Festivals - FCAD 2024 : The Thicket : Let’s talk with Elliott Lester

By Mulder, Deauville, Hôtel Barrière The royal , 09 september 2024

At the 2024 Deauville American Film Festival, The Thicket, directed by Elliott Lester, captivated audiences with its dark, atmospheric narrative and strong performances. Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel, the film takes viewers on a gripping journey through the harsh landscapes of early 20th-century Texas, where a young boy teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his kidnapped sister. Featuring standout performances from Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, and Peter Dinklage, the film skillfully blends elements of Western, thriller, and psychological drama to create a unique and tense viewing experience.

The film’s exploration of violence, justice, and survival resonated with festival-goers, as did the richly textured visuals and immersive cinematography that brought the unforgiving Texan wilderness to life. The Thicket stood out for its ability to balance brutal action with nuanced character development, making it a standout entry in this year’s official competition. Following its screening, the audience praised the film for its intense storytelling and the emotional depth of its characters, further solidifying its place as one of the festival's highlights.

Q: What drew you to the story of The Thicket and made you want to adapt Joe R. Lansdale's novel into a film ?

Elliott Lester: Hi, my name is Elliott Lester. I'm the director and producer of The Thicket, starring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, and Chad Oakes. I actually didn't do any of the development. Peter Dinklage had the book back in 2013, and he developed the script. I came in a few years ago when I was invited to read the script, and I loved it, but I wanted to completely change it, which is typical for a director. I made a proposal: I said I wanted the villain to be a woman. So that was my involvement as a producer and director.

Q: How did Peter Dinklage’s involvement as a producer shape the direction of the film ?

Elliott Lester: Well, he's a collaborator. We would discuss everything—every aspect of it. We were wide open with each other. I was very honest with him, and he was very honest with me, and we had a wonderful relationship.

Q: Can you talk about the challenges of adapting a novel with such a complex world and unique characters ?

Elliott Lester: The challenges—well, a lot of the work had already been done by the screenwriter, Chris Kelley. The challenge was to change a lot of the novel in the screenplay while keeping the core elements of the story.

Q: How did COVID-19 affect the production process, and were there any changes to the film that resulted from the pandemic’s delays ?

Elliott Lester: Our film got shut down. We were shooting in Spain originally, and we shut down for a couple of years. We then moved to Calgary, and we were freezing.

Q: The Western genre comes with certain expectations. How did you approach balancing these classic elements with modern twists ?

Elliott Lester: It was all in the casting and nuance. From the moment you see the motorbike to the way the cast is—who they are and how they perform it. My pivot cast is quite unique.

Q: The film’s cast is a mix of well-established actors and fresh faces. What was the casting process like, particularly for the lead roles of Jack and Lula ?

Elliott Lester: You know, as a director, you have an obligation to bring new talent into the film. You get to hear about names and voices. I met with a lot of people, and eventually, I felt an affinity with Esmé Creed-Miles. We had a lovely rhythm together.

Q: The dynamic between Jack (Levon Hawke) and Reginald (Peter Dinklage) is central to the story. How did you guide their relationship on-screen ?

Elliott Lester: Good actors will interpret that correctly. I just gave them guidance when I thought things were drifting. But typically, they were not; there was a natural rhythm between them.

Q: Juliette Lewis as Cut Throat Bill is such a unique casting choice. How did you decide on her for the role, and what did she bring to the character ?

Elliott Lester: I just knew it had to be Juliette Lewis because she’s multifaceted. She’s a musician, an incredible performer, and an incredible person. She has a mixture of all those things.

Q: The Thicket takes place during the turn of the century, a time of transition. How did you use this period to reflect the characters’ personal evolutions ?

Elliott Lester: Well, I mean, it’s mechanization. It’s also the end of the American West because the American West in history is very short. I showed that by including light bulbs and electricity. I think that signals the last vestiges of the American West.

Q: What were some of the most memorable or challenging moments during filming ?

Elliott Lester: Filming in the cold—35 degrees. Lenses were breaking, Esmé nearly got frostbite, and we had to shut down because it was so cold.

Q: Finally, what do you hope the audience at the Deauville American Film Festival takes away from The Thicket ?

Elliott Lester: Everything. You know, I’m British, and I have a beautiful affinity for France. I love France; I love their respect for cinema. This is just such a beautiful moment for me.

Q: Do you have some directors who inspired you in creating this movie ?

Elliott Lester: I have many directors who inspire me. You know, Walter Hill, who is also a close friend, John Ford, and Clint Eastwood.

Q: My last question: What do you hope the audience at the American festival takes away from The Thicket ?

Elliott Lester: The most important thing for me is for them to be entertained. I want them to turn off their phones for 100 minutes and go on this journey with us in The Thicket.

Synopsis:
In Texas at the beginning of the 20th century, young Jack sets out to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by a violent killer called Cut Throat Bill. Jack enlists the services of a fearsome bounty hunter named Shorty, the son of a former slave, an alcoholic to the last degree, and a prostitute. Together, they track her down to a place called The Big Thicket.

The thicket
Directed by Elliott Lester
Written by Chris Kelley
Based on The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale
Produced by Peter Dinklage, David Ginsberg, Chad Oakes, Michael Frislev, Caddy Vanasirikul, Brian O'Shea, Elliott Lester, Shannon Gaulding, Andre L III
Starring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Macon Blair, Andrew Schulz, James Hetfield, Arliss Howard, Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe
Cinematography : Guillermo Garza
Edited by Jean-Christophe Bouzy
Music by Ray Suen
Production companies: Tubi Films, Nomadic Pictures, Estuary Films, Next Production
Distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films
Release date : September 6, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 108 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville