Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 7 (Olson Brothers Interview)

A Conversation with the Olson Brothers

by Chris Rzigalinski

It’s hard enough directing a movie when one intelligent mind is behind the camera. But brothers Obin and Amariah Olson find a way to merge two brilliant perspectives. Their latest project, The Shadow Effect, explores the consequences of trauma on Gabriel (played by Cam Gigandet), an ex-Navy Seal unaware he’s in the throes of a scientific experiment. As a result, the lines between reality and imagination are blurred. Gabriel must figure out if his murderous flashbacks are delusions or if the mysterious Dr. Reese (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is manipulating him. Along the way, Gabriel is forced to question the sincerity of the people closest to him, including his wife, Brinn (Britt Shaw).

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Cinephellas Podcast-Episode 6 (Alexander Nevsky Interview)

Cinematic Diplomacy: A Conversation with Alexander Nevsky

by Christopher M. Rzigalinski

Alexander Nevsky’s latest film, Black Rose, blends horror, mystery, and action genres for a fresh take on cinematic Russian/American relations. His directorial debut gets rid of the tired, Cold War stereotype of the Soviet villain versus the US hero. Instead, Black Rose tells the story of Nevsky’s Russian Police Major, Vladimir Kazatov, working side by side with the LAPD to find a killer targeting young women in West Hollywood. This simple change in perspective facilitates a conversation about international diplomacy and the political realities of 2017, as we are confronted daily with questions about Donald Trump’s relationship to Vladimir Putin and whether Russia interfered with last year’s presidential election.

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Cinephellas Podcast-Episode 5 (Luc Annest Interview)

Sans Acrobats:

A Review of NOLA Circus

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

NOLA Circus, the latest film from writer/director/producer Luc Annest, focuses on an African American community in New Orleans. Friendships are tested, true love is put on trial, and a bunch of dudes get their asses kicked. Luc brings a French perspective to this dark comedy about two rival barbershops and their larger-than-life employees. I got the chance to talk with him about adjusting to cultural differences in the United States, looking beyond race to understand the film, and the importance of music in visual storytelling. After you listen to my conversation with Luc, check out NOLA Circus when it hits theaters on April 21st or when it hits VOD platforms and iTunes on April 25th.

 

Cinephellas Podcast-Episode 3 (Veronica Ferres Interview)

The Heart of the Matter:  An Interview with Veronica Ferres

by Chris Rzigalinski

Veronica Ferres is an artist that uses her acting talents to find the essential values of each character she plays. Despite massive popularity in her native Germany that Newsweek magazine once compared to that of Sharon Stone’s in America, Veronica moved to Hollywood and takes on the leading role in Werner Herzog’s latest film, Salt and Fire, out on VOD platforms and iTunes April 4th and in theaters April 7th. In Herzog’s adaptation of Tom Bissell’s Pushcart Prize-nominated short story, “Aral,” Veronica plays “Laura,” an international scientist thrust against her will into a role where she has to make sense of an ecological disaster in Bolivia caused by a misguided CEO, portrayed with intensity by Michael Shannon. “Laura” is forced to confront the lines between quantifiable data and human empathy in order to save her own life and possibly the entire world. I talked with Veronica about the film’s power to begin conversations about environmental justice, being a muse for the legendary Herzog, and finding hope in times of desperation.

 

EXCLUSIVE: Chris chats with Tom Hopper!

 

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The nation’s slow recovery from the 2016 Presidential Election has reminded us about the deep divisions in the United States. But the election and its preceding campaign gave me many thought-provoking conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. One such conversation came with Tom Hopper, star of the new action thriller Kill Ratio.

Kill Ratio is a departure for the English actor, best known for his roles in the the drama Black Sails and the fantasy-adventure Merlin. In the Paul Danter-directed Kill Ratio, Tom takes on the role of James Henderson, a lone wolf protecting a small European country from a military coup as it transitions to a democratic government. Four days before the election, Tom and I discussed the importance of democratic government, his personal political journey, and how he just can’t stop sword fighting. He even clued me in on a new passion project close to his heart. I was captivated by Tom’s insight and wit. I hope you will be, too.

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Cinephellas Flashback: Logan’s Interview with Bruce Campbell

As we’re sure you’re aware, Ash Vs. Evil Dead recently began its second season. We’re all huge fans of Mr. Campbell’s work, and we thought it would be appropriate to revisit Logan’s unpublished-on-Cinephellas interview with the legend himself.

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When you hear “Hail To The King” you may think Heisenberg or even Elvis Presley, but there is one answer….Bruce Fucking Campbell. He is the one go-to actor that stays true to his craft and perfects many roles that can be viewed throughout film and TV over the past thirty years. I have had the opportunity to meet him numerous times at various Comic Cons and Horror conventions, but never had the chance to pick his brain one-on-one. As you could imagine when you talk to one of your biggest influences, it’s hard to keep your composure, and not look like a total “She-bitch.”

If you have been locked up the past year, then you probably haven’t heard of the return of Ash Williams on the Starz network in the show, Ash Vs. Evil Dead. But if you are like me, you have been patiently awaiting the return of Ash and all those horrid and grotesque deadites. Ash is probably one of the most iconic characters in horror till this day and it’s a huge deal that a character at this caliber is returning in a TV show.

I had the opportunity to view the first episode of the second season of Ash Vs. Evil Dead and it was nothing short of groovyyyy.  This is a series that doesn’t “play it safe,” and is splattered with gore and violence that goes straight for the jugular in the opening minutes of the episode “Home.”

Today, I got the pleasure to talk to Bruce Campbell about producing and starring in the Starz show, Ash Vs. Evil Dead, his previous Evil Dead films, and the craziness that has ensued over the past thirty years.

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan sits down with Andy Powers, the star of CLOWN

UPDATE: Clown is now the #1 Horror download on iTunes! Be sure to check it out ASAP!

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When it comes to a horror films these days, we are filled with reboots and reimaginings of our favorite films, but every so often there is a film that makes a dent in the genre. Clowns have been interpreted in this genre as the ultimate antagonist that will haunt your dreams and never let you go. This entity has been portrayed in the film industry for many decades and is one thing that almost everyone can agree upon, which is the sheer terror that coincides with Clowns.  I am one of those people that has Coulrophobia (the fear of clowns). Director Jon Watts and Eli Roth put together a film that is not only extraordinary, but quite brilliant in it’s own sense. Clown is a film that focuses on the man I am interviewing today, Andy Powers, and the transition from a loving husband and father, to a possessed demon that feasts on young children.  If that isn’t traumatizing, I don’t know what is.  Today, I sat down with the veteran actor to talk about this film, the transition into this blood thirsty clown, and his upcoming work. You may recognize him from TV, film, or theatre, but this is a film that he should be recognized for the most and looked at for many years to come.  It is my pleasure to introduce Andy Powers!

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