"Granted, there are times when, for business reasons, you do something that's more mainstream. But even then, I try to find something that has a dark or subversive aspect"

This quote by Ryan Phillippe recommends that he wants to make compromises in his work for company factors, but he still tries to find something that has a dark or subversive aspect. This could mean that he wants to take on functions that are more traditional, however he still wishes to make sure that the role has something distinct or fascinating about it. He is not going to simply take on any role that comes his method, however instead wishes to make certain that he is still able to bring something unique to the function. This could be interpreted as him wishing to make sure that he is still able to bring something of himself to the function, even if it is a more traditional function.