Ethan Cohen and Tricia Cook’s new noir-style lesbian crime capers Don’t honey! It may be one of the boldest genre rediscoveries of the year, but even films that dive right into sexual politics and genre play have their limits. In a recent interview with Gaty, the director’s duo opened up about the creative process behind the film, including behind the scenes details that could surprise audiences.
Known for their unconventional storytelling, Cook and Cohen revealed on the day of the press conference that some of the adult toys originally intended for the film had to be ruled out. That wasn’t due to objections from the cast or discomfort on the set.
“We cut out some adult toys with the cutting,” Cook said. “But it’s not because the actors had problems. Margaret [Qualley] It took her 10 minutes to organize all the toys in that sink. ”
The sink in question? A centerpiece with many props in one of the more unusual scenes in the film. The film never moves away from provocation, but Cook explained that editing is sometimes about knowing when to push and when to pull back.
“There are a few things that could have probably tightened my hair alone,” she added. “But no one has ever said they were offensive. The fun of this film is to go out. There’s no polite version. Don’t honey!”
The film features Margaret Quarry in the nominal role of honey and rethinks the hard-boiled detective genre through the lens of a lesbian. Qualley plays emotionally complicated, guarded private eyes where mystical nature is protected to bring the legend of noir back to the film. According to Cohen, her character was inspired by someone other than Humphrey Bogart.
“When we asked her to do a film, we said, ‘Do you want to play Humphrey Bogart?” “She’s kind of masculine and hard to read – that classic detective energy.”
Cook agrees, explaining that Honey’s past trauma has informed her of her quiet strength. “She’s booked. She holds back something. She was abused when she was young and her history has become someone who has to lock herself up. That’s part of what makes her so persuasive.”
The film is filled with genre-bending twists and feminist talent, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Even the most intense scenes have undertones in the comics. This has one intimate moment at the bar where you need rare props.
Let’s say the viewers see two girls getting pretty close and sexual in a public place and even sitting at the bar, someone licks the matte from the cake.
“Aubrey [Plaza] There was someone from the make-up that was standing right out of the frame with a coconut oil mason jar,” Cook laughed. It’s hard not to laugh when it’s happening right next to the camera. ”
Don’t honey! It features a cast of great powers including Qualley, Plaza, Chris Evans and Rising Star’s Talia Ryder. Each was chosen with a specific role in mind, and according to the director, casting was a smooth process. Quarry had previously worked with them. Driveaway embankmentAnd then we boarded the boat immediately. According to Cook, the Plaza name appeared “on the train one day.” Criminal Emily.
“We knew she was going to be perfect,” Cook said. “It’s the same as Chris. I saw him in a play in New York and found out right away. And Talia – I saw her. Sweet East And I was like, “We have to use her.” ”
Film’s approach to genre and gender highlights that. Cohen and Cook deliberately turned the role of traditional noir into a ruthless investigator, turning the seductive femme fatale into a ruthless investigator.
“We thought if we made a detective a woman – femme fatale,” Cook said. “It felt exciting. And it wasn’t. And it’s necessary.”
Despite the provocative subject matter and boundary-taking scenes, the filmmakers argue that the point is ultimately about empowerment.
“I hope people have a good time,” Cook said. “And hopefully they think of Honey as a superhero. She kicks the ass. She’s amazing. Strong female characters are important.
Whether the audience laughs in their seats, breathes, or runs away, Don’t honey! It’s a film that’s obviously not interested in playing safely, even if you have to leave some toys behind in the editing room.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
