After taking the 360-degree approach to makingDallas Buyers ClubandWild, directorJean-Marc Valléechose to use the same process on his latest feature,Demolition. The movie starsJake Gyllenhaalas Davis, a successful banker who can’t get his life back on track after his wife is killed in a car accident. Rather than grieve in the traditional sense, Davis decides to literally demolish everything in his life in order to put himself back together.
Vallée doesn’t make shot lists, he uses minimal hair and make-up, and opts to film with available light, which gives him and the cast the freedom to be creative right there on set rather than approach each shooting day with a strict plan in mind. While in New York City for the film’s upcoming release, I got the chance to chat with Gyllenhaal and his co-starsNaomi Watts,Chris CooperandJudah Lewisabout what it was like working with Vallée and his unconventional shooting style. Check out what they told me in the video interview at the top of this article and, in case you missed it,click herefor my chat with Gyllenhaal and Vallee at SXSW.Demolitionhits theaters on April 8th.
Here’s the official synopsis forDemolition:
Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal), a successful investment banker, struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. Despite pressure from his father in law Phil (Chris Cooper) to pull it together, Davis continues to unravel. What starts as a complaint letter to a vending machine company turns into a series of letters revealing startling personal admissions. Davis’ letters catch the attention of customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts) and, amidst emotional and financial burdens of her own, the two form an unlikely connection. With the help of Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
