Venice

‘Dead ​Man’s Wire‘ Cast⁢ Detail Gus Van‌ Sant‘s Collaborative Process, Unexpected ​Comedy in 1977 Hostage Drama

LOS ANGELES, CA – The cast and filmmakers behind gus ⁤Van Sant’s upcoming feature, Dead Man’s Wire, are ⁤revealing insights​ into⁢ the film’s unique development and surprising tonal shifts, stemming ‍from a real-life 1977 hostage situation in Indianapolis. The film, based on the story of Tony​ Kiritsis holding bank manager Richard O’Brien hostage while broadcasting demands live on the‍ radio,⁢ is emerging ​as a blend of tense drama ⁣and dark comedy, a ⁣direction fostered by Van Sant’s unconventional approach.

Screenwriter Austin Kolodney discovered‍ the ⁢story through YouTube ⁣footage of Kiritsis marching O’Brien through snowy streets. ‍”How’s this not been made into a movie yet?” Kolodney reportedly asked himself,‌ recognizing the “drama, the tension and also the dark comedy⁣ of crime that happened live on the airwaves” as⁤ ripe for adaptation. He called securing⁣ Van Sant’s involvement “a miracle.”

Actor Montgomery, who portrays Richard O’Brien, described Van Sant’s directing style as a liberating force. Despite being cast to play a 56-year-old character while being 30, Montgomery found the process “malleable”​ and “ever-evolving,” a departure from his typically meticulous character ⁣preparation. “Gus kind of forces⁣ you to think outside of that,” Montgomery explained, noting the character and story continued to develop throughout filming as Van Sant found inspiration.

oscar ​nominee Domingo, playing a local⁣ radio DJ​ brought into the negotiations, emphasized the film’s relevance ​to contemporary issues. “It’s vital for us to tell these stories, ‌because it’s really about an everyman feeling like ⁣they have no resources or any agency in the world,” Domingo stated. He believes examining the humanity of those involved can help prevent similar situations, arguing, “We‌ need to tell⁤ stories like that again and again.”

Bill skarsgård, who ​plays Tony Kiritsis and was unavailable for the recent press event ⁢due to filming ‍in Australia, ‍was lauded by Montgomery for fostering a surprising connection ⁢between the actors that mirrored​ the dynamic of their characters. “We spent a month in a room together, connected by a piece of wire, and I haven’t honestly made a better friend ‌in a cast mate ever,” montgomery shared. He added that their developing relationship “bled⁤ into tony and Dick’s relationship, and I think it humanized Tony as the little ⁤man who’s trying to confront capitalism and all of the topical things that we’re talking about as a movie.” Montgomery noted the film initially read ‌as a drama thriller but evolved into “an irreverent dark⁢ comedy.”

Myha’la, also a member of the cast, highlighted the challenging physical conditions⁤ of the shoot, filming ​in the dead of ⁤winter ⁣in Kentucky. She praised Skarsgård​ and montgomery ⁤for their dedication, enduring hours in freezing temperatures while wearing minimal clothing. She also expressed a strong desire to impress Van Sant, stating, “He gives you that vibe like‍ you just want to make him proud.”