MAX RAGAN

Multidisciplinary artist Max Ragan knows how to harness the power of creativity to tell stories and spark his audience's imagination. Having directed powerful films like ‘Miles & Miles’ and shorts like ‘Stand by Me’ that perfectly capture a sentiment while showcasing a brand, and having acted in ‘Sea Wall’, which explores the power of chemistry and relationships, Miles is equally comfortable in front of the camera as behind it.

Interview by Leigh Maynard.

Max Ragan wearing CHANEL Le Lift Flash Eye Patches.

When asked to describe his directional style, he explains, “Ultimately, I want to tell stories that leave an impact, whether that means offering audiences a sense of comfort and hope through something or someone they can relate to, or unsettling them enough to spark conversation. Storytelling has the power to do both. Life is made up of stories, and everyone carries their own, good and bad.” However, Max’s first love was fashion, having studied the craft of clothes before he began his exploration of other types of artistry. “I’ve been drawn to clothes from an early age, but my relationship with fashion really took shape in my teens. The influence and culture around brands like Supreme and Palace were huge, and that period played a big role in shaping both my personal style and even some friendships I’ve formed. Since I’ve always seen clothing as a form of self-expression - something that reflects how I’m feeling in the moment, as well as who I am more broadly.”

Max has also walked international catwalks, and it is evident that this melding of sartorial form and fiction underpins much of his creative vision. “Fashion or costume within storytelling and acting is almost always my starting point. While many actors or directors may approach costumes later in the creative process, it’s often one of the first things I consider, if not the first. Clothing helps me connect to a character on a deeper level, much like music does. That connection feeds into far stronger storytelling.” Max’s powerful take on narrative is reflected in the directors he takes inspiration from: “I watch a lot of films, so there are many influences. The Coen and Safdie brothers stand out in particular; their work is phenomenal to me. I’m also drawn to filmmakers like Claire Denis, Robert Altman, Sidney Lumet, and, more recently, Joachim Trier. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I take from each of them, but it can be anything from costume and character to narrative or world-building. I absorb what resonates and implement those elements into my own work.” But as an actor, there is one director that Max would really love to collaborate with. “The dream would be to work with Paul Thomas Anderson. His visual storytelling is incredible, and I admire every aspect of his filmmaking, especially how he works alongside actors whilst directing. I’m also a huge Radiohead fan, so the fact that he frequently collaborates with Jonny Greenwood makes it even more of a dream. That alone would give us plenty to talk about.” Perhaps Max’s most distinctive and visually arresting discipline is his photography, with a style that is at once filled with intrigue, vibrant colour, striking contrasts and a dash of humour.

He explains that his starting point is often narrative. “Whether I’m working with stills or moving images, the first question I ask is: what am I trying to say? Or, just as importantly, what is the work trying to say? Without a story, an image or film can be visually striking, but it loses much of its impact. Once the narrative is clear, I start thinking about how to bring it to life visually.” There is also a spontaneity to Max’s stills, prompting the question, when does he know he has the shot? “Honestly, I never really know - and that’s part of the beauty of shooting film. I trust my eye in the moment, and whether an image is “great” only reveals itself once it’s developed. More often than not, the shots where I overthink the least end up being the strongest. Maybe that’s instinct. Who knows?” It’s this instinct that continues to elevate Max’s career trajectory, with a hunger to produce new projects. He also has faith in the power of his audience’s interpretations, offering the following advice to those wishing to carve a path in photography and film. “It isn’t easy at all. My hope is that by putting the time and care into what I love, the work will eventually speak for itself. I don’t think you can, or should, force creative work onto people. If it resonates, it resonates.”

And with so many great projects in his portfolio, Max explains that there isn’t one discipline in particular that he is drawn to, but he appreciates how each offers its own form of expression. “I like the idea that each of my creative outlets, whether acting, filmmaking, photography, or fashion, allows me to express how I’m feeling in its own distinct way. Because of that, each one is just as important to me as the next. Without any one of them, I’d feel like something was missing. I’m grateful for all of them.” As for the future, Max’s creativity knows no bounds, with a new film coming in the spring and even bigger plans following from there. “In terms of film, I’ve written another short that’s set to go into production this April. After that, I might start thinking about a feature. For now, I’m heading to Paris next week to work on an exciting Super 8 film project and document some fashion week chaos. Wish me luck!”