WARNING: This article contains minor spoilers regarding “Weapons,” currently showing in theaters.
As the opening weekend progresses, Zach Cregger‘s innovative horror film “Weapons” is delivering more than just surface-level thrills and dark humor. The movie allows its talented cast to showcase their range within a script that,at first glance,seems quite conventional.
The film features intense performances from Amy Madigan, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, and Julia garner. However, one standout is undoubtedly alden Ehrenreich. Once hailed as the next big thing by the Coen Brothers and later attempting to launch a franchise in the Star Wars universe, Ehrenreich shines as a troubled small-town cop grappling with the mysterious disappearance of 17 children during the early hours of the morning.
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Ehrenreich’s character Paul finds himself ensnared in an unwanted marriage while working under his father-in-law’s sheriff department. he struggles with addiction alongside an old flame portrayed by Garner. Neither character anticipates being drawn into supernatural events that transform their self-destructive lives into a terrifying nightmare. In an interview with Diversity, ehrenreich discussed the film’s deeper meanings (which have sparked significant social media conversations), all while sporting a mustache that adds to his character’s physicality and emotional depth.
Zach Cregger mentioned he wanted you and Josh Brolin for this project due to your collaboration on “Hail Caesar!” Is that true?
I believe that’s part of what made him appreciate my acting style; I’m not sure about Brolin’s involvement specifically.I read the script for “weapons” quite some time ago and thought it was one of the best I had ever encountered. Each character has such depth. While it fits within genre conventions, it stands out due to its quality. After meeting Zach and connecting well creatively, we faced various challenges due to strikes and othre obstacles but ultimately found our way back together for this project.
Is your mustache real or applied?
This is my actual mustache! Initially, I was hesitant about it because it felt like such a cliché choice. Though, after reviewing some photos of myself with one on, Zach suggested we keep it for now until we did some screen tests—and once we did those tests together, everything clicked perfectly.
Did zach encourage you to ride along with police officers?
I did indeed! It was something I really wanted to experience firsthand. I spent time overnight riding along with an officer in Long Beach and also speaking with another cop from a smaller town—both experiences were vastly different yet informative. The Long Beach officer provided me insight into his daily life; even his wife participated by standing in during our discussions where he demonstrated how handcuffing works—many actions depicted in our film stemmed from those real-life interactions before heading off to visit a local bar frequented by officers.
“Weapons” fits within genre norms but carries an unusual tone; there are moments reminiscent of physical comedy throughout your performance.
A crucial aspect for my character involved embodying both physical weightiness and emotional burden together—something essential given my role required wearing body armor during filming in Atlanta’s sweltering heat! Ultimately though we decided against removing certain elements like vests despite discomfort as they added authenticity; gaining weight wasn’t merely about portraying law enforcement but rather representing someone trapped within circumstances far removed from who they truly are—a relationship dynamic that feels dissonant at best—which reflects Zack’s unique tonal approach beautifully! Francis Ford Coppola once advised me when working on my debut feature [“Tetro”] that if you write something deeply personal enough then no audience will have seen anything quite like it before as everyone possesses distinct experiences worth sharing—and this sentiment rings true here too!
What do you think Zach aims to convey thru this narrative?
Simplifying everything down into one thesis might be futile; rather I’d argue it’s more akin towards dreamlike storytelling—it leans heavily towards poetic rather than logical structure overall—with moments designed purely for visual impact—as a notable example there’s notably striking imagery involving guns appearing unexpectedly amidst skies!
A lot of people are already discussing that particular scene.
I sense there exists clear symbolism linking firearms shown overhead alongside themes surrounding missing children or school shootings—it wasn’t explicitly stated but resonates poetically nonetheless! What feels concrete however is how each character embodies aspects reflective upon Zack himself—as Julia pointed out during press engagements she found herself making wardrobe choices mirroring him directly which serves testament toward filmmakers embracing vulnerability through personal risks taken creatively—audiences can easily detect formulaic narratives they’ve encountered countless times before versus genuine artistry!
You recently transformed an old Los Angeles streetcar into a theater space—how has that endeavor been progressing?
The experience has been nothing short of amazing thus far—we held soft launches over six months featuring five staged readings leading up toward our first full production slated for spring ahead—the excitement surrounding these developments remains palpable! Our vision centers around creating Off-Broadway-style venues located east side LA providing artists opportunities not only experiment freely but also engage actively via classes offered including acting workshops plus playwright circles fostering community growth among creatives alike!
Has establishing this venue influenced your creative process or work ethic significantly?
Certainly so—I find myself equally invested impressing locals residing nearby just as much if not more than commercial audiences at large which compels us articulate core values guiding how projects unfold moving forward creatively speaking personally speaking being actor often entails transient lifestyle traveling extensively across various locations resulting sometimes feeling disconnected especially when dedicating nine months toward projects only never seeing them released leaving lingering doubts behind—but anchoring efforts firmly rooted inside historic trolley neighborhood? It fosters sense stability pushing me grow up perhaps sooner than anticipated otherwise!