Friday, March 28, 2008
AFI Dallas interview: Tom McCarthy, director/writer of The Visitor
Email
|
Print
|
Tell us your story
|
Comment
|
If you're lucky, you might still grab a ticket to tonight's (March 28) showing of The Visitor by hanging out in the rush line at the Angelika Dallas. If not, you can console yourself that this wonderfully human story will be opening in general release in only a few weeks.
In either case, here's a chance for you to hear from writer/director Tom McCarthy about the film's genesis and his experience in making it. Here are some things he mentions during the podcast:
* The story began with the characters, which he'd been developing in the hopes of making a movie about them.
* Tom loves acting as well as filmmaking, so he probably will continue to do both - though maybe a little less of the acting, now that his filmmaking career is taking off.
* After a visit to Beirut, he immersed himself in New York's Arab community, and drew on these experiences to create character of Tarek.
* Says Tom: "I would much rather the audience talk about it over dinner after the movie." - re. the question of whether the characters of Walter and Mouna are destined for romance.
* He joined a group called The Sojourners who pay regular visits people confined to the detention facilities.
* Richard Jenkins' work in the movie Shall We Dance was one of the reasons Tom liked R.J. for the role of Walter.
* And he tells us who the character of Walter would probably vote for for president.
Related stories
- Movie review part deux: The Visitor (May 22, 2008)
- Movie review: The Visitor (May 1, 2008)
- Pegasus News Week in View: Dallas tells AFI, “That’s a wrap!” (April 3, 2008)
See more stories in:
Find...
Today
Todd Rundgren My college roommate and her boyfriend looooved Todd Rundgren. They used to say "Todd is God." A lot. Anyway, he's touring to promote his new album, a rocker called Arena. More info
Blogs
- That’s what we’re talking about
Square Pegs - Web obsession of the day: Naked guy outrage!
Square Pegs - Free PegNews app now in iTunes store (FINALLY!)
Square Pegs
Latest comments
- Scott Doyle on Barking Cat Farm in Rockwall grows flowers, herbs and vegetables the natural way: Ahhh yes, the dawn of ‘Miko’. Coincidentally, I now have an iPhone. Needs more coming to Dallas. =(...
- Scott Doyle on Pegasus News Local Music Showcase returns to Club Dada on July 18: Had a great time! Thanks PN (especially Erin) for putting another together. Hope we have a third in ...
- Scott Doyle on Richardson city officials biting off more projects than they can chew: ¿Que? This was a content partner article, not something from “the site”. Pretty sure it’s on their h...
- Scott Doyle on Dallas gay bar to ban drag queens on "Trashy Tuesday": aduxxx, you thought Dallas was beyond stereotyping? Did you move here yesterday?...
Latest reviews
- aduxxx on Tei Tei Robata Bar: Yes, it’s spendy, but the food is definitely worth it. Time it right; forget prime time on weekends!...
- aduxxx on Kitchen 1924: Late dinner is great, as are the Sunday all-you-can-eat Hangover Brunch, complete with sunglasses fo...
- SHAYSHAY34 on Sandwackers (Duncanville): Want to receive items you did not order? Than this is your place! We ordered 4 sandwiches to go off ...
Latest stories
- Minnesota Twins 14, Texas Rangers 2
- Tarrant County College offers installment plan option to pay tuition
- Photographs Do Not Bend presents: Contemporary Czech Photography
- Lewisville Western Day festival features Eli Young Band and third annual World Tamale Eating Championship
- Irving fuel truck driver accused of stealing gas and storing it at his house to resell


Post a comment
(Requires free PegasusNews.com account.)