Writer-director Oscar Boysonmakes his feature directorial debut with Our Hero, Balthazar,following years as one of American independent cinema’s most respected producers, with credits including Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha and Mistress America. Before the Safdie brothers’ creative split, Boyson collaborated with them on Heaven Knows What, Good Time and Uncut Gems and he brings that same unpredictable, genre-defying spirit to his first feature.
We spoke with Boyson about the film’s festival journey, why he refused to reshape the project into something more easily marketable and the challenges of making his feature directorial debut after years in the industry. He also discussed drawing inspiration from the aftermath of the Uvalde School Shooting, casting Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield against type, and why he believes audiences (not industry gatekeepers) ultimately decide a film’s success.
Synopsis:
Trying to impress an activist classmate, ultra-wealthy New York teenager Balthazar (Jaeden Martell) posts emotional videos calling for stricter gun laws. But when an online troll (Asa Butterfield) claiming to be planning a school shooting responds, Balthazar embarks on an impulsive trip to Texas to confront him, setting in motion a darkly funny and unsettling journey. The stellar supporting cast includes Noah Centineo, Avan Jogia, Jennifer Ehle and Chris Bauer.
You can watch the full interview here:
Our Hero, Balthzar, is in UK cinemas from August 11th.
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