Joey Magidson
By now, it should be no surprise that I’m a fan of what Hannah Marks is doing. Previous interviews with her here and here should showcase that, but anyone who watches either Banana Split or Mark, Mary & Some Other People should be able to see it. Now, with Don’t Make Me Go, Marks has raised her game with a film that has a bigger scope, while retaining the same intimate feel. Truly, it feels like she’s on her way to making a movie that really blows the cinematic world away. In the meantime, it’s nice to consistently be delighted by a young filmmaking voice, one who’s generous enough to repeatedly talk with me about her projects. Yesterday, I posted my conversation with John Cho and Mia Isaac (here). Today, it’s time for Marks to yuck it up with me once again.
Below, you can hear my latest chat with Marks. The focus is on how and why she made Don’t Make Me Go, which filmed during the height of COVID lockdown, which certainly made things tricky. She’s, as always, an absolute delight, and it was a really nice change of pace to do things in person this time around. I can’t recommend Don’t Make Me Go enough, as well as everything that Marks has made so far…
This here is some of my rave review for Don’t Make Me Go, out of Tribeca:
Hannah Marks has quickly become one of my favorite young filmmakers. Both Banana Split and Mark, Mary & Some Other People (which I raved about at Tribeca last year here) built upon the promise of After Everything to vault her to a place where I look forward to anything she’s involved in. A talented actress as well as writer/director, she has an eye and ear for character and dialogue. So, when it was announced that she was helming Don’t Make Me Go, I was excited, though ever so slightly concerned since she wasn’t writing it. Then, the opening scene is set on a nude beach and it was clear as day that Marks’ imprint is still firmly on this movie. Playing at the Tribeca Film Festival this year, it’s a terrific flick that honestly can make you laugh and cry in equal measure. It’s more evidence that Marks has got the goods, in abundance.
Director Hannah Marks and writer Vera Herbert make a great match, telling this story with an equal amount of heart and humor. Marks’ tender yet witty direction has a playfulness to it, which takes Herbert’s script and amps up all of the emotions. When it’s funny, it’s very funny, while when it goes for the heartstrings, it tugs with aplomb. As always, Marks is also an expect at casting, so up and down the line, her actors and actresses are pitch-perfect. Don’t Make Me Go is just simply a joy to behold, from start to finish. We’re lucky to have a voice like Marks out there making movies.
Here now is my interview with Don’t Make Me Go director Hannah Marks. Enjoy:
Don’t Make Me Go hits Prime Video this weekend!
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