Duke Johnson’s second solo film after co-directing 2015’s Anomalisa with Charlie Kaufman is an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel Memory. The film follows Paul Cole (André Holland), an actor who wakes up in small-town Ohio with amnesia and a mysterious head injury. Guided by philosophical questions about identity and a budding romance with Edna (Gemma Chan), The Actor explores the depths of human experience.
The production, mostly completed by Johnson in a warehouse in Budapest, was described as “strange and unconventional” and involved a 15-person acting troupe. Shot on stages using minimal sets, the film focused on building a world that reflected the emotional and metaphysical themes it explored. Johnson’s background in animation influenced his approach to world-building in live-action filmmaking, creating a unique visual and emotional experience.
The Actor features a British cast, chosen for logistical reasons, allowing for easier travel to Budapest compared to Los Angeles actors. The unconventional approach taken by Johnson in creating this film was inspired by the advice of Charlie Kaufman, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s instincts and not conforming to traditional industry norms. The film’s humanist narrative and thematic exploration of memory loss and identity contribute to its universal appeal, tapping into existential dread and the search for meaning in human existence.
The Actor is now showing in theaters, offering audiences a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
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