Connect with us

News

Fantasia 2019: Interview with ‘Harpoon’ Star Munro Chambers

Published

on

Harpoon Munro Chambers

Harpoon is part of the official selection of the 2019 Fantasia International Film Festival, running in Montreal, Quebec. I had the chance to talk with one of the stars of the film, Munro Chambers (Turbo Kid, Knuckleball) about the film, his character, and the human condition.

You can keep an eye out for a full film review, and click here to read my interview with Harpoon‘s writer/director, Rob Grant.


Kelly McNeely: From what I understand, you guys had three days of rehearsal to work on the film before you started. What was that process like and how did that help?

Munro Chambers: It was huge. Because it’s such an intimate film and such a small cast, I think those three days were crucial just to really hammer out the details of the three characters’ history, and just our chemistry of being three best friends who’ve known each other for years, and all of their dirty laundry which they get out on this boat during this crazy ride of a film.

You really need to know how to make each other tick, and it was a lot of fun to find out that with Christopher and Rob, to kind of just play around and talk about certain situations and how we think each other would be, and really identify each character’s faults.

KM: Do you feel like you really got to live in Jonah a bit, or was that a very different character for you? 

MC: I’ve played characters similar to him. What I loved about the script – without giving too much away – is each character has a surface identity that is very evident as you view the film, and they kind of reveal their true colors as it goes on.

The first reveal of Jonah is the smart one, the weak one physically. Emily has all the heart and all the compassion, and Christopher Gray’s character, he has all the rage and the anger, he has all the strength. And as you see the film progress, you really see who they truly are as people. As you kind of strip away all this surface stuff that they’re putting on or that the world is projecting on them. It was really interesting to read. 

KM: As you were saying, again, the characters are really fantastic and really in-depth, did you think that any of the characters were really kind of the “bad guy”? Was it all of them? They’re very complex characters who do some terrible things, right?

MC: I think they all take their turn, I think it really shows the human condition that anyone’s capable of anything, and it doesn’t matter who you are, and that’s kind of what they’re alluding to with all these characters is that throughout the film you may tag this person as the villain right off the top, and then halfway through, like “well it could be this person”, and then later “well maybe it’s THIS person!”.

It’s very, very interesting how Rob set it up, Rob and Mike Peterson, how they set it up. And that’s what made it fun for us. We each got to take turns playing multiple versions of these characters in a different storyline – they weren’t in a different film. And with how they shot it, it feels like almost four or five different genres packed into one film. And that made it really exciting for us to really play and get creative with all of our years of experience trying to flex those muscles, which was just such a joy.

via Fantasia Fest

KM: I know you filmed the interiors in order, it kind of ends up coming out a little bit like a stage play, doesn’t it?

MC: Well that’s exactly it. That’s why the three days were even that much more important because it’s just continuous. I think Rob really pegged it out to be some kind of Seinfeld episode because all the characters in Seinfeld are never really good people, but they somehow make it work within their friendship and it kind of blows up every once and awhile. But it really is a little bit of a stage play, and you could actually play it that way, especially because it’s so intimate a setting. 

KM: It would be really interesting to see on stage, I think. It’d be a very complex one to do. I know you filmed in Calgary in the winter. As a fellow Canadian, how was that terrible weather when you’re trying to be tropical?

MC: It was alright. I’ve filmed in Alberta before, I did Knuckleball in Edmonton, so that was one of my first experiences there. We actually got lucky that it wasn’t that bad. But it was really nice, we got to brave that cold together.

Chris is from New York, and Emily lives in LA but she’s from Minnesota. So we all knew what the cold was like. We had to kind of play like we were in Florida or some sunny place until we got to Belize. But it wasn’t bad. I love that – working here in Canada – although in this film we didn’t get to showcase the amazing scenery, you know, the places here. But I love filming in Canada.

KM: I love that there’s so much going on in Canada, film-wise. It’s fantastic that they’re really expanding the industry. There’s so much happening here now, which is great.

MC: It’s huge! It’s the best. It’s great!

via Fantasia Fest

KM: When filming the interiors – again, filming in order – how did that kind of help with the progression of how everything goes – without saying too much? 

MC: It makes it easier. You have a reference to the atmosphere and the feel for each character, where we were with the highs and lows, and just little technical things shot-wise and theme-wise as we progress. And that’s what was really really nice when we were doing, you know, part comedy, part horror, part drama, part thriller, we really had to pick our punches there.

It’s always great when you get to do shots in order because you never get to! But like you said, Rob really wanted to make sure it happened that way, that we got the sense that ok, we’re going to have this as chronologically as we can. Just in case you miss something if you go to the very end of the film and then things don’t make sense at the beginning. 

KM: Those themes that you’re touching on, with friendship and betrayal, everyone’s kind of pushed to their limit. Why do you think as people we’re so fascinated by stories of this dark, depraved side of humanity?

MC: It’s been debated so much over the years, you know, good and evil. There are good people and bad people, and like “I would never do this, I would never do that, I love this person to death, I would never say anything bad about them!”. And I think it’s just showing the human condition in its rawest form.

It’s exaggerated, of course, and turned into a film, but it’s the perfect – in my mind – the perfect way to turn on your best friends in a confined area and air your dirty laundry. It’s an exaggerated version of what you’d do to them. I think it’s really great to see that, it’s almost as if anybody is capable of anything.

Even the people who seem like the villain or seem like a dark person or a mean person or an evil person, it’s not who they seem. So someone may look innocent and the hero, but they may have some dirty laundry behind them that’s actually not very good, but there’s also people that on the surface they seem one way but they’re not, and they’re the heart of their own storyline. It shows both sides, both colors of the human condition I think.

KM: And I think there’s something within these characters that we can all recognize within ourselves as well. There’s characteristics, there’s traits, like “oh yeah I’ve probably thought this” or “I’ve probably done that at some point”

MC: Yeah I hope so. There’s a couple that you hope you don’t! There’s a couple like “well, I don’t wanna be that one”. But I still think you can have it very exaggerated, but on the surface level it’s kind of a little Houdini trick we play. Which I think is nice.

Harpoon Rob Grant

via Fantasia Fest

KM: When you first got the script, what brought you into the project or drew your attention to it and make you really go, like, “oh I wanna do this one”?

MC: It was when Mike Peterson sent me the script and said “look at Jonah”. And when I looked at Jonah I was like “yyyeah!”. I think he’s such a complex character. I feel like a broken record, but, it’s true, I loved his switch.

All the characters have a switch, but I really liked how he seems like this very frail, hyper-intelligent kind of black sheep of his own family character, a guy who is kind of just trying to keep the peace most of the time. And as the story goes on, you really see that there’s something else stilling inside of them, and he’s got a lot of stuff going on that I can get out. 

KM: For audiences, what do you hope that people get out of the movie or that they’re walking away with?

MC: Well I hope they’re shocked! For one. I hope they enjoy the ride. It’s unique and I really think that’s a very, very, very positive thing. Especially in filmmaking today.

You don’t want to do anything cookie-cutter anymore. There’s the cookie cutter recipe that you know is going to work and you put it out there and it’s very straightforward. And I think it’s so interesting when you get to take a very unique script, unique characters, and you kind of mash up genres and say “ok let’s see if this works”. Let’s put all of our talent and our years of experience and knowledge to the test and see what we can create.

We worked really hard on this, I think Rob did a phenomenal job filming it, and Emily is incredible in this, so is Christopher Gray. So you know, I hope they just enjoy the ride and are picking up what we’re putting down. 

Munro will also appear in Riot Girls, directed by Jovanka Vuckovic (XX), which will be screening at Fantasia Fest on July 28. Harpoon is screening at Fantasia Fest on Saturday July 27.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

Published

on

Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

Published

on

Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

Published

on

the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title