Where did the inspiration for this film come from?
Many things inspired me to make this film. The narrative came from a lot of my own experiences and relationships from over the years. Although the three main characters have incredibly different ideologies and contrasting worldviews, I identify with each of them. Anthony, Tim and Sam each have their own separate demons that they’re wrestling with, and that’s what makes them feel real to me. I’ve always been drawn to narratives that capture high stake emotions in real life situations — nuanced films like Husbands, Before Sunset, and Greenberg. These movies capture an honest naturalism that’s almost hypnotic. You become immersed, like you’re watching a magic trick.
Who are your top influences?
Yikes, that’s tough.
Oddly, for Shut Up Anthony I was influenced a lot by podcasts and talk radio. Which sure seems counterintuitive to the fundamental, “show don’t tell” rule of movie making, but I was very interested in capturing naturalistic dialogue on screen. The challenge became to develop garrulous yet compelling extended conversation pieces that could live visually but were also hopefully rich listening experiences. Films like My Dinner with Andre, Coffee and Cigarettes, and The Trip are just utterly fascinating to not only watch but to also listen to. Those movies in particular were very helpful to revisit.
Other influences were youth pastors and theology professors that I knew growing up. If you grew up in that world, you get it. Those guys have a way of getting into your head. They influenced Shut Up Anthony a lot, actually. Oh, also Raymond Carver. I’ve always been in awe of how Carver’s short stories balance pathos and comedy.