Dacre Montgomery on “Dead Man’s Wire,” “Stranger Things,” and Embracing the Challenge
Dacre Montgomery doesn’t shy away from fully immersing himself in a role, a dedication vividly demonstrated in his latest film, dead Man’s Wire. The 31-year-old actor,whose passion for filmmaking blossomed while watching his parents work as a 1st AD and sound recordist,has consistently sought roles that push his creative boundaries. After his breakout performance as Billy in Stranger Things in 2017, Montgomery found the perfect challenge in Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire, a gripping adaptation of the 1977 Indianapolis hostage situation.
The film centers on the real-life ordeal of Richard Hall (Montgomery), a mortgage executive held captive by disgruntled businessman Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgard), who rigged a shotgun with a “dead man’s wire” around Hall’s neck. Montgomery spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his readiness for the role, the physically demanding nature of the shoot, and his reflections on his time with the hit series Stranger Things.
A Director’s Vision and Embracing Imperfection
Montgomery recounted how he initially received a text message from his representative about a potential role in Van Sant’s first film in eight years. “I obviously freaked out,” he admitted, citing Van Sant as a “bucket list director.” During a FaceTime call, Van Sant offered him the part of Richard Hall, despite acknowledging the age discrepancy between the actor and the real-life figure. “dick Hall is 55. You do realize I’m 29,” Montgomery pointed out. Van Sant’s response underscored his focus on the essence of the performance over strict physical resemblance. “Yeah, I don’t care,” van Sant reportedly said.
This approach extended to the casting of Bill Skarsgard as Tony Kiritsis, further highlighting Van Sant’s prioritization of artistic spirit over literal representation. Montgomery embraced this philosophy, fully committing to the role and even going to extreme lengths to embody Richard Hall. “I don’t do things in between.So I went to 1,000 percent — bolded myself, got rid of my eyebrows, tried to become this man, this character,” he explained.
Immersive Preparation and the Weight of Reality
Given the film’s basis in a true story, Montgomery’s preparation was deeply involved.He developed a unique method, creating a “perfume” for the character, blending elements of the real-life Richard Hall’s story with the fictionalized interpretation presented in the film.He also immersed himself in Hall’s memoir, seeking to understand the tragic events that unfolded and the lasting impact they had on his life.
“Dick Hall wrote a book after the situation that happened in his life. It’s a really tragic story.He was sober and lost his sobriety after everything happened; he lost his brothers and his dad,” Montgomery shared.He sought to capture this emotional weight in his performance, striving for authenticity in every detail.
A Darkly Funny Dynamic and Physical Demands
The limited number of sets in Dead Man’s Wire necessitated a heightened focus on the interplay between the two led actors. Montgomery described the dynamic with Skarsgard as a “darkly funny” one, born from the intense and claustrophobic circumstances of the story. “We’re more like dance partners than scene partners,” he explained, emphasizing the need for precise and synchronized movements.
The physical demands of the role were significant. Montgomery insisted on using a real wire and tight handcuffs to enhance the immersive experience, resulting in bruises and soreness. “I’m always someone who’s going to be pushing to have the handcuffs tighter and the wire to be real,” he stated.“I left set with bruises around my neck and my arms and a sore back and whatever else, but I think it helps believe the performance.”
Reflecting on Stranger Things and Future Aspirations
As Stranger Things concludes its run, Montgomery reflected on the impact of his role as Billy. he acknowledged the show’s importance in opening doors for him and expressed optimism about the future creative endeavors of the Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators. “If audiences love Stranger Things, imagine what’s next?” he pondered.
looking ahead, Montgomery revealed his long-held ambition to direct. he recently completed his first film as director,a project he described as a “life-changing experience.” He embraces challenges and seeks to continually explore the limits of his capabilities.
Anxiety as a Superpower and the Essence of Dacre Montgomery
Montgomery also opened up about his struggles with anxiety, framing it not as a hindrance but as a “superpower.” He emphasized the importance of managing anxiety and harnessing its energy to fuel creativity and ambition. “I work on it every single day, but I am actually thankful for it as it pushes me to try and achieve new things,” he said.
When asked to define himself, Montgomery jokingly attributed his defining trait to his “OCD,” acknowledging his meticulous nature and unwavering dedication to his craft.