There was a lot of time to meditate on ones life and past mistakes, Reiner says.
The common theme with all of those films is making good at one last chance in life.
What drew you to this particular project?
Shea Whigham And Carrie Coon in ‘Lake George’Tribeca
What made you say yes?
What was it like reuniting and working with each other in this neo-noir, physical comedy kind of way?
Shes an incredible actress.
Don (Shea Whigham) and Phyllis (Carrie Coon) inLake GeorgeTribeca
I knew she would really lean into this.
You cant play a funny character funny or a situation funny.
I always say its like she swallowed a light bulb.
Her energy is effusive and beautiful to be around.
So it didnt surprise me how good she is in this.
I hope that the rest of the world sees it.
DEADLINE: Both of you do such a great job in the film.
The way you play off of each other, I mean not everyone can sell that kind of chemistry.
you’ve got the option to try all you want, but you cant create chemistry.
Its either there or its not.
You could be best friends or be tight with people, but it doesnt work out on screen.
And conversely, to that, you may not get along with someone, but it works on screen.
DEADLINE: Lets get into the relationship between Phyllis and Don.
They both fall in with this mobster and both have to pay the price for it.
But in their team-up, it seems they both complement each other.
It seems Phyllis needs someone more stable and level-headed.
At the same time, Don needs someone to remind him that his life does matter.
What do you think of their dynamic?
WHIGHAM:I think thats an astute observation on your part.
I say quickly, but really, its a slow burn.
To me, this piece is about guilt and redemption.
Because its left open, and it depends.
I couldnt leave it open.
Jeffrey, when you watch it and revisit it, you might see how he shoots it.
It definitely leaves the ending open.
DEADLINE: Oh my god.
Are you saying that she might not be there?
Or he might be dreaming on the brink of death?
Now, Im having an existential crisis.
WHIGHAM:Thats beautiful [laughs].
DEADLINE: Youre such an everyman punch in of actor.
Youve done many films and genres outside of a straight horror and romance pop in.
Is there anything youd like to do that you havent done yet?
And what do people know you from when youre out in public?
WHIGHAM:It depends on how I look.
People will want to talk.
They dont come in and say, Give me a picture.
Theyll say, Do you mind?
But I make a run at stay as far under the radar as I can.
Theyre always like, Pop, why dont you do a horror?
And Im like, if the Exorcist comes back around, Id love to do that.
DEADLINE: You often switch between these big blockbusters and smaller films.
Is there some relief in that?
Or does it take more out of you as an actor?
WHIGHAM:I like the challenge a lot.
Regarding preparation though, its never the same way twice for me anymore.
Its all about playing the truth.
He just needs redemption, and he feels guilty.
So, there are similarities.
DEADLINE: Is there any particular technical acting difference in approaching a smaller film versus a bigger blockbuster?
Honestly, youre looking for the truth.
Youre working off of another actor.
DEADLINE: What current films or television shows are catching your eye right now?
WHIGHAM:I love Sean Baker.
It blew me away.
Thats a guy I would love to get on the floor with.
Hes doing his best work right now.
DEADLINE: Speaking ofMission: Impossibleearlier.
What are you looking forward for audiences to see in the upcomingMission: Impossible The Final Reckoning?
WHIGHAM:I have gotten my hand slapped for just saying the slightest thing.
Heres what Ill give you.
And it shows, if you look at it, theres kind of a line of demarcation.
You look atMissionpre-McQuarrie and Cruise and then post; I think theyre getting better.
So, more to come as we get closer to that.
