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Your new movie The Loner
- in a few words, what is it about, and what can you tell us about your
character?
The Loner
is a story about an aging hitman/mob soldier who is faced with
reflecting on his past and trying to redeem himself in some way before
his time is up. According to the writer/director Kris Salvi [Kris
Salvi interview - click here], it's really
a character study, and this guy, Frank Rizzo, has been loyal to the mob
and their ways his entire life. To a point in which it has cost him
friendships, relationships, any sort of stable life. He's reached a
point at which his past decisions have caught up with him and he's just
trying to deal with it in the only way he knows how. What did you draw upon to bring your
character to life, and how much Marc Powers can we find in Frank Rizzo?
Well, there's a little bit of me in every character I play. So there's
definitely aspects of Frank's personality that are mine. And some are
embellished for Frank, but are aspects that I would want to have in my
personality. I can live those things vicariously through Frank and get
away with it. Kris is also good with recommending certain research to
help with character development. Movies to watch, articles to read, or
sometimes he'll have an actual true story he heard that relates to the
character and the film. I just try to pull all of these things together
and bring a character to life. How
did you get involved with the project in the first place?
I'd worked with Kris before on some other projects. We've become friends
and will often talk about movies and such. He approached me with this
script and asked if I'd be interested in the lead. Right after I read it
I told him. I'm in. Do
talk about The Loner's
director Kris Salvi [Kris
Salvi interview - click here], and what was your collaboration
like? Well, like I said, Kris and I love talking movies. We both have an
affinity for crime drama and just indie style film in general. He really
is a great writer, and that is something that pulled me in on this
script. I also believe he wanted to tackle something bigger as a director,
and The Loner
was going to be it. Since it seems neither of us are a fan
of hashing out major details through email or text, we usually have a
few sit downs before production. I've read the script, prepared, and I
come in with my ideas. How Frank looks, talks, certain dialogue I'd like
to change or tweak, etc. Kris has his ideas, since he wrote the script,
and we sit down and go over everything. I believe we had a few meetings
at a coffee shop, a few hours each time. We bounce the ideas off each
other and see what happens. Ultimately, it's Kris's film and he has
final say, but he does trust me to make good decisions as an actor. He
also knows that we both want to put out the best project possible.
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A few words about the shoot as such, and the
on-set atmosphere?
Kris Salvi's film sets are always entertaining. We shoot kind of run-and-gun style at times, at actual locations where some of the events
actually occurred. It helps me as an actor because it really allows me
to feel like I'm living the character's life. Kris's approach and style
give a real gritty feel to the film. Like you're there, watching us
live these events. He also is very selective when it comes to actors and
crew. The Loner set was full of people, cast and crew, that Kris trusts
and knows are going to give him the performances he wants. Any future projects you'd like to
share?
I've got a film called Amaranthine that I wrote and acted in. It's a
short drama about love and loss set in a post spocalyptic world. It's
currently being submitted to festivals. There's also another Kris Salvi
film headed into post-production. Another short, this one titled 10:59.
Not sure what genre it'll fit in to. It's definitely a unique film. What got you into acting in the first place, and
did you receive any formal education on the subject?
I think my love of movies got me started. I loved cheesy/gory horror
films as a kid and was interested in making those kinds of films. I used
to read Fangoria and get tips and tricks on all the elements of making
these films. Eventually, I turned to acting because I found I enjoyed
being in front of the camera more than behind it. When I realized I
needed some kind of structure and technique I attended the Lee Strasberg
Theatre Institute in NYC for a period of time. Also, as a kid I wanted
to be a number of different things when I grew up; doctor, baseball
player, fireman, truck driver, Sonny Crockett. As an actor, I can be any
number of those things. Albeit for a short period of time.
What
can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The
Loner?
All over the place really. I started with my own work, writing,
filmmaking. Spent some time in LA where I worked occasionally. Did
extra work, which I find to be boring unless it's a lower budget film
and they ask more of you than just walking back and forth. I actually
took a break for a while until 2010. That's when I got back into it and
have worked steadily in small Indie films and student films since then. How would you describe yourself as an
actor, and some of your techniques to bring your characters to life?
I generally consider myself to be a method actor although I don't always
use those techniques. A lot of times I do some research into character
types and other times it's just intuitive, or a combination of both. For
The Loner, I just went in as prepared as can be. Did all the homework,
knew the script inside and out and showed up in character. That sense of
preparation and keeping the character going really allowed me to just
live those moments as Frank Rizzo. I know it sounds cliché but
"living in the moment" is really the best thing I can do.
Other times, if I need help I'll listen to music to get in a certain
mood. I'll curate a playlist before production starts, and then I have
that with me should I need to get to a certain headspace. Music is great
for me in terms of emotional memory or emotional manipulation. Actors
(and indeed actresses) who inspire you?
Probably started with De Niro and Pacino. Those are guys I watched
growing up, doing serious dramatic work and just pouring their heart and
soul into it. Sylvester Stallone, I'm surprised at the number of people
who think he's just a dumb action hero. I mean, the guy wrote Rocky,
which is a brilliant screenplay. The next generation has to be Edward
Norton, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Leo. Those guys have a very similar
work ethic. Although I think Tom Cruise takes it a step further with the
stunt work.
For actresses, Charlize Theron has always impressed me. Jennifer
Lawrence, Jessica Chastain and I can't forget Cate Blanchett. All very
fine actresses with an impressive body of work.
Your favourite
movies? Number one, Heat by Michael Mann. Kris and I both agree on
this one. I feel it's the finest movie ever made. I also have a list
that includes True Romance, Fight Club, Pulp Fiction, most Christopher
Nolan films, The Wizard of Oz has to be in there. I could go on, I got
more than a few favorites. But last one, sticking to my horror roots,
John Carpenter's The Thing
- classic sci-fi/horror. ... and of course, films you really deplore?
I can't say there's any I really hate. I usually just don't watch
anything I don't think I'll like. Although the only time I can recall
almost walking out of the theater was for Killing Them Softly.
Unpopular opinion, I know. And I really like Brad Pitt as an actor, but
this one just really let me down. I've said recently maybe I should
rewatch it now that it's on Netflix and give it a second shot. Your
website, social media, whatever else? http://www.marcspowers.com
- that's where I put most of my work. I try to keep it updated. Of
course I'm on Facebook and Instagram, but not as active with posting on
there.
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Anything else
you're dying to mention that I have merely forgotten to ask?
Not really. The only other aside to the story would be Kris and I
initially disagreed on the title. Ultimately he won, and I've come
around on it. Our official trailer says "Marc Powers is The
Loner," and I kind of like that. There's some truth in it. I guess
that's another trait Frank and I share. Thanks
for the interview!
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