Joey Magidson
When you watch The Life of Chuck, one moment that almost certainly stay with you is an interaction between young Charles Krantz and his teacher. The teacher is played by Kate Siegel and she tells something to Chuck that, in the moment, he doesn’t even fully comprehend, and she doesn’t think has landed, but will prove to be monumental. It’s a scene in the film that legitimately has the power to save lives. The movie is obviously one I’ve raved about for a bit now, calling it the best work of the year so far, and when the press day came along, talking to Siegel about this moment was a no-brainer. With the flick beginning its theatrical run, I’m pleased today to present my conversation with Siegel. I previously spoke to Matthew Lillard (here) about the work, so now it’s Siegel’s turn.
In my rave review of the film (here), I had the following to say about the cast, including Siegel’s moment:
The cast is impeccable, executing Flanagan and King’s vision flawlessly. Playing Chuck, the trio of Tom Hiddleston, Benjamin Pajak and Jacob Tremblay share similar amounts of screen time, yet make each stage of his life incredibly distinctive. Pajak and Tremblay are asked to do a lot, while Hiddleston has to make his mark with less opportunities than you’d expect. At the same time, he nails it. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan have a very difficult task in hooking you during the most mysterious element of the story, yet they’re more than up to the challenge. You feel like you already know them, even as we’re just meeting them. Ejiofor’s everyman feel and Gillan’s openness suggest so much we missed out on seeing, in very moving ways. They’re the secret MVP’s of the film. Mark Hamill and Mia Sara are instantly iconic cinematic grandparents. They have some of the most heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments in the movie. Then, there’s Kate Siegel, who takes a one scene monologue that will stay with you. Siegel’s sequence is destined to linger in your heart.
Below, you can see my chat with Siegel. We didn’t have a lot of time, but considering how important this scene is, not just to me, but the film, I wanted to make it count. She’s a veteran of filmmaker Mike Flanagan’s work, as well as sharing her life with him, so she’s intimately familiar with how meaningful this project was to him. That it’s translating and landing with so many others is a wonderful bonus for all involved with The Life of Chuck. Once you catch the film, which is a must-see, you’ll understand. It’s part of the reason why I’ve said this movie is one I’ll never forget.
Here now is my interview with The Life of Chuck co-star Kate Siegel. Enjoy:
The Life of Chuck is in theaters now!
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