JONATHAN FRENCH TALKS CAVEAT
"It could be a rush of adrenaline for some"
Daniel John
How would you describe your relation to the horror genre?
I love the genre, especially leading up to Halloween, my brothers and I would often go on a "horrorthon"-binge and watch all variations of horror movies, especially coming into the dark October evenings.
'Caveat' is very much part of a recent movement within horror-film where it is not so much about a smorgasbord of violence but rather a slow moving psychological descent into the dark?
'Caveat' is different as it is not your typical "guts and gore slasher type horror movie", it is a doomed roller-coaster, with eccentric characters, disturbed personalities, bizarre twists and nail-biting turns. It takes you with it on its dark, suspenseful journey.
What made you want to portray Isaac in it?
The character of Isaac reeled me in very fast. I saw something exciting and complex about him, which fascinated me. He had a soft, innocent, stoic, demeanour about him. A guy trying to reconnect with his past. Although I did think he was strange at first, violence wasn't on his agenda when things got chaotic. I kept thinking, not everything is what it seems about this guy. Is he hiding something from us? Who knows?
Was Isaac the character you saw yourself as when reading through the screenplay?
Yes, without a doubt Isaac was for me!
Why do you think people like to get scared at the movies?
That is a good question. I think it is a mixture of feeling safe while watching horror movies in the comfort of the cinema, so it's a safety net to let them be in that vulnerable state outside of their homes. It could also be a rush of adrenaline for some people, the thrill and the anticipation of being frightened.
Do you remember the first horror film that you ever saw?
I think it was the 'The Exorcist' from 1973. I remember watching it at a friends house during daylight. We drew the curtains together to make it dark. We did not finish the film that day, but a few days later, my brothers and I picked up the courage to watch it again. This time it was not during the day so it was an anxious two-hour watch, with lots of staring at the ground and hiding behind the cushion.
How do you ensure that your performance comes through in a real way despite the unreal matters at hand?
You have to have to trust your instinct. Trust the process of Sanford Meisner's philosophies, "Every little moment has a meaning all of its own". In my opinion, you need to be willing to let go of any thoughts that may drive you away from being present. Staying in the moment helps you believe this is a real–life situation. You develop pure instinct to do what is real under imaginary circumstances.
I am thinking an audience might not always realize what went into getting you to where you needed to be?
Before filming I worked sixteen-seventeen hours daily, preparing and trying to understand the character. I was cast as Isaac three weeks before filming began. I was overwhelmed as this was my first feature as lead actor, it was tough. Self-doubt and lack of confidence crept into my head as I had never had an opportunity like this before. I have learnt so much, and was able to gain invaluable experience working on this production.
While I'm thinking no spoilers, people should see this for themselves, I think even some people seeing the film might be a bit confused by what is going on at times. The narrative does not care to hold people's hands?
I think you hit the nail on the head when you say, "People might be a bit confused on what's going on at times". It is a slow-paced cat and mouse game. It is open to interpretation at parts and draws the audience in so they can not take their eyes off the screen. I remember when I read the first few pages I automatically thought, "This script is genius". I was hooked from the beginning and engaged in the mood of the film. I was trying to visualize everything at once on my first read. From the set design, sound effects, the cast, the location, and even the surroundings of Bantry-house where we filmed. My imagination was running wild with all sorts of things. Looking back at it now it was an exciting first read.
Damian Mc Carthy seems like a director to keep an eye on?
Damian is one to watch! He has been making short films for over ten years. 'Caveat' was his highly anticipated debut feature. My experience working with Damian was brilliant. We connected straight away from the first phone call about the project and his vision for the script and Isaac. He was calm and relaxed under the most challenging times. His guidance was instrumental to everyone. It was such a fantastic experience working with such a talented director, cast and crew. I have made some lifelong friends on this production.
You mentioned filming around the Bantry-house. Where is that?
We filmed in the surroundings of an early eighteenth-century mansion called "Bantry House and Gardens" in west Cork, Ireland. Bantry House is a hotspot for tourism and hospitality. It overlooks stunning Bantry bay and where your eye can wander miles upon miles. It lies on the foot of the Wild Atlantic Way route on the south coast of Ireland, on my days off, I would find myself wandering around and exploring what West Cork had to offer and taking photographs, in total awe of the scenery.
You're originally from Donegal, what kind of opportunities around acting were there?
I am from the Inishowen-peninsula in north county Donegal, approximately a hundred kilometers from River Eske. I am fortunate enough to live along the Wild Atlantic Way. Donegal is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and three hundred and sixty-panorama scenery. When I began my journey as an actor in 2012, there were limited opportunities within Donegal. Donegal has since grown massively within the industry through the years, having welcomed numerous Hollywood-blockbusters. In 2016 Donegal introduced its first annual film festival, Disappear Here Film Festival. The Festival takes place in a series of unique locations on the Wild Atlantic Way, in and around the picturesque village of Ballyliffin, which is bringing more opportunity to local talent in the county.
Who were your early acting heroes?
As far back as I can remember it was Eddie Murphy. I was fascinated with his character Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop'. He brought so much laughter to my life when I was growing up. When 'Beverly Hills Cop' was on, my brothers and I would record it on VHS tapes and replay it for weeks after. I remember going into school and thinking I was Axel Foley,' I would quote and act some of the one-liners from the film to my friends and teachers. We are still waiting patiently for 'Beverly Hills Cop 4'.
Would you consider the pursuit to act in a small-Irish-town a kind of rebellion?
I do not think so. The pursuit of acting started for me when I lost my job in the construction-industry due to the economic collapse. I always wanted to give ''acting a go''. In the beginning, I had little knowledge of the industry and did not know where to begin. It sounds crazy but losing my job gave me the freedom and thirst to explore the industry. My family supported my ambition. My parents purchased a cheap Handycam recorder for me to shoot some scenes and I enrolled on a twelve-week acting course in a local Donegal theatre. It gave me the kickstart I needed.
How do you get around doubts?
I think you need to find a healthy balance between trusting your judgment and self-criticism. I am very self-critical about my work, so I am always eager to learn. I have the mindset of "Never Stop Learning, Because Life Never Stops Teaching". A local actor told me solid advice early in my acting career. One in particular, that always sticks in my mind, "You need leather skin to survive this career, and when you get rejected, pull a layer off, and go again".
Does a small-town mentality help shape you?
Yes. The never say die attitude.
Do you feel drawn to keep exploring the dark parts of the human psyche?
It's funny you ask me that. My latest collaboration is with 'Caveat' production designer Damian Draven, which he wrote and directed, 'I Am An Island', and that film is about just that. The dark parts of the human psyche. He experienced a nightmarish year in 2019 and poured all of this into a script. It's a passion project or a "release," if you like. It's raw, and we spent two months peeling back the skin of mental isolation, severe mental illness, and the effect it has on others.
