The actor explained why Luc Besson’s supernatural crime story immediately appealed to him
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland joined Luc Besson and the Father Joe cast at the Venice Film Festival
– Sutherland described the movie as a fantasy built around a battle between good and evil
– Ever Anderson praised Sutherland and the supportive environment created during filming
Kiefer Sutherland joined writer and producer Luc Besson at the Venice Film Festival to discuss their new movie, Father Joe.
Sutherland said he had admired Besson’s work since watching Subway when he was approximately 17 years old. He joked that Besson had made several movies he wished he could have joined, but had never hired him before Father Joe.
The actor explained that Besson’s script immediately caught his attention. Sutherland described Father Joe as a fantasy that exists within its own world and presents a broad conflict between good and evil.
Sutherland was also drawn to a main character who continuously questions his actions. Father Joe expresses those doubts through prayer, allowing the audience to hear his thoughts and emotions as the story develops.
The film follows a priest who enters a violent conflict with Manhattan’s criminal underworld. His actions place him against a powerful mob boss while he attempts to guide a young woman facing danger and the possibility of redemption.
Ever Anderson admitted that working alongside Sutherland and Al Pacino initially felt intimidating. Her concerns disappeared after she arrived on set and received a warm welcome from Sutherland.
Anderson recalled playing chess with Sutherland and losing to him. She also praised the production for creating an environment where actors could experiment, make mistakes, and approach their performances creatively.
Besson explained that he worked closely with director Barthélémy Grossmann before filming to establish a shared vision for the cast and visual presentation. Once production began, Besson allowed Grossmann to lead the set.
Their collaboration continued during post-production. Grossmann completed his initial edit before Besson offered another perspective and helped refine the finished movie.
Sutherland also reflected on what he learned during his years starring in 24. He said that experience gave him confidence, which he continued to carry into later projects.
Father Joe presented a different approach to action and stunt work, giving Sutherland another opportunity to learn. He described the production as a new and exciting experience despite his decades of experience.
