At what stage of the films development were you brought in as director?
25 years after the script was finished. Larry wrote it in the late seventies.
Did you know Andre Dubus’ books “We Don’t Live Here Anymore” and “Adultery” before reading the script?
No. I was aware of Andre but not the short stories. After reading the script I tracked down the stories – three in fact – each revisiting the affairs between two couples over one summer from a different perspective.
Andre Dubus’ books were originally published in the 1970′s. Did you have to make many changes to make it more relevant to the present day or are the basic themes as relevant today as they were then?
The script was obviously set in the 70′s – but it struck me that not much has changed in terms of marriages in crisis – and though we updated certain aspects of the story (in the original everyone smoked and drank constantly, for example) I tried to maintain a sense of timelessness.
How closely were you involved in the casting and how did you manage to get such a great ensemble cast?
It was luck, timing, and a lot of shameless begging.
Where did filming take place and how long was the shoot? What was the atmosphere like on set?
It was shot in Vancouver over 28 days. There wasn’t any rehearsal so the atmosphere was charged – plenty of nervous energy but a sense of freedom too.
Did you or any of the actors draw on personal experiences of family life to help your work or their performances in the film?
Most of us had partners and kids, so yeah; between us we had plenty of war stories.
How have American audiences reacted to the film and to its view of married life? Do you think British audiences will react differently?
I think the reaction will be pretty much the same: some will relate to it, others won’t.
Is the ending purposefully ambiguous? What did you intend people to think happened to Edith and her children?
Yes. And I don’t know.
You May Also Like.......
An exclusive interview with British Action Star Mem Ferda on his latest role in Nicholas Winding Refn’s PUSHER remake
Hi Mem thanks for taking the time out to talk to us ...
READ MORE
Acts Of Godfrey is a truly original new British film from writer/director Johnny Daukes which began as a poem, progressed into a story and then a full-length screenplay, making it the first feature ...
READ MORE
![Interview: Terence Davies on Distant Voices, Still Lives [from the CU Archive]](http://www.close-upfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/terence-davies-150x150.jpg)
Peter Fraser interviewed Terence Davies, one of Britain's most impressive auteurs, just after the restored print of Distant Voices, Still Lives was screened at the 50th London Film Festival in October 2006.
Originally released in 1989, Distant ...
READ MORE
An Interview about INTO THE ABYSS: a Tale of Death, a Tale of Life
By Carlie Newman
In his documentary, INTO THE ABYSS: a Tale of Death, a Tale of Life Werner ...
READ MORE
Watch Dan Collacott in conversation with director Dexter Fletcher and stars Charlie Creed-Miles and Will Poulter.
Out on parole after 8 years inside Bill Hayward returns home to find his now ...
READ MORE
COLIN FARRELL (Jerry) is a native of Ireland. He won a Golden Globe® Award for his performance in the dark comedy “In Bruges,” which followed a pair of hit men ...
READ MORE
HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN (Momentum Pictures). Opens at cinemas from 15th July 2011
Starring Rutger Hauer
"The most brilliantly disturbing film I've seen in years" - Leon Poultney, Zoo
"A demented slice of ...
READ MORE
The Ohio native has appeared in more than 65 feature films including a star turn as Army Captain Benjamin L. Willard in Francis Ford Coppola’s landmark film APOCALYPSE NOW, which ...
READ MORE
“The Way” is Emilio Estevez’s fourth film as writer/director and marks the third collaboration with his actor/father, Martin Sheen. Emilio has established himself not only as an accomplished actor, but ...
READ MORE
Director Chris Morris's film Four Lions has been nominated for two BAFTAs, has four nominations in the British Independent Film Awards and a further three in the ...
READ MORE
Interview: Mem Ferda Talks About Pusher
Interview: Harry Enfield Chats About Dark Comedy ‘Acts
Interview: Terence Davies on Distant Voices, Still Lives
Meeting Werner Herzog | Close-Up Film Interview
Close-Up Film Chats to the Director & Stars
COLIN FARRELL AND DIRECTOR CRAIG GILLESPIE CHAT ABOUT
Rutger Hauer & Jason Eisener chat about Hobo
THE WAY – Martin Sheen Interview
THE WAY – Emilio Estevez Interview
Chris Morris Chats About Four Lions
