Neal Mcdonough & Director Jon Avnett talk about The Last Rodeol

Summary

In this engaging interview, director John and actor Neil discuss their collaborative work on *The Last Rodeo*. They delve into the challenges of filming dangerous bull-riding stunts with safety in mind, while also highlighting the emotional core of the film. Neil’s character embarks on a journey of redemption, making self-sacrificial choices for his grandson. Both John and Neil reflect on their personal histories and love for Western films, drawing inspiration from classic cowboys like John Wayne. The interview showcases their passion for filmmaking, emotional storytelling, and the joy of working together on such a meaningful project.

Takeaways

• 😀 Safety is the top priority when filming high-risk sequences, with professionals like bull riders and stunt coordinators involved.
• 😀 John emphasized the importance of balancing safety and the desire to capture thrilling action shots, using multiple camera positions and POV shots.
• 😀 The film's director, John, worked hard to create a visceral and compelling experience for the audience while ensuring that actors remained safe.
• 😀 Neil's deep understanding of his character allowed for natural performances, making shots easier to execute and adding depth to the film.
• 😀 The director’s experience and expertise helped transform a modest budget ($8.5 million) into a film that looked much more expensive ($50 million).
• 😀 The approval from Sean Gleason, CEO of PBR, was a significant accomplishment for the film, affirming its authenticity and quality.
• 😀 The emotional core of the film revolves around sacrifice, love, and family, with characters confronting personal loss and overcoming adversity.
• 😀 The role of Joe was an opportunity for Neil to play a leading man and explore the emotional depth of his character, adding complexity to the action sequences.
• 😀 Neil draws parallels between his character's journey and personal experiences, particularly the theme of finding joy and purpose amidst hardship.
• 😀 There’s a personal, joyful connection to the film, as Neil shares his pride in being part of it and his joy in working with his brother (John) as the director.
• 😀 The film incorporates a John Wayne-inspired visual style, with expansive, cinematic shots of the landscape and horse riding sequences, reminiscent of classic Western films.

Q & A

How did the director, John, ensure safety when working with bulls in the film?

John emphasized safety by having professional bull riders, a legendary stunt coordinator (Buddy Joe Hooker), and a wrangler (Brian Allison) on set. The team made sure that only professionals handled the bulls, and safety was always the top priority.

What was the director's approach to capturing the bull riding scenes?

The director used multiple camera positions and techniques like point-of-view shots to make the bull riding scenes visceral and intense. They used GoPros to capture the action from the bull's perspective, while stunt bull riders performed the dangerous maneuvers.

What was the significance of the film's editing process, and how did the editor contribute?

The film's editor, Tom Constantino, played a key role in shaping the final product. His skilled editing brought the film's action sequences to life and added depth to the emotional moments. The cutting process was crucial in enhancing the film’s urgency and intensity.

What role did Neil’s character, Joe, play in the emotional depth of the film?

Neil's character, Joe, was central to the film's emotional depth. Joe had to confront his past and make a life-altering decision, deciding whether to face danger in the bull riding ring to save his grandson or continue living in self-pity. This internal struggle added layers to the action sequences.

How did the director, John, view Neil's role in the film?

John saw Neil's role as an exciting opportunity for him to step into a leading man position. He appreciated how Neil conveyed so much emotion with minimal expression, capturing the gravitas of his character and giving the film a compelling emotional anchor.

What inspired Neil to take on the role of Joe in the film?

Neil was drawn to the role because it allowed him to embody a character struggling with deep personal loss and searching for redemption. The opportunity to play a complex character who had to choose between self-destruction and redemption resonated with him.

What was Neil's personal connection to the character of Joe?

Neil related to Joe through his own experiences with physical injuries from his past, such as playing semi-pro hockey and boxing. The physicality of the character and the challenges Joe faced, both emotionally and physically, resonated with Neil's own life.

How did the film explore the themes of family and sacrifice?

The film explored family and sacrifice through Joe’s journey. His choice to face danger in the bull riding arena to save his grandson highlighted the lengths one is willing to go for family. It raised important questions about the sacrifices we make for our loved ones.

How did the director’s past work influence his approach to this film?

John brought his extensive experience from directing and producing other films into 'The Last Rodeo.' His expertise helped elevate a modest budget film into something visually and emotionally compelling, particularly in the action and character-driven sequences.

What makes 'The Last Rodeo' stand out according to the script?

According to the script, 'The Last Rodeo' stands out due to its combination of thrilling bull riding action and deep emotional resonance. The film goes beyond the excitement of the sport, focusing on the personal struggles and emotional growth of the main character, Joe.