Also Dead Man, I think.
Dead Man, for Caridad, in the stage play, was a huge influence. Less so for me in directing this film, but for her, it was huge while thinking this was a road movie, the idea of whether this character is alive or dead—this cinematic purgatory.
I have one more question for you because we’re almost out of time. I’d love to talk to you for an hour but I can’t. I really wanted to know how David Patrick Kelley came into the mix and what he was like to work with. I’ve always found him an enigmatic person, so I’m curious about what he’s like.
Well, he is, in addition to being a legend on screen, also a major theater actor in New York City. So that was how we were able to get this project on his radar. April Matthis (who plays Mary in the film) is also a renowned theater actor in New York, and Caridad is a renowned playwright in New York. So, April and Caridad triangulated on DP. I think Caridad knew him a little bit, although I don’t think he was in any of her plays. They peripherally knew each other. Then April actually knew his wife because their kids went to school together. If I remember correctly, that we got the script to him, April emailed a file to DP’s wife, and she got it to him. Then, the way it works with actors at that level, you have to make a formal offer. So we got in touch with his agent, and we had our fingers crossed. We had no idea. Then, two days later, I get this email from DP going, “Your script is fearsome and brave, I want to be a part of this. I hope it works out.” and I was like, “OH MY GOD!” And he was delightful. Just a total team player. Really fun to have on set. He and O-lan (Jones) really hit it off.
I love her too. I love all the performances, but O-lan, she’s a legend in downtown NYC theater.
I know! I felt really lucky that she decided to say yes. She and I have known each other for about 20 years, and I texted her after I called Caridad to ask if I could adapt the play. I think the first thing I did was call April and ask whether she wanted to do the film, and she said she wanted to read the script first before committing. Then I texted O-Lan, “Hey, I’ve got this film project. I’m adapting Caridad Svitch’s play Fugitive Pieces.” Within five seconds…”YES!” I was like, “uh, do you want to read the script first?” She’s like, “Sure, but it’s a yes.”
Again I’m really happy I got to talk to you. I wish it could have been for longer, but I love the movie, and I can’t wait until everyone gets to see it. I also can’t wait to see what you do next.
Thanks, and thank you for the support!
