We chat with ArmageddonTime's young stars Banks Repeta and Jaylin Webb acting with screen giants like Anthony Hopkins, and with filmmaker James Gray about the difference between realism and authenticity:
Ad Astra filmmaker James Gray returns from space to explore very personal roots in Armageddon Time, which will release in select theaters on October 28. The family-centric drama, which first premiered at Cannes this year, stars Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong as fictionalized versions of Gray's own parents. Set in the 1980s, the prejudices and challenges of the time period are explored through the eyes of its 12-year-old protagonist Paul Graff, played by Banks Repeta .
Banks Repeta: It was great working with him. I got to spend a lot of time getting to know him off-set, and we learned to Salsa dance together. When he walked on set, he had so much wisdom and authority, he was able to tell James what to do. And James was okay with it. James, what inspired you to go back to the basics and explore a personal story with Armageddon Time?
Jaylin Webb: You're right, it is some tough material, because I never experienced what Johnny experienced. It was very challenging, so I just had to ask around and get very familiar with my environment. I believe that those were the little things that helped me become Johnny. James, even though the story is very personal, Anne and Jeremy mentioned that you were not necessarily as forthcoming as they expected with some of the details when they were working on their performances. What were you hoping they would bring to the roles of Paul's parents and the film?
I gave them this information, but I said, "I want to see part of you in it. Not just part of them, part of you. Bring your soul and your spirit to it." Because that's what makes it beautiful, and that's what makes it transcend. Jaylin Webb: I learned a lot of things, and I got advice from the director and crew. One time, James told me that the camera sees right through you.