Summary
A masterpiece is about to be unveiled in A24s starry horror ventureOpus.
Journalism is not for the faint of heart, andAyo Edebiris character, Ariel Ecton, knows it best.
you might watch the full interview in the video above or read the transcript below.
Image by Photagonist
Can you tell me what idea number one was, the thing that started this all?
MARK ANTHONY GREEN: I’m really interested in interrogating tribalism.
It feels like an epidemic.
Image by Photagonist
It’s not just an American epidemic, and it’s bigger than entertainment.
That was really the “why,” the thing that I set out.
And I’m a smart ass, so everything is fun and funny.
Image via Sundance Institute
She’d be…" What’s your name?
AYO EDEBIRI: Liza Colon-Zayas.
[Laughs]
GREEN: You know what I mean?
Image by Photagonist
So, that is so inspiring and exciting.
And John, watching all of his films before we met, that really felt like…
I feel like it’s at its best when I’m with them.
Image by Photagonist
GREEN: You know what?
I used to say no, which is tough.
“I got to GQ.
Image by Photagonist
They were super supportive.
And I think a lot of it is in the subtext.
I can’t look at that and be like, That was me.
To start to teeter into characters now, I’ll begin with Moretti first.
Whatever curiosity or thing that he finds creative, interestinghis group of friendsthe whole thing… John, I’m going to jump your way now.
JOHN MALKOVICH:I don’t know that I have those kinds of moments.
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Why is it like that?
Is it as fully like that as it should be?
That’s what has to be communicated.
Opus is a psychological thriller film where a young writer is drawn into the secluded world of a legendary pop star who vanished decades ago. As she navigates a landscape filled with devoted followers and intrigued journalists, she uncovers the depths of the star’s enigmatic agenda.
You have to take a stab at analyze the dream in which you’re a figure.
That’s really what you do.
The rest of you play characters who go to Morettis estate.
Not because my character in this one is forgettable.
She is a great actress with a capital Tress.
I based her on a blend of a couple of tabloid-y kind of gals.
It’s pretty damn cool seeing you at this film festival with two films that are so wildly different.
LEWIS: Thank you for that.
GREEN: I heard they’re renaming it Juliette Fest.
Who wants to jump in next?
He’s like, “I’m going to be fine.”
He’s the sort of master of his own game, he believes.
I think thats also his great weakness because it’s not necessarily the case.
EDIBIRI: I’m not sure.
I don’t know.
I think she just wants to be a good journalist.
Ariel is approaching this space, not so much as herself as a human being but as a journalist.
She is very inquisitive and very conscious of others.
Everybody’s is sort of the same thing.
Low emotional points are where she’s like, Nobody believes me, or, Nobody’s sees me.
I do have a really big question for you based on something Mark Anthony said in our press notes.
I’ll also emphasize you’re friggin' phenomenal in this movie.
Obviously, you have an Emmy to your name and so many other accomplishments …
EDEBIRI: Bought that.
You’re an excellent anchor for the film.
Luckily, I got to do that with Ayo, who can land anything.
EDEBIRI: All of it!
I don’t know.
I never feel confident in anything ever.
Did I miss the invite?
[Laughs] No, I don’t know.
It’s as simple as that.”
So, we would have a lot conversations about believability.
Where are those questions leading her?
Where are they not?
And you’re like, No, I haven’t!
So, I don’t know if this is really crazy or if this is how it goes.
Those planes, helicopters, various airborne vehicles felt sometimes …
You landed them.
I mean that sincerely.
Edebiri also revisits meeting Rachel Sennott and making ‘Bottoms’ on Collider Ladies Night!
Its a word you apply to your movie.
It’s the word fun.
GREEN: I think there has to be way more honey with the medicine.
I think the ratio is a little off right now.
That’s something that we all talked about.
I’m like, Oh, I’m good.
And it’s not me, but I’ll take it.
So, we really, really want people to have a conversation at the end of this film.
That our sincere hope.
Opusarrives in theaters on March 14th.
