Rami Malek on the Influence of ‘The Master’: A Turn Towards Filmmaking
In a recent conversation on SiriusXM’s “Faction Talk” channel, Rami Malek discussed how collaborating with director Paul Thomas Anderson on the film “The Master” ignited his ambition to expand his career beyond acting into filmmaking.
Reflections on ‘The Master’
Malek, who starred in the acclaimed 2012 film alongside a stellar cast that included Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, revealed a pivotal moment that prompted him to pursue producing. He expressed his disappointment after a significant monologue he had worked on was ultimately cut from the final edit of the film.
“I remember doing a scene on ‘The Master’ with Paul Thomas Anderson, and it was a long monologue and I labored over it for so long,” said Malek. “After we were done, I thought about it and thought about it. And of course, I went to see the film and it wasn’t even in the picture.”
Expanding Horizons: From Actor to Producer
Motivated by this experience, Malek has now taken on the role of executive producer for “The Amateur,” a remake of the 1981 film. In this upcoming project, he plays a CIA decoder seeking revenge for his wife’s murder. During the radio interview, he was joined by his co-stars Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, and Caitriona Balfe, as well as the film’s director, James Hawes.
In his remarks, Malek elaborated on his desire to take on new creative challenges:
“I got a sense at that point that I’d love to at one point direct. I’d love to produce, I’d love to see this career evolve and I like to see things from start to finish. And it’s been an enjoyable process. It’s been a really challenging one as well.”
The Role of Collaboration
Malek emphasized the critical role of collaboration in filmmaking, particularly noting the dedication of director James Hawes throughout the production process. “No one here has been more invested than James,” he stated while acknowledging the complexity and time commitment required to bring a film to completion.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Legacy
Paul Thomas Anderson himself reflected on the artistic significance of “The Master,” describing it as the film he was most proud of during a 2017 interview. He highlighted the technical choices made during production, such as the decision to shoot with a spherical format, which aimed to evoke classic films from the 1950s like “Vertigo” and “North By Northwest.”
“The first time we shot spherical was on ‘The Master,’” Anderson noted. “It was a nice change from the earlier films. I wanna shoot scope again though…maybe next time.”
Looking Ahead
Fans of Anderson can anticipate his upcoming project, “One Battle After Another,” which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and is set for release in theaters this fall. As Malek transitions into his new roles, it’ll be fascinating to see how his experiences shape his contributions to future cinematic endeavors.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Rami Malek’s insights regarding his experience on “The Master” and his subsequent foray into producing, all while adhering to the specified guidelines for tone, structure, and factual integrity.
