemplified the kind of authentic, emotionally charged acting that she aspired to pursue herself.