Dec 20, 2009
SUPER Diary Week 2: Kevin Bacon Joins Us, and More!
As you've probably heard by now, Kevin Bacon has joined the cast of SUPER as Jacques, the Crimson Bolt's sorta evil nemesis. Kevin Bacon has been one of my favorite actors since I was young, and he starred in at least two of the defining films of my life – DINER, which was my favorite film as a young teen, and FRIDAY THE 13TH, which is the movie (along with NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD) that made me realize I could make movies — all I needed was a camera, a spooky woods, some Kayro syrup and red food coloring.
Kevin joins Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, Ellen Page, Michael Rooker and more as-of-yet unannounced stars in our little slightly-over-two-million-dollar flick, which means this has got to be one of the heaviest firepower-per-dollar casts ever.
Since Kevin was an idol of mine since I was a kid, I have to admit it was a little intimidating meeting him. But he's about the coolest, most laid back, low-maintenance guy ever. And, more importantly, he kicked ass all this week as Jacques.
This week on SUPER I was also happy to have a few of my close friends by my side (and on the screen) – my brother Sean, Stevie Blackehart, Rooker, and Gregg Henry. Directing a movie can be a lonely enterprise and having those you love dip in and out of your life while you're shooting makes a big difference.
This week was rough. Averaging over thirty setups a day, by Thursday I was near collapse, a state I know was mirrored by our DP Steve Gainer and AD Sheri Davani. But somehow we made it through the week, with the best scenes we've shot so far. It's way too early to declare favorites, but one scene outside our filmic strip club with Kevin, Liv, Rooker, Sean, Stevie, and Rainn, sure FELT like it was my favorite scene I've ever shot (and I loved watching it in the dailies too!)
Once again, although this is being called a "funny superhero movie," it really is about people and their struggles and disappointments, and Rainn Wilson continues to break my heart on a daily basis. For those of you only familiar with his stuff on THE OFFICE or in his broad comedy films, it's going to be a real treat to see. His vulnerability is awe inspiring at times.
We're shooting this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then we have a much needed holiday break. I'm going back home to L.A. to hang with my family and take a few breaths before heading into the difficult month of shooting in January.
If I don't get back on here in the next few days (likely), have a great holiday!!
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