Filmmaker David Grovic talks ‘The Bag Man’

Writer/director David Grovic recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new thriller “The Bag Man.”

In “The Bag Man,” which opens Friday, March 7, John Cusack plays a criminal who bides his time at a seedy motel, waiting for his boss (Robert De Niro) after killing several men and making away with a bag whose contents are to remain unknown to all – including himself.

Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Grovic by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the writer/director discusses “The Bag Man’s” cast and ultimate takeaway.

I was so lucky because really everybody that we had was fantastic in front of the camera and also behind-the-scenes. They were all just a lot of fun, very involved and caring in what was going on. I think that the key to getting [Robert De Niro] and [John Cusack] was really that these characters had something different. John is the hero but his character has imperfections and flaws as well as a lot of upsides – like most of us. We have different characteristics and I think that John very much took to the core ingredients of his character.

Where [Robert] is concerned, obviously everybody knows how many fantastic crime boss type figures he has played over the years. But, again, he really loved his dialogue and it gave him the chance to really sort of play against a typical stereotype. I think that it is very interesting because a lot of actors work from the inside out but [Robert’s] method is the exact opposite in that he concentrates on getting his look exactly the way he wants it – from his hair … to even as far as his jewelry.

It’s a great ride and I think that people will have a really good time. I hope that they like the humor. I think that [humor] is very important. We have a lot of tension and I hope that that fact that we have humor interwoven throughout the movie helps to release that tension and then lets it build up again. I think – and I really hope – that people will walk away and say that everybody – but especially John Cusack, Robert De Niro and Rebecca De Costa – have given just wonderful performances.” – David Grovic

Joseph J. Airdo

Joseph J. Airdo is a film critic, producer and on-air personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 10-11 a.m. Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. E-mail him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

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