Actor Sam Neill and actor/comedian Rhys Darby talk working with Taika Watiti, New Zealand, and creative control.
Want to find a way to cheer yourself up?
Rhys Darby:Yeah, absolutely.
He wrote a lot of books and they were really special.
Hes made really close to a perfect film…
Perfect as you’ve got the option to be.
Sam Neill:Nobody knows who Barry Crump is, anywhere, but in New Zealand hes huge.
I am of that age, where I sort of grew up with Barry Crump books.
What about Taikas additions to the material.
Were you concerned if they would work?
I think its a comedy…
I think its a drama thats funny; which is different.
How was working with young Julian?
Did you feel like you had to be there to mentor him in anyway?
SN:It was clear from day one I wouldnt have to mentor him.
Hed done two feature films prior to this, not as the lead, but he was…
He knew what film production was.
He knew his way around a film set, you know?
He was ahead all the way.
But more than that, I liked him.
We became friends very quickly and it was an enjoyable experience hanging out with him.
What about your character Rhys, Psycho Sam?
I mean, Im definitely into the paranormal.
S
o I think I can relate to this guy that ended up… You want to keep the audience thinking, is this the right move, getting with this guy?
Or is this a bad move?
SN:Watching them react though, is the most important thing.
The core of the film is that relationship.
Whether theyre getting on or whether theyre not.
If that relationship works, then everything else works as well.
There is no world in which social work is actually pursues some kid into the woods in this manner.
Magic realismsomebody used that phrase the other day that is familiar with South American literature.
That rang a bell.
It resonates with me.
So youre on the side of these guys right from the beginning.
So I guess on a grand scale of the film, it works the same way.
So yeah, its kind of a… Its always a collaborative effort when Im involved.
What was the experience like for you?
There are not many people who can do that.
SN:Well, I think it took us all by surprise.
And its playing widely in Australia now; theyre running it as well.
It doesnt matter; people seem to be just finding it hilarious in Sundance.
I would think that judging on the feedback I get; its a very warming film.
Its not sentimental, but people are sort of heart warmed by a message thats pretty rare.
Were you really in the bush at times?
Does having that natural setting around help create the performance?
SN:Yeah, to film it was pretty remote.
Hopefully Ive got it nailed down before we start, but that isnt always the case.
But yeah, we were working in real snow.
We were just lucky on that day, and my God, it was cold.
RD:Yeah, absolutely.
Hes got a lot of information and energy and because hes been in a cryogenic sleep for 10,000 years…
I see he has your trademark copper red hair, was that a request of yours?
RD:[LAUGHTER] Sure was.
So here you are withVoltron, you mentionedThe X-Filesearlier, and youve had a role in aThunderbirdsreboot as well.
It seems that when people want to bring legends back to life, they call Rhys Darby.
RD:[LAUGHTER] I dont know what it is.
Its very, very weird.
But yeah, I mean, I dont know how things come up like this.
I dont know why Im chosen.
I know as far as things like theThunderbirds, theres a New Zealand connection.X-Files, my connection there…
I mean, it could be zeitgeist.
I mean, Im into the paranormal.
I have a podcast about cryptozoology.
So its out there that Im into weird stuff.
Yeah, and thenVoltron, I couldnt…
The old Coran wasnt quite…
Otherwise, the kids just sort of move on.
SN:The phone has been strangely silent.
Ive been by the phone since we left and nothings been… No call yet.
But Im guessing hes either lost my number or I wont be in this one.
