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Tim Blake Nelson’s cinematic journey: From Westerns to Marvel and beyond
A new Western on the horizon
Tim Blake Nelson is gearing up for an exciting new project, a Western titled “Shoot,” set to be filmed in Spain. Directed by Guillermo Navarro, known for his Oscar-winning work on “Pan’s Labyrinth,” this film promises to be a spectacular addition to the genre. Nelson shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the film’s cultural relevance and its exploration of the corrupting power of the gun.
“We have a great cast and a script written by British writer Ian Wilson. Westerns change, reflecting a cultural moment when it’s made. Each generation needs to furnish its own take on film genres. This one is about the power of the gun as a corrupting force,” Nelson revealed.
The production is set to begin in November, and Nelson emphasized that while Westerns often require expansive vistas, they don’t necessarily need massive budgets. He cited “Old Henry,” which was made for just $1.2 million, as an example of a successful, low-budget Western.
Returning to the Marvel Universe
Nelson is also set to reprise his role as Samuel Sterns in “Captain America: Brave New World,” marking his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after his appearance in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk.” Reflecting on this opportunity, Nelson expressed his deep gratitude and excitement.
“I deeply, deeply grieved over the prospect of not being able to come back into the MCU. All I wanted to do, as an actor, was to figure out what happens to this guy. 18 years later I got to do it and I wasn’t disappointed,” he said.
Nelson praised director Julius Onah for his guidance and highlighted Marvel’s support for real directors and actors, allowing them to explore outlandish characters. Despite some recent skepticism about the future of the MCU, Nelson remains optimistic.
“Marvel is an unheard-of phenomenon in movie history. Kevin Feige and his studio created dozens of connected movies that exist in one cinematic universe. There’s no comparable achievement. So no – I don’t think it’s over,” he noted.
A nod to indie roots
Currently serving as a juror at the Locarno Film Festival, Nelson is also presenting the intimate drama ”Bang Bang,” directed by Vincent Grashaw. In this film, Nelson plays retired boxer Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski, a role that demanded both physical and mental preparation.
“It demanded of me what no other role has, both in terms of its physicality and its mindset. In a sense, I am a fighter too – if you do what I do, you have to be – but I am not a confrontational person and this character is,” Nelson explained.
Nelson’s dedication to his craft is evident in his extensive training for the role, despite having no background as a boxer. He credits his experience working with Daniel Day-Lewis on ”Lincoln” for changing his approach to acting.
“Working with Daniel did change my approach to what it is that I do and I’m hardly unique in that regard. You get better just by being around him,” he said.
Reflecting on a diverse career
Throughout his career, Nelson has had the opportunity to play a variety of memorable roles. He fondly recalled his experiences in films like “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” as well as his role as Looking Glass in the series “Watchmen.”
“As actors, we are often limited by ourselves and our own shortcomings, by how the industry and public perceive us. I’ve been given roles that asked for goofiness, imbecility, outlandishness. And quite infrequently, if ever, restraint. Suddenly, I was offered a character who was all about restraint,” he reflected.
Nelson is also preparing to direct his next feature, his first since 2015’s “Anesthesia.” He acknowledged the influence of John Cassavetes and the growing acceptance of actors who direct.
“The grandfather of it all was Cassavetes, but there’s certainly more tolerance for actors who direct,” he noted.
The future of indie cinema
Nelson remains passionate about indie cinema and its importance in the film industry. He emphasized the need for platforms to support and promote independent films, citing the success of his film “Asleep in My Palm” at Alamo Drafthouse as an example of the potential for arthouse cinema.
“Here’s what I know: there’s an appetite for arthouse films in America. What’s missing is an ability for the platforms to make money off them,” he said.
Nelson’s commitment to his craft and his diverse body of work continue to make him a respected figure in the film industry. As he embarks on new projects and revisits beloved roles, his passion for storytelling and dedication to his art remain unwavering.
For more information on the upcoming projects mentioned, you can check out the trailers and details for Shoot, Captain America: Brave New World, and Bang Bang.
