Interviews
Interview: Writer/director Simon Barrett on his film making debut Seance; “People who don’t like horror have no business making horror movies”
As the spooky season creeps towards its hallowed end, horror-centric streaming service Shudder is proving to be the gift that keeps on giving for genre fans the globe over. With the recent release of the supernatural scarer Seance (you can read our review here), our own Peter Gray got to chat with the film’s writer…
Interview: Moneyboys director CB Yi on overcoming obstacles and the inspiration behind his visual aesthetic
As the Taiwan Film Festival in Australia continues to screen virtually for the country, our own Peter Gray contacted director CB Yi, whose film Moneyboys (read our review here) has been one of the festival’s premiere titles, to discuss the film’s origins and tackling the risky subject matter. How did the project originate? When I…
Interview: David Arquette on wrestling, redemption, and surviving Scream; “I really wanted to find that balance of what’s human and what’s my personal struggle”.
The documentary You Cannot Kill David Arquette (read our review here) presents the titular actor in a manner many audiences will be unprepared for. Opening himself up to the very masses that shamed him upon his attempt to infiltrate the world of wrestling, David Arquette‘s personal and professional struggles are laid out at the core…
Interview: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson on uncovering the lost footage for his documentary Summer of Soul
Best known as the drummer and joint frontman of Grammy Award winning hip-hop band The Roots, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is adding to his already overflowing resume with the credit of director as his acclaimed documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) releases across Australian cinemas. Uncovering decades-lost footage of the…
Interview: Siobhan Fallon Hogan on stepping out of her comedic comfort zone to tackle the American college rituals of hazing in Rushed
“Actors are egomaniacs, we need to be complimented at least once a day” It was that self-deprecating note that began a conversation between our Peter Gray and actress-turned-writer Siobhan Fallon Hogan for the film Rushed, a dramatic thriller marking the actress’s debut as a screenwriter. Known for her more comedic stylings, seen in such efforts…
Interview: Australian director Lara Köse and choreographer Zoee Marsh on collaborating for their short film, Red Passion
Created in partnership with Campari as part of its dedication in supporting local artists, Red Passion is a short film exploring the intersections of dance and film. A trio of dancers expressing their evolution through solo, duet and ensemble pieces, the creative project from emerging Australian director Lara Köse and choreographer Zoee Marsh is now streaming…
Interview: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris on making Candyman; “There’s something tough about knowing the art we are making is in response to these violent patterns in the world”
Ahead of its theatrical release this week, Candyman stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris sat down for a global discussion about the making of their horror reimagining. Our own Peter Gray was invited to join in on the dialogue, asking about the research into their characters and why now is the perfect time for…
Interview: Candyman writer/director Nia DaCosta and star Colman Domingo on finding the social commentary within the horror genre.
From August 26th, director Nia DaCosta and producer Jordan Peele dare a new generation of viewers to say one particular name; Candyman. Ahead of the film’s release, our own Peter Gray was invited to join a roundtable panel with writer/director DaCosta and star Colman Domingo to discuss the important social commentary on racial trauma present…
Interview: Hugh Jackman, Thandiwe Newton and Reminiscence writer and director Lisa Joy on the creation of a new futuristic world in cinema
Written and directed by Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy and starring Hugh Jackman, Thandiwe Newton and Rebecca Ferguson, Reminiscence is a mind-bending new thriller that asks the question of how far you would go to hold on to the ones you love? Speaking with our own Peter Gray ahead of the film’s release, Hugh, Thandiwe and…
Interview: Australian YouTuber and professional gamer LazarBeam on being invited into the world of Free Guy
Having earned his prolific status in the gaming world through his commentary videos and comedic riffs, Australian YouTuber Lannan Eacott, aka LazarBeam, is upgrading his screen configuration to those of the theatres. Earning his own credit among the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, and Taika Waititi in the new virtual comedy Free Guy, LazarBeam…
Interview: The Ice Road writer and director Jonathan Hensleigh on his love of the action genre and shooting practically
Though his name might not be instantly recognisable, it’s supremely unlikely that you haven’t at least heard his dialogue. As a screenwriter for such successes as Die Hard With A Vengeance, Jumanji, The Rock, Con-Air, and Gone In 60 Seconds, Jonathan Hensleigh has more than placed his stamp on the action genre for close to…
Interview: Free Guy director Shawn Levy and the creative team on bringing their unique world to life
To coincide with the anticipated release of Free Guy, 20th Century Studios invited our own Peter Gray to chat with the film’s creative team during a roundtable dialogue. Discussing with director Shawn Levy, production designer Ethan Tobman, SFX supervisor Swen Gillberg, cinematographer George Richmond, and stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara were, among Ryan Reynolds praise, the intricacies of…
Interview: Director James Gunn and the cast of The Suicide Squad; “This movie could be rated X!”
As The Suicide Squad gear up to take on the big screen here in Australia, where cinemas are open, of course, (you can read our review here), director James Gunn and his cast, including Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Jai Courtney, Sylvester Stallone, Pete Davidson, Nathan Fillion and Joel Kinnaman, were on hand at…
Interview: Snake Eyes stars Úrsula Corberó, Andrew Koji and Haruka Abe on bringing their G.I. Joe characters to life
As Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins prepares for battle in Australian cinemas this week, the cast were in promotion mode to discuss the choreography and camaraderie on set. Talking to our own Peter Gray, Andrew Koji (who plays Storm Shadow), Haruka Abe (Akiko) and Úrsula Corberó (Baroness) discussed their history with the G.I. Joe brand,…
Interview: Director Edgar Wright on The Sparks Brothers documentary and if he’d ever make a musical
Dubbed as “your favourite band’s favourite band”, Sparks are the Californian-bred, European-stylised glam rock duo you don’t know you love yet. As their documentary, The Sparks Brothers (read our review here), continues to screen across select Australian cinemas, Peter Gray caught up with famed director Edgar Wright to discuss the making of the film, why…
Interview: Director Saul Abraham on directing short film Enjoy and exploring men’s mental health
Statistics regarding the prevalence of mental illness in men today have become a more commonly known factor as the walls of machoism continue to break down. No longer a subject that goes undiscussed, the depression aspect of a man’s mental psyche is at the centre of Saul Abraham‘s striking short film, Enjoy. Following its screening…
Interview: Don Cheadle on playing a villain in Space Jam: A New Legacy and sharing the court with LeBron James
No stranger to the world of CGI wizardry and starring alongside names of sizeable weight, Don Cheadle is utilising both his talent and knowledge for his latest big screen venture – Space Jam: A New Legacy – opposite Los Angeles Lakers MVP, LeBron James. Talking with our own Peter Gray ahead of the anticipated sequel’s…
Interview: Actor Thomas Cocquerel on the thrills and intricacies of Escape Room: Tournament of Champions
After Escape Room became one of 2019’s biggest surprise box office successes, netting over $150 million worldwide on a $9 million budget, it was no surprise when it was announced that a second trip behind the locked doors would be heading our way; Escape Room: Tournament of Champions. Reuniting original director Adam Robitel and surviving…
Interview: The cast and creators of In The Heights on bringing the film from stage to screen
As In The Heights prepares to dance its way on to the big screens here in Australia (you can read our review here), the cast and creators were on hand at a global press conference to discuss making the film, including director Jon M. Chu, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and screenwriter Quiara Alegría Hudes. Our own…
Interview: Christopher Scott on choreographing In The Heights; “They could have done this live”
After In The Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda enlisted director Jon M. Chu to bring his acclaimed stage production to life on the big screen, Chu extended his arm to longtime collaborator Christopher Scott, the three-time Emmy nominated choreographer who helped shape the movements of the Step Up films. Ahead of the film’s Australian release, Peter…
Interview: Sung Kang on his return to the Fast & Furious franchise; “It’s very humbling”
Despite supposedly meeting his maker at the end of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Sung Kang‘s fan favourite character Han Lue is back in action for Fast & Furious 9. Reuniting with director Justin Lin and Fast family patriarch Vin Diesel, Kang’s return to the franchise has been shrouded in mystery. As the…
Interview: Eiza González about the importance of Spirit Untamed‘s hopeful message
With roles in a Golden Globe-winning comedy and a $400 million dollar blockbuster under her belt in the last year alone, now is a good time to be Eiza González. After breaking out as Jon Hamm’s right-hand woman in the hit Baby Driver in 2017, the Mexican born singer-cum-actress has quickly become a sought after…
Interview: Ron’s Gone Wrong directors Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine on addressing social media and physical separation
To coincide with the trailer launch of Ron’s Gone Wrong, the latest animated comedy adventure from 20th Century Studios telling the story of a socially awkward middle-schooler and his digitally-connected, walking, talking “best friend” whose hilarious malfunctions set him apart in this digital age, Peter Gray chatted with the film’s directors, Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe…
German Film Festival Interview: I’m Your Man writer/director Maria Schrader on subverting the expected narrative
With the German Film Festival currently underway across all major Australian cities (even Melbourne is getting an extended season), our own Peter Gray was fortunate enough to sit in on a roundtable event with writer/director Maria Schrader about her comedic and contemplative feature I’m Your Man (read our review here), where she discussed the unique…
Interview: My Name Is Gulpilil director Molly Reynolds on having unfiltered access to David Gulpilil’s life
Director Molly Reynolds has long had a history with the subject of her latest film. Her partner, trailblazing filmmaker Rolf de Heer, has directed David Gulpilil in such critically acclaimed efforts as The Tracker and Charlie’s Country, whilst she has documented these collaborations with the companion pieces Twelve Canoes and Another Country. Her closeness and…
Interview: Spiral director Darren Lynn Bousman on returning to the Saw franchise
After over a decade of vacating the director’s seat on the Saw franchise, Darren Lynn Bousman has returned to the series that gave birth to his career as a staple within the horror genre. As the latest instalment releases in cinemas across the country, Spiral: From the Book of Saw (read our review here), our…
Interview: Australian actor Finn Little on Those Who Wish Me Dead and bonding with Angelina Jolie
At the age of just 14 years, Brisbane-born talent Finn Little has already amassed an impressive filmography. After securing the lead role in the Australian drama Storm Boy at just 11, Little has continued his steady rise in the industry with roles in the Netflix series Tidelands, the mini-series The Reckoning, and the Luke Evans-led…
Interview: Claudia Karvan on her film June Again and being hungry for new experiences
A staple of the Australian entertainment landscape for over 30 years, Claudia Karvan has amassed countless accolades – including Logie and AACTA Award wins – and an enviable catalogue that has seen her conquer theatre, television and cinema. To coincide with the release of the new dramedy June Again (read our review here), Karvan spoke…
Interview: Brock O’Hurn on the paranormal experience of filming The Resort in an abandoned hotel
Famed on Instagram for his 6’7 frame and popularisation of the “man-bun”, California native Brock O’Hurn has traded in influencing for entertainment, transitioning from the phone screen to the big screen. Having made his film debut in Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween, and its subsequent sequel, before earning television roles in drama series such…
Interview: Director Lee Daniels on the cultural importance of The United States vs Billie Holiday
The first ever African-American film producer to solely produce an Oscar-winning film (when Halle Berry won her Best Actress statue for Monster’s Ball), Lee Daniels has long associated himself with acclaimed fare throughout his career thus far. After a near-decade long break from directing films, the Academy Award-nominated director of such lauded features as Precious…