*His latest release is a highly artistic, well-written poetic drama that will rhythmically resonate with some viewers, and belongs in a national museum.
“Nickel Boys,” directed by RaMell Ross, stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
We talked to the Virginia native about his film adaptation of the Colson Whitehead novel “The Nickel Boys.”
In our exclusive interview, Ross shares insights into his creative process and the challenges he faced while bringing this powerful story of resilience and injustice to the screen.
Q: When researching the Dozier School for Boys, what was one of the most shocking things that came to light for you?
RR: That they got away with it then. We know that history doesn’t have the technology and the awareness from all these different points of cameras and considerations to allow for things like this not to happen. But how can the government take a child into an institution and then in a couple of months, the child disappears, and you just say, ‘They ran away,’ and then that’s the end of it?
It’s almost diabolically fascinating. It’s like, whoa, what is the point of society if we’re not looking out for each other in a better way?
Q: Did you always know you wanted to shoot this film from the first-person point of view?
RR: I did. It was the first idea that came to mind after I read the book. I’m really thankful no one ever gave me pushback because I don’t know what the film would have been otherwise.
Q: What was the experience like directing the film?
RR: One of a kind, but also the only experience I’ve ever had directing actors. It’s quite natural for me and very, unnatural for them. I didn’t want to overburden them with the concepts of the film because who knows what would have happened in their own brains and the way that they would have produced an acting character. I’m happy I didn’t, but also maybe I should have. I don’t know.
Amazon MGM Studios “Nickel Boys” will have a limited theatrical release December 13.
For more details follow #NickelBoys | @NickelBoysMovie
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: ‘Nickel Boys’ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is An Outstanding Actress
