Joey Magidson
There’s a unique sensibility to Michael Shannon that doesn’t just come across in his performances, but when you talk to him as well. I noted that the prior time that we spoke here, and in a return engagement, that’s again the case. This time, however, it wasn’t about the acting he’d recently done, but his directorial debut, Eric Larue. With the film about to hit theaters, Shannon is back to chat about what drew him behind the camera for this movie.
In my review of the flick (here), I said the following about Shannon as a filmmaker:
Director Michael Shannon, making his filmmaking debut, takes Brett Neveu‘s play (Neveu also penned the adaptation) and makes an immediate impression behind the camera. There’s curiosity and empathy on display, trusting his audience not to make any of the themes too obvious. Shannon also has brilliant casting across the board, with everyone feeling perfect for their parts, led by Greer’s staggering turn. Shannon has a soft touch and a natural feel for character studies, so whatever he chooses to make next, I am 100% seated for it.
Below, you can hear my conversation with Shannon. After a bit of chatter about Juan Soto and the Mets (we recorded the day before Opening Day last week), we got down to the business of Eric Larue. A lot of praise is heaped on Judy Greer, from both of us, and he really did seem to appreciate that I got what he was going for with the film. Greer is spectacular, Shannon’s direction is very perceptive, and he makes the movie an effort in curiosity, instead of intensity. When you have the chance to see Eric Larue in a few days, you should definitely give it a shot. Shannon is well on his way to being not just a great actor, but a great director as well.
Here now is my interview with Eric Larue director Michael Shannon. Enjoy:
Eric Larue is in theaters this weekend!
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