Peeling Back the Layers: Jeff Gladstone Explores Obsession and Identity in ‘Kryptic’

(Photo by: Kirstine Cofsky)

Written by: TiShea Wilson, Managing Editor

 

A classically trained actor, accomplished improviser, and talented musician, Jeff Gladstone has long thrived in the world of complex, emotionally charged characters. You may have seen him on shows such as Allegiance (CBC), Fire Country (CBS), and Resident Alien (Syfy). With a career spanning stage, film, and music, Gladstone has built a reputation for bringing layered authenticity to every role—whether it’s crafting impromptu performances in long-form improvisation, delivering theatrical nuance on stage, or infusing film characters with unexpected depth.

 

One of his most intriguing screen roles to date comes in Kourtney Roy‘s debut feature, Kryptic, which originally premiered at SXSW 2024 and is now available in select theaters and on VOD across the U.S. and Canada. In the film, Gladstone plays Morgan, a character both darkly comedic and disturbingly controlling with a self-perceived notion of being a romantic hero whose manipulations slowly unravel in haunting, surreal ways.

 

With Kryptic diving deep into themes of identity, trauma, and transformation, Gladstone’s portrayal adds nuance to a story rich with metaphor and psychological tension. His performance not only grounds the film’s dreamlike narrative but also underscores his own artistic philosophy: to seek out stories that challenge convention and dig into the messy complexity of the human psyche. In this exclusive Nerd Alert News interview, Jeff Gladstone opens up about his experience making Kryptic, working with director Kourtney Roy, the intersections between music and acting, and his deep commitment to storytelling that defies the mainstream.

TiShea Wilson: Hi, Jeff! It’s wonderful to get the chance to chat with you! Let’s jump right in with your role in ‘Kryptic.’ Morgan is portrayed as both darkly comedic and disturbingly controlling. How did you approach balancing these facets to bring authenticity to the character?

 

Jeff Gladstone: It’s a tricky balance for sure. Morgan’s control tactics become increasingly disturbing. I tried to cultivate an understanding of how he would feel justified in himself to go to those lengths. So I think he sees himself as the hero of his own love story, but at the same time a victim of Barb’s ambivalence towards him. Falling into the trap of self-victimization I think is a pretty common human failing. And I think that is both comedic, and dark. I hope people do feel bad for him on some level, but ultimately feel like his fate is justified. 

 

TW: The film explores themes of identity, trauma, and transformation. How did these elements influence your portrayal, especially in scenes highlighting Morgan’s relationship with Barb?

 

JG: I feel like Morgan has an ideal version of Barb, most of which is probably his own invention. He doesn’t have the courage to actually learn who she really is. Morgan is also a child psychologist. So, although I didn’t see him having any major trauma in his own backstory, he deals with a lot of trauma, and loves to feel like he can solve other people’s problems. I think Morgan is someone who tries to suppress spontaneity, in himself and in others, and so resists change. 

TW: What was it like working with Kourtney Roy and navigating Kryptic’s surreal, metaphor-rich narrative to shape Morgan’s arc?

 

JG: Kourtney has both a very singular and nuanced vision, but she also is so collaborative and easy to work with on set. I really had to throw all my trust to Kourtney to go to where we needed to go, and it was a great journey. I was so inspired by some of the unusual details that were written about Morgan. His orchid collection; his obsessive tidiness; his nostalgia for the Honeymoon period marked by “a villa in Barcelona where we left out cheese dipped in Strawberry jelly for sweet stray kitties.” And, of course, once I saw her photography and her short films, I got a great sense of the world in which these elements all come together.

 

TW: Were there any specific inspirations or personal experiences you drew on to inform Morgan’s complex personality?

 

JG: Well, I’m a pretty big romantic at heart. So seeing Morgan as just deeply in love was an easy way in. I’ve written lots of songs in moments of love and despair. So when Kourtney suggested Morgan play piano and write songs for Barb, I sat at the piano and did an improvisation as Morgan. It really helped me get into his character in the weeks before filming.

 

TW: Your background in long-form improvisation is impressive. How does that experience influence your approach to scripted roles like Morgan?

 

JG: I used to think film and improvisation of being far apart on the spectrum, with theatre somewhere in the middle, but now I find acting on film a pretty pure form of improvisation. You prepare through research and text work, but when the camera is rolling you have to be completely present. Accept whatever happens, especially if it’s spontaneous. There’s lots of tools I learned from Keith Johnstone that I use in my preparation to bring a sense of play, where I can try things in the “wrong” way, and sometimes you discover something useful. 

TW: What tends to attract you to roles that explore psychological depth and unconventional storytelling?

 

JG: It’s the joy of acting! I think a lot of mainstream movies assume the worst in their audiences, and we all have so much more capacity for alternative narrative styles and complex characters. I feel a bit that conventional “story structure” which was maybe first descriptive, has become prescriptive, when our imaginations are so much bigger. Think of any dream you had, and it’s already rich with psychological depth and unconventional storytelling. I hope by placing my time and energy on projects that exist outside the mainstream, I can play a small part in promoting new narratives and expanding our collective imagination.

 

TW: How do you prepare for roles that require diving into darker aspects of human behavior, and how do you decompress afterward?

 

JG: Great question. I need a lot of solitude in my preparation. I was very lucky when shooting Kryptic that I stayed near set and was able to just live in that world for a few days. My decompression often involves music, getting outside, and sometimes a little red wine helps.

 

TW: As a musician, do you find your musical background informs your acting performances, particularly in rhythm or emotional tone?

 

JG: It’s definitely a part of my love of text and poetry, with relation to rhythm and tone. But more so my acting experiences have influenced my songwriting.

TW: Have you considered integrating your musical talents into acting projects? Perhaps composing for a film or taking on a musical role?

 

JG: I’ve played guitar and upright bass in many theatre projects, but there’s only been a few opportunities to bring those skills to my film work. I music directed and improvised the musical score with a trio for a film in 2019. In 2018 I was in a film by Bruce Sweeney called ‘Kingsway’ that premiered at TIFF. I was part of the script development, so Bruce wrote into the script that my character played guitar and had a band. The film closes on a scene with live music which was really fun to shoot. Another star in that film was, Colleen Rennison, who’s a fantastic actor and singer. It was a great experience signing with her, and we recorded the songs from the film. I’d love to play in a musical biography type film someday. 

 

TW: With your broad creative experience, have you thought about stepping into writing or directing in film or theater?

 

JG: Absolutely! I’ve done some theatre directing, but I would definitely love to step into the director’s role for a film one day. Probably a project involving improvisation because I really do enjoy directing in improvisational mediums.

 

TW: Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about that continue exploring complex characters or innovative storytelling?

 

JG: I was part of a film last year that was all improvised, where I played a very fun character named, Mouse. I was prepared with my character, but my scene partner had no idea what he was dealing with until the camera was rolling. That was a fun one, very comedic. And I had a great time playing a villain in an upcoming film ‘The Bearded Girl’ that will premiere at Fantasia Film Festival this summer. I’m also developing a few projects in Vancouver so lots to look forward to!

 

As Kryptic continues to reach new audiences, Jeff Gladstone’s performance stands out as a masterclass in emotional complexity and artistic risk-taking. Whether through his nuanced screen work, his improvisational roots, or his musical storytelling, Gladstone remains committed to exploring characters who live in the grey areas — those who challenge our perceptions and reflect the contradictions within ourselves. With several exciting projects on the horizon, including his villainous turn in The Bearded Girl, audiences can look forward to seeing more of his distinctive voice in stories that push boundaries and expand the language of cinema.

 

 

 

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