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The man who saved the internet with a sunflower: Martin Delaney’s transformative role
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, few stories capture the imagination quite like those that delve into the untold tales of tech pioneers. One such narrative is brought to life in the new film “The Man Who Saved the Internet With a Sunflower,” starring the versatile actor Martin Delaney. This film, which has already won the Competition Features Audience Award at the Dances With Films festival, promises to be a compelling exploration of ambition, innovation, and the personal costs of success.
The rise of Robert Ryan: A tech visionary’s journey
Martin Delaney steps into the shoes of Robert Ryan, the founder of Ascend Communications, a pivotal figure in the early days of the internet. The film chronicles Ryan’s journey from his modest beginnings to becoming a key player in Silicon Valley during the 1980s and ’90s. Central to this narrative is Ryan’s development of the “pizza box” modem, a groundbreaking innovation that offered faster internet speeds at a fraction of the cost of competitors. This invention not only revolutionized internet access but also played a crucial role in the survival of struggling internet service providers.
For those interested in a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer here: The Man Who Saved the Internet With a Sunflower.
Delaney’s dedication to the role
To authentically portray Robert Ryan, Delaney immersed himself in extensive research. This included numerous Zoom calls with the real Ryan and listening to his podcast. “I wanted to capture his drive and passion for getting what he believed in over the line,” Delaney shared. He also worked with a voice coach to perfect Ryan’s New York accent, which becomes more pronounced during moments of anger.
Physically, Delaney transformed himself by gaining weight and donning oversized ’80s and ’90s attire to closely resemble Ryan during that era. He also delved into Ryan’s educational background in physics, math, and philosophy at Cornell, which informed the character’s unique problem-solving approach.
The personal cost of ambition
Directed by Emil Ben-Shimon and Ori Yardeni, the film not only highlights Ryan’s professional achievements but also delves into the personal costs of his ambition. Delaney notes, ”The reality is, the real Rob, looking back on his career, was an incredible people manager. In our film, to raise the stakes, he’s a little bit more chaotic and clumsy. His drive sometimes came with a cost in the way he communicated with people.”
The film also explores Ryan’s relationship with his partner Terry, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Delaney hopes that audiences will be both entertained and enlightened by the story of this unsung tech hero. “There’s also a cautionary element about the unregulated world we’ve opened up with the internet,” he adds. “I hope people think about what it means now that we’ve opened this Pandora’s box into an accessible world that isn’t regulated or necessarily interested in protecting our youth.”
A versatile career
Martin Delaney’s career is marked by a series of notable projects. He has appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty.” More recently, Delaney was part of the cast of “Catch-22,” the miniseries adaptation of Joseph Heller’s novel, directed by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Ellen Kuras. For more on “Catch-22,” check out the trailer here: Catch-22.
Reflecting on his career, Delaney expresses gratitude for the opportunities he’s had to work with esteemed directors and actors. ”I’ve been blessed to work with some people over the years that I really admire,” he says. He particularly praises the directors of “Catch-22” for their succinct and charismatic approach. “They trusted us as performers but gave us that crucial direction at the right time.”
A potential reboot and future projects
Delaney also hints at ongoing discussions about potentially rebooting “Renford Rejects,” the Nickelodeon football show that launched his career 25 years ago. The series, which became a cult classic, featured Delaney as the cocky captain of a youth football team and even included an early appearance by James Corden. “That’d be quite fun to maybe revisit that in some way,” he says. “Who knows? I’m certainly open to the idea of it and I know that there’s a lot of discussion.”
As “The Man Who Saved the Internet With a Sunflower” prepares for a wider release, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on the lesser-known figures who have shaped our world. Through Delaney’s transformative performance, audiences are invited to reflect on the complexities of ambition, innovation, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.
