Playing God Press Book.pdf (PDFy mirror)

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A GAME
\NITH
NO RULES.
Eugene. . . . . . . . . ............ ...... David Duchavny TECHNICAL CREDITS
Raymond. . .................. Timothy Hutton
Claire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Angelina Jolie Di reeted by . .................. Andy Wilson
Gage. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Michael Massee Written by ....... . ........ Mark Haskell Smith
Vladimir. . ........... ....... ...... Peter Stormare produced by. . ...... Marc Abraham
Cyril. . . . . . . . . . . .... Andrew Tiernan Laura Bickford
Yates ....... Gary Dourdan Executive Producers. . ............. . Armyan Bernstein
Flick ................. .......... .... ..... John Hawkes Thomas A. Bliss
Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... will Foster Stewart Co-Produced by ..... ..... .. .............. Melanie Greene
Casey ............. Philip Moon Nancy Rae Stone
Andrei . . . . . . . . . ...... Pavel D. Lynchnikoff Director of Photography ........... Anthony B. Richmond, B.S.C
Jim .... ................... ............. Tracey Walter Production Designer. . . Naomi Shohan
Sue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Sandra Kinder Edited by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Louise Rubacky
Jerry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Bill Rosier Costume Designer .... ..... ...... . ...... ... . Mary Zophres
Mr. Hsi ........................... ....... Keene Young Music Score by ....... .................... Richard Hartley
Digiacomo. . . . . . . . . .... ... . Eric DaRe Music Supervisor ........................ G. Marq Roswell
Phelps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Gareth Williams Casting by ........... Johanna Ray, C.SA and Elaine J. Huzzar
Adonis. . ........... .................... Teo
Nurse. . . . . . . . . . . ... Stacey Travis Unit Production Manager .................. Nancy Rae Stone
Dimitri . . . . . . . . . . . ....... Max Lazar First Assistant Director. . . . . . . . . . . .. Francis R. Mahony III
Len. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Frank Ensign Second Assistant Director. . . . . . . . . . .. . ...... Mark Hansson
Dr. Clifford. . ................ .......... Bob A. Jennings 2nd Unit Director ............. ................ B.J Davis
Resident Surgeon. . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. .. Ross Kettle Art Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Sizemore
Anoesthesiologist. . . . . . . . . . .. ....... .... .. Nikki Lee Assistant Art Director. . ..... Gregory S. Hooper
Surgeon # I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... ...... John Roselius Art Department Coordinator .............. Aimee Rousey-Clark
Winston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Damon White Storyboard Artist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... Dan Caplan
Russian Thug. . ... Dan Hildebrand Set Decorator. .,..... . ... . ... Evette Frances Knight
Russian Thug ........... ...................... JP. Jones Leadman . . . . . . . . . .. Jefferson Munff
Russian Thug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ Jerry Sloan Costume Supervisor . . . . . . . . . ... Nicole Gorsuch
Isaac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Alphonse V Walter Key Costumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Nancy L. Collini
Rasta Doorman .. ........ .................. Melvin Jones Costumers .............. .................. Sonya Ooten
Jessica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . Mara Duromlet Wendy Greiner
BUrl. . ..... ... . , . . . . . . . ..... Ernest Garcia Stephanie Gorsuch
Bartender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Desert Make-up Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... Naomi Donne
Woman .... , .. , . . . . . . . . . ........... Sarah Stavrou Assistant Make-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dionne P. Smith
Crack Deoler . . ........... Jesse Perez Key Hair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Lana I. Heying
Basketball Player ....... Daniel Rey Silvas Assistant Hair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Julie Woods
Chinese Security Guard #2 ..... ..... .... ..... Michael Chong Special Make-up Effects ..... Gabe Bartalos
S. African Businessman .... Alexander Folk Camera Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... John Sosenko
S. American Businesswoman. . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... Stella Garcia First Assistant Camera, ........... . Timberlake Lewis
Dutch Businessman .... , ........ .... ...... .... . Guy Siner Second Assistant Camera .. ... Jonathan "Chunky" Richmond
FBI Agent. .. ........ .. ..... ... .... ....... ..... AI Ahlf Loader. . .. Tyger Belton
Scrip! Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . .. Robin Anderson
Stunts Production Sound Mixer ......... .......... Mark Weingarten
Stunt Coordinator .. , ........ ....... . , ....... .. B.J. Davis Boom Operator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ Kevin Kubota
Eugene Double. . ...... ........ Scott Leva Cableperson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Douglas Shamburger
Claire Double. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Spice Williams Chief Lighting Technician. . . . . . . . . Vance Trussell
Raymond Double ............... ............. Paul Dallas Best Boy Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Anthony Hall
Dimitri Double. . ...... .... ............ . Fred Lerner Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Jenifer Galvez
Rob Lewbel
Utility Stunts Eric Parker
Cole McKay Pat Statham Key Grip ..... ............... .... •...... Buzz Jochheim
Bob Bralver Merritt Yohnka Best Boy Grip ............................. Chris Godfrey
Gregg Brazzel Kely McClung Dolly Grip/Additional Key Grip. . . . . . . . . . .. Edward Saxon
Ed Anders Kisco Davis Grip/Additional Best Boy Grip . . .... .. .... . Steve Abrams
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Grips .................. . ....... Basil Schmidt Drivers ............... .
Kent Baker Todd Williams Robert Blatchford
Caterer. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. Pierre Remy . Silver Grill Andrew Broomhead Stephen Brown
Property Master .......................... Melissa Monhies Pat Ellis Stubbs Mike·O·Motocycho
Assistant Props . . . ... Kim Larin larsen Ronald J. Stinton Tracy Cambron
Production Supervisor. . .... Nicole M. Libresco Michael Sonntag Dave Coffey
Assistant UPM ............................ leonard Bram M.B. Moore J. larry Michael
Production Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . .......... Pony long Michael J. Dawson Burt N. Melcher
Assistant Production Coordinator. . . Corey D. Miller Gary A. Dionne P. Jones
2nd 2nd Assistant Directors .............. Carlo Brand Breitner Adam Dotson Ben e. Giller
Elena V. Santaballa Tony Fox David Gordon
DGA Trainees ............. . ........... Tim Engle Christopher Gaunn
Jessy Melowicz
Assistant to Ms. Bickford . . .. Natasha Rizapoulas Casting Assistant. . ... Mary Jane lovacca
Assistant to Ms. Greene . . . Jennifer Lauren Extras Casting ................... lee Miles @ Central Casting
Assistant to Mr. Bernstein. . . Soro Endsley Projected · FX by. . .. Billy Hansard IH.E.I.)
Assistant to Mr. Abraham. . ........ Misty Green First Assistant Editors · lightworks ........... Gus Carpenter
Assistant to Mr. Bliss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... Cynthia Moon Michael Wertz
Assistant to Mr. Wilson. . .... Mikon A. Haaksman First Assistant Editor· Film .. Sean Hubbert
Assistant to Mr. Duchovny .............. ......... Eric Knight Second Assistant Editors . . Terry Chambers
Stand In for David Duchovny . . . Jay Crimp Andrew Blustain
Stand In for Angelino Jolie . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Down Manhews Post Production Office Assistant . . . . . . . . . . .. Amy Killeen Foos
Construction Coordinator. . . . . . . . . .. . .. Johnny Knight Post Production Accountant. ..... ..... ... Connie Jean Kunz
Construction Foreperson . . .............. Steve l. Morey Sound Editorial Services by ........... Paskal Sound Design
Construction Assistant. . . . . . . . . . .... Daniel R. Ostrowske Sound Supervisor . .... Darren Paskal
lobar Foreperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... Darrel D. Bricker Supervising Effects Editor .. ... Trip Brock
Propmokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Steve Gindorf ADR Editor. . ......... Bobbi Banks
Paul Burdick
Scenic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... Denise Boquist Sound Editors
w.e.
location Manager. . ......................... Molly Allen Williams Kurt Thum
location Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... France Myung Metz Stewart Nelson James loy
Paul lucero Alan Bromberg Alan Porzio
Set Production Assistants .......... ...... .. .. Robert Ohlandt Anna Bright Bruce Greenspan
Michael J. DelTufo Scan Silvey David Spence
Key Office Assistant. . ...... lisa D. lou
Office Assistants. Sound Coordinator. .......... John Switzer
Ivan Martin del Compo Brad Manheim Assistant Sound Editors ..
Anthony Miles Stoci Nguyen David Butler Christina Rasch
Jay Katz Will "Roc" Griffin
Intern. . ...... Morc H. Simon
Technical Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Donna Duffy, B.S., R.N. Sound Designer ........ . . ......... Will Riley
Chinese Cultural Consultant. . . ...... ... Vivian Shen Re·Recording Mixers .... Dove Maiden
e.
Sleight of Hand & Magic Consultant .............. lorry Wilson Edward Carr III
Production Accountant. . ..... Ira J. Friedlander Foley Mixer. . . . . . . . . ....... Denise Bent
Payroll Accountant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Penny A. Gillman Foley Artists. . ........................... Doug Madick
Publicity ..... The Pogachefsky Compony Vince Guisetti
Unit Publicist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... Jeff Raymond ADR Mixers . . .... lee Tinkham
Still Photographers . . . . . . . . . .... linda R. Chen Wooter Von Herwerden
Marsha Blackburn Camera Cranes by . . . Chapmon/leanard Studio Equipment
Richard J. Cartwright Main Title Sequence Designed by . . . Don Perri
Transportation Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . James R. lowder Titles by ..................... Cinema Research Corporation
Transportation Captain .................... Ronald R. Stinton Negative Cuning by . . .... ... ... .............. In·Frame
Color Timer ................. Michael Stanwyck
Special Effects Equipment Provided by
Special Effects Services, Burbank, California
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Insurance Provided by Near North Insurance "SPYBREAK"
Brokeroge 01 Colilornio, Inc. WriHen by Alex Gillord
Perlormed by The Propellerheads
Soccer Footoge Courtesy 01: Courtesy 01 Woll 01 Sound
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with thanks to Melody SI. John and Robbie Siegal "JIVE TALKING"
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Performed by The Angelleaturing Angie Hart
UK Music Consultant . . ... David Arnold Courtesy 01 Devilishly Good Productions
UK Music Consultant/ Coordinator .... Paul Hitchman lor Beatmusic Angie Hart appears courtesy of Mushroom Records/Mammoth
US Music Consultont/ Coordinator ..... ......... Dondi Bastone Records
Music Editor. . ............... ..... .... .. . Tass Filipas
Music Scoring Mixer. . ..... phil Chapman "DELILAH!!
Score Recorded & Mixed at . . Hear No Evil Studios, London WriHen by John Mason and Leslie Reed
Guitars . . Hugh Burns Spaken by Timothy HuHon
Harmonica ..................... .. ... .... Julian Jackson
Additional Programming . . .. ... Matt Austin ''TRIGGER HIPPIE"
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Perlormed by Morcheeba
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Produced by Adam Peters and Johnny Sender
Eff:::~- -
...... ..
Re·Mixed by David Arnold
"IF THE SEA WAS WHISKEY" DOLBY® DIGITAL In Selected Theatres
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Perlormed by Willie Dixon & The Big Three Trio Copyright© 1997 BEACON COMMUNICATIONS CORP.
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This lilm is rated "R".
4
"PLAYING GOD"
Production Information Beacon Communications, was first approached by producer laura
Bickford to toke on this unusually compelling and original script,
Stripped of his medical license aker performing an feeling this project fit perfectly with Beacon's innovative, company
operation while high an amphetamines, las Angeles surgean Dr. profile.
Eugene Sands IDAVID DUCHOVNY) abandons his career, and Producer Bickford explains, "I loved the story of 'Playing
finds himself crossing paths with a ruthless criminal, Raymond God' for many reasons, but what stood out for me were the
Blossom ITIMOTHY HUnON). Raymond hires Eugene as his characters of the doctor and the gangster and their relationship to
"gunshot doctor," to treat associates who cannot fisk visiting a one another.
hospital. lured deeper and deeper into the dangerous underworld "David Duchavny's character is a great hera, because he
and growing too close to Raymond's seductive girlfriend Claire is opposed to cammiting violence, but then he hooks up with a
IANGELINA JOllE), Eugene is faced with his most challenging gangster who exposed him to a violent world," Bickford adds. "The
decision-to continue a life on doctor is constantly in conflict
the run or face his demons with this violent world. He has
and regain control of his to stop and do something
destiny. about it.
A cuning-edge crime "Whenever we see
thriller, Touchstone Pictures' somebody shot or hurt in this
"Playing Gad" brings to full movie, we see it from David's
bail a potent banle of goad character's point of view,"
and evil, life and death, producer Bickford continues.
passion and deception in a "It's a really interesting way
world where nothing is as it of reinventing the genre for
seems and no one can the '90s. The gangster
escape-without paying the seduces the doctor into his
highest price imaginable. dark world by offering him
Touchstone Pictures the opportunity to be a doctor
presents, in association with again. So he's doing a good
Beacon Pictures, "Playing thing, saving lives, but now
God," a film by Andy Wilson. he's healing the bad guys,
Directed by Andy Wilson, who may not necessarily
wrinen by Mark Haskell Smith, the film is produced by Marc deserve to be saved.
Abraham and laura Bickford. Executive producers are Armyan "But we have same great bad guys in this movie,"
Bernstein and Thomas A. Bliss. Co-producers are Melanie Greene Bickford adds. "Bad guys who are very exciting. Really cool, hip
and Nancy Rae Stone. Buena Vista Pictures distributes. bad guys. A '90s version of gangsters, California-hipster style."
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Producer Bickford recommended British director Andy
"In many ways, 'Playing Gad' is a throwback to the Wilson to Abraham for the film, aker seeing his CableACE Award
classic film action thrillers of the 1960s and 1970s-but updated, winning directorial installments on the popular series "Cracker."
faster-paced and edgier than mast of those films," says producer Wilson was immediately intrigued by the script-and the
Marc Abraham. vast canvas it provided to create a powerful film experience.
'1his film tells the story of a good guy, a doctor-played 'While the script contained violence, it was necessary to depict the
by David Duchovny-who finds himself in a desperate situation brutal life of the underworld. It was not violence for its own sake,"
and makes the wrong decision. It turns aut to be a deadly, life the director says. "But what was quite remarkable was the fact that
changing decision with extreme consequences. The choice he the doctor character deals with the violence without ever using a
makes takes him-and the audience-on a super-charged roller gun. And that makes him a true modern-day hera. I had never seen
coaster ride that no one will forget. that done before, and I quite liked it."
'1his film has some unlikely twists and nasty turns," Director Wilson further notes: '10 me, heroes in films
continues the noted producer with a smile. "Ws got lies, love, action, should not be shown using guns. In many movies these days, the
and enough gunplay for a small Central American war. What mare so-called hero generally picks up as many guns as the bad guys,
could you want2" but bigger and bener guns, and eliminates as many people as the
Producer Marc Abraham, president and co-founder of villains.
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"In 'Playing God' it wa, great to be able to ,how a hero who has created hi' own demons, but who finally meet' hi' match
completely different than the expected. David', doctor character in Raymond, the gangster character played by Timothy HuHon.
has fallen '0 for that the ground i, coming up to meet him. And Raymond meets his match when he meets Dr. Sands, David's
ground zero i, the gang,ter character played by Timothy HuHon character. They are sort of mirror images of each other. And
who SCOOP' up our hero for hi, own purpo,e" ju,t as he', abaut to Angelina Jolie, who plays the gangster', girlfriend, is really the liHle
hit baHom. angel in-between. She i, between bath worlds-and may have to
"We need anti-heroe,," insi,t, the director, "like the one pay the price. These are strong characters and there', a great tole
we ,how in thi' movie. Becau,e peaple don't tru't heroe, with guns to tell."
anymore. In thi' film, we're playing with guns-but we're playing Characteristic of his exacting methods of fully researching
in ,tyle." his roles, Duchovny became totally immersed in his doctor's
persona. "There were a number of challenges," he says. "I hod to
master looking like a surgean. I ob,erved
Securing actor David Duchovny a few surgeries; a brain surgery, and a
for the lead role in "Playing God" was of leg procedure. I didn't know if I was going
enormou, satisfaction to the filmmakers to be squeamish or not, but I wasn't.
who from the start unanimou,ly wonted "The smalle,t detail, make up a
the "X-Files" star to play Dr. Eugene character. In the case of a ,urgean, I
Sands. It was a great challenge to noticed exactly how he put on hi, glove,
Duchovny, who reli,hed the opportunity to in the operating room, and I saw how his
take a complete deporture from his "X hand, never dropped below his waist in
files" role. the operating room because doing '0
"Before I read the script, I was would risk nullifying the sterilization
afraid to take this on because I was process. Those liHle details are the things
concerned that I'd be really tired by the that give a character life. And that gives
time I got back to 'X-Files,'" David me the key to geHing in'ide the person
Duchovny ,ays. "But I feel that I actually and playing the role."
was regenerated because it's such a Duchovny wo, 01,0 instantly aHracted
different port from the one I play on to the highly-charged, ever-changing
television. And, of course, it', great to be relationships between his character and
working in the different milieu of film, the gangster played by Timothy HuHon as
versus television." well as with HuHon's seductive girlfriend,
As the acclaimed actor explains played by Angelina Jolie. "Each of these
hi' reasons for choosing "Playing God" characters are so different, yet 'imilar in
over the enormou, number of film project' many ways," Duchovny ,ays. "Each are
offered him, "It's a great story with a lot of trying to control the situation, and
twists and turns, with flawed-but therefore, in a sense, they are playing
redeemable-characters. We don't God."
indulge in movie cliches. This film is
unique. It's a story I've never seen before. It's not just a movie, it ha,
a great ,tory behind it." With David Duchovny ,et to ,tar in the lead role, the
Co-producer Melanie Greene-who is 01,0 David filmmakers worked to find the perfect actor to play the villainous
Duchovny's long-time manager-immediately recognized the gangster. "We wanted Timothy HuHon," says producer Marc
potential for the film and felt it was perfectly ,uited to Duchovny's Abraham. "He's an Academy Award' winning actor with great
talent. "Being in a popular television series seen all over the world, charm and definite ,ex appeal, but for me what wa, most
David ,ometime, is offered the same kinds of roles over and over interesting was you wouldn't necessarily think of Tim as the villain.
again-FBI agent" science-fiction films-and those are probably We were thrilled that Tim responded to the role and he gave an
the last things on earth he'd want to do while he's ,till on 'The X extraordinary performance."
Files'. "I loved the character, and couldn't wait to play him,"
"So when he was pitched this idea, he was very excited HuHon says. "My character is a fascinating but completely evil guy
abaut the project, becau,e it was '0 very different from hi, who chooses who will live and who will die in the underworld. I
television persona. And I knew David was perfect for the role of the thought what was really outstanding was the equal fascination
doctor who I describe as a fallen angel. The character is someane between David's character and mine. We seem completely different
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from each other-but we're not really. We're too much alike not to Angelina Jolie
finally confront each other. say" "I loved the part from
"It wa, a great challenge for me 0' on actor," Hunan the first moment 1r ead it. My
,ay" "to play Raymond, a total manipulator and control freak." character has her ,ecret,.
Co-producer Melanie Greene ,ay, of Duchovny', She', hiding a lot. She love,
reaction to Hunan', accepting the role, "David was thrilled that Raymond, her gang,ter
Timothy came on-boord, thrilled to have thi' O,car'-winning talent boyfriend. But ,he i, 01,0
working with him. To work with an actor who has achieved '0 much aHracted to the doctor.
wa, a challenge David loved." "She has to be
Hunan was 01,0 highly intrigued by the passionate, careful," Jolie continue"
complex and highly-charged relation,hip between hi, character "but the doctor repre,ents
and hi, young girlfriend, Claire, played by Angelino JoIie. "He', someane who loob at her in
completely in love with the girl and if anything happened to her, it a different way. He ,how,
would kill him," he ,ay,. '1hat', the one weakness thi' guy ha, her that, maybe, ,he can
how madly in love he i, with her." have a real life. They are drawn to each other, but it's not from him
seducing her. He's just there and talks to her, and li,tens. And that's
something that Raymond can't offer. But the doctor isn't Raymond,
and she also want' danger and excitement in her life.
"She', half good and half bad," Jolie say, of Claire. "My
character is not at all the typical woman you read in script, or see
on screen. 1l oved that. The ,tory and characters had sa much truth.
And depth."
David Duchovny hold, the young actres, in obviou, high
regard. "She i, totally profe"ional, one of the mo,t professional
actresse,1 have ever worked with. She i, truly remarkable in thi' film."
Giving the film a high-voltage, passionate, and ,leek feel
i, director Andy Wil,on, who i, held in particularly high regard by
the noted assembly of filmmakers, ca,t and crew members. A,
"Playing God" goe, from ,upercharged to turbocharged David Duchovny ,ay" "Andy ha, great instinct, about drama. 1
when David Duchovny', character enters a deadly arena of the tru,ted hi, vi,ion completely."
underworld-and instantly form, a triangle of passion. The doctor "It was '0 intere,ting that our director, who come from
i, irre,i,tibly anracted to the gang,ter', girlfriend, who herself i, Europe, completely captured the La, Angele, feel of the '90, for thi,
drown to Duchovny while ,till in love with the gang,ter. film: ,ay, producer Laura Bickford. "He created a completely real,
Director Andy Wilson found the deadly love triangle in
"Playing God" to be a crucial element of the film. However, finding
the right actress to the work oppa,ite both Duchovny and HuHon
was a particular challenge to the filmmakers.
A, producer Marc Abraham recall" "Angelina
Jolie was the last person who come in to audition. We
hod ,een every available actress we could think of, but
from the moment Angelino came in the room it was
clear ,he was exactly the right actress to partray the
young woman who ha, one foot in the criminal world
and one foot out."
Co-producer Melanie Greene ,ay, of Jolie,
"She i, incredible in thi' film; thi' 21-year-old girl
playing the part of a 28-year-old woman. And ,he
doe, it brilliantly becou,e Angelina has the wi,dom of a
much older person. We were all blown away by her
audition."
7
modern, ,tyli,h cross-cultural world." Working along,ide Timothy HuHon turned out to be a
She adds with a laugh, "Andy even made sure we had different kind of challenge for Stormare who ,oy', "I! was '0 hard
our gangster bod guys well-represented. We have one English bod to be in ,cene, with him becou,e he made me laugh all the time. I
guy, one African-American, another Russian, another Chinese couldn't look into hi, eye,. Sa it looks on ,creen like my character
creating some really fresh, interesting characters in the process." i, afraid to look directly into the gang,ter', eye,. The truth i" I
"It was very important for thi' film to have an couldn't, or else Timothy would make me laugh and I'd ruin the
international feel," notes director Wilson. "In the movie, we visit a ,cene. I alway, 'ow the twinkle in hi, eye, even though he was
Chine,e go-go bar, we ,ee Russian and playing evil. I didn't have a chancel"
American gangsters. We have a Briti,h For Timothy HuHon, thi' film remains a
psychopath, we have an African completely pasitive experience and a
American bodyguard. There', a Chinese career highlight. "I enjoyed working on
FBI man, a Chinese 'Mr. Big'. I've been thi' film very much. The possibilitie, with
trying to show the great mix of this the ,tory-and with my charaeler were
country, to show that America is really a limitless-and on actor can't ask for more
global affair." than that.
The director also focu,ed on "Our director, Andy Wil,on, i,
the characters, an ohen overlooked ab,olutely incredible, and our
element in aelion thrillers. "I wanted the cinematographer, Anthony Richmond, i, a
audience to connect with these peaple as genius. Working with everyone,
human beings on a very personal particularly David and Angelina, ha,
level," Wil,on ,ay,. "I want the been great. We had a greallime each and
audience to fall in love with them, the every day on thi' film."
way that I have." Angelina Jolie refleel, the consensu,
Also, notes Michael Massee among her fellow "Playing God" aelors
who plays an FBI agent in the film, "My when ,he expresse, her obviou,
charaeler, Gage, is not the ,tereatypical admiration and affection for direelor
version of a government agent you've Wil,on', talent,. "He's a brilliant director;
seen on film and TV For that maHer, so passionate about hi, work, and about
none of the charoelers in thi' film are the film, and each and every scene. He
stereotypical and that is why the movie was completely at one with the project. He
is so fascinating. And the film does saw every liHle detail and also saw the
have 0 great sense of humor, through grand scheme of the big 'tory.
all of the mayhem, that make, it really "David Duchovny, Timothy HuHon and
fun to watch. Andy Wil,on have taught me '0 much,"
According to Peter Stormare, Jolie ,ay,. "It', been a great experience. I
who won critical and popular acclaim had so much fun making the film."
in "Fargo," '''Playing God' takes the
be,t elements of Hollywood film and
mixes it together in a very special brew. Perhaps unexpeeledly, great amounts
I! has crime and comedy and passion. of humor are intertwined throughout
It's great movie-making. It entertains in "Playing God." A, producer Laura Bickford
a big way, but says somelhing ,ay" "Thi' i, a very funny movie. We have
important as well." gangsters who are hilarious in this film.
Stormare says that making "Playing God" was a And off-camera, our bad guy, bonded. We have a great cast and
porticular high point in his career because he got to work with crew, a great produelion de,igner and a location seout who found
David Duchovny. "I've odmired his work. It wo, a great honor terrific locations throughout La, Angele,. The supporting cast has
acting with him and geHing to know him. To ,ee the humbleness been brilliant and everyone had a great time."
and intensity and intelligence in which he opproache, hi, work is As Gary Dourdan, who plays Yates in the film, notes, "I
something quite remarkable to observe. And, personolly, he's a think of 'Playing God' as a great black comedy, but still very scary.
great guy. As for Angelina JoIie, she's such an intere,ting, hip When people get afraid or very excited, they ohen laugh. Theyare
woman, and a very talented oelress. She has enormous screen taken over by nervous laughter. And I think we're playing that right
pre,ence, ond is great in the film." on the razor's edge at all times in this film."
8
ABOUT THE CAST
From the hollowed halls of Yale University, where he TIMOTHY HUTTON (Raymond Blossom) mode motion
earned a moster's degree in English literature and was in pursuit picture history when he won a trio of highly coveted honors for his
of a Ph.D, DAVID DUCHOVNY (Dr. Eugene Sands) has outstanding performance in the drama, "Ordinary People." The
emerged as one of the most highly acclaimed actors in Hollywood. film, directed by Robert Redford, brought the young actor the
Currently the star of Fox Television's hit "The X-Files," David was Academy Award', a Golden Globe and the los Angeles Film
recently nominated for on Emmy Award far Outstanding Actor in a Critics Award.
Drama Series. In addition, he was nominated for Outstanding Hunan's impressive list of feature film credits include
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his critically acclaimed "Daniel" and "Q & A" for acclaimed director Sidney lumet;
appearance on '1he lorry Sanders Show." In January, David won "Destiny"; Taylor Hackford's "Everybody's All American"; John
a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Prior to Schlesinger'S '1he Falcon and the Snowman"; Fred Schepisi's
that he was nominated for two Golden Globes, two Screen Actors "Iceman"; Alan Rudolph's "Mode in Heaven"; and Harold Becker's
Guild and a 1Y Critic's Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. "Tops," which brought Hunan a Golden Globe nomination.
Duchovny's passion for renegade films has brought him More recently, Hunan starred in Ted Demme's "Beautiful
critical acclaim for his performances in the feature films Girls: Daniel Sullivan's '1he Substance of Fire" and John Irvin's
"Kalifornia," in which he co-starred with Brad Pin and Juliene "City of Industry."
lewis; "The Rapture," the controversial film directed by Michael On television, Hunan starred in the Emmy Award-winning
Talkin in which Duchovny starred oppasite Mimi Rogers; and "Julio "Friendly Fire," TNT's "Zelda" and Showtime's "Mr. & Mrs. loving,"
Has Two lovers," in which he turned in a much heralded which he also produced. He also appeared in both the stage
performance as a telephone hustler. Duchovny played Roland production and telefilm adaptation of '1he Oldest living Graduate"
"Rollie" Totheroh, Charlie Choplin's longtime confidante and in which he co-starred with the legendary Henry Fonda. A member
camero man in the Sir Richard Anenbarough directed "Choplin," of New York's Circle Repertory Company (for which he starred in
which starred Robert Downey Jr., in the title role; and starred in the "Babylon Gardens"). Hunan also originated the lead role in the
smash hit "Beethoven," opposite Charles Grodin, as the evil yuppie Broadway production of Craig lucas' "Prelude to a Kiss."
determined to toke over Grodin's company. David recently Behind the camero, Hunan directed "Freedom," a full
completed filming '1he X-Files" movie, "Blackwood," scheduled for length Neil Young concert video, music videos for The Cars and
release in summer 1998. Don Henley as well as the "Grandpa's Ghost" episode of Steven
Still recognized for his role as Dennis/Denise Bryson, the Spielberg'S NBC series "Amazing Stories." He recently directed his
transvestite detective in David lynch's breakthrough television series first feature film, "Digging to Chino," starring Kevin Bacon, which
"Twin Peaks," Duchovny has also spent four seasons as the is expected for release in the fall.
impassioned narrator of Zolman King's erotic anthology series
"Red Shoe Diaries," which began as a feature length telefilm
for Showtime.
On stage, Duchovny has appeared in such ploys as '1he
Copulating Machine of Venice, California," and "Green
Cockatoo."
Born and raised in New York City, Duchovny anended
Princeton University (where he played one season as shooting
guard on the school's basketball team). before going on to Yale.
David recently married Tea leoni, and when not working
on '1he X-Files," likes to spend his free time playing basketball and
doing yoga.
9
PETER STORMARE's IVladimir) most recent credits
include "Mercury Falling: directed by Harold Becker; '1he lost
World," directed by Steven Spielberg; and '1he Big lebawski" and
"Fargo" directed and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. For the
later film, Stormare was nominated 10 long with Steve Buscemi) for
MTV's Best Duo Award.
Peter began his career at the Royal National Theater of
Sweden where he performed under the direction of Ingmar
Bergman in "King Lear," "Hamlet," "Miss Julie," IILong Day's
ANGELINA JOLIE IClaire) mast recently starred Journey Into Night" and the opera "Bacchants." An associate
opposite Gary Sinise in director John Frankenheimer's "Wallace," artistic direclor at the Tokyo Globe Theatre where he directs one
a period epic for TNT about Gearge Wallace, the controversial play a year, Me. Stormere has since 1993 been performing in
Governor from Alabama. Jolie portrayed the political figure's English at the Actors Studio I"Raspulin"), Tokyo Globe I"Miss
second wife. She also recently completed filming HBO's "Gia" for Julie"), and The Public Theater 1'1he Swan").
writer/director Michael Cristofer, in which she stars in the tiHe His other film credits include "Somewhere in the City"
role of the real-life supermodel who died of AIDS. Prior to that direcled by R. Niami, "Damage" directed by louis Malle,
she starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame four-hour miniseries "Awakenings" directed by Penny Marshall, "Black Easter" directed
presentation "True Women," directed by Karen Arthur, based on by B. Bolt, and "le Polygraph" directed by R. lepoge.
Janice woods Windle's best-selling historical novel of love, war His recent directorial credits include the widely praised
and adventure sponning five decades from the American "Dance of Death" at the Almeida Theater, london, and "Don
Revolution through the Civil War, in which she portrayed Geargia Giovanni" at Glimmerglass Opera and the Swedish Folk Opera,
Woods. In addition she starred as legs Sadovsky, the driHer, in Stockholm. Future proiects include "Macbeth" in Tokyo and "Miss
Anneije Haywood-Carter's much-acclaimed "Foxfire" for Samuel Julie" in New York.
Goldwyn
Jolie also starred in Ian SoHIy's "Hackers" for United GARY DOURDAN IYates) is equally adept on the
Artists, along with appearances in such films as "Gathering feature film and television soundstage as well as the stage. His
Evidence" and "Oh, No, Not Herl" She also completed the motion picture credits include '1he Paper" Ifor director Ron
independent film "Hell's Kitchen" sterring with Rosanna Arqueije, Howard), Mario Van Peebles' highly acclaimed "New Jack City"
William Forsythe, Johnny Whitworth and Mekhi phifer. and the comedy, 'Weekend at Bernie's: Part 2." He is currently
A member of the famed MET Theatre Ensemble starring opposite Winona Ryder and Sigourney Weaver in "Alien
Workshop, Jolie trained at the lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and 4: The Resurrection."
has also studied with Jan Tarrant in New York and Silvana For television, Dourdan starred in the UPN production,
Gallardo in los Angeles. She is actively workshopping playwright "SwiH Justice" and also appeared on the Fox Television series,
John Ford Noonan's "Music from Down the Hill: in which she will "New York Undercover." Other credits include the CBS series, '1he
star for director Tom Bowar. Office" and "Keys" along with the NBC hit series, "A Different
Jolie has also been seen in music videas for The Rolling World." Dourdan's stage work includes '1he Balm Yard," '1hree
Stones I"Has Anyone Seen My Baby"), Meatloaf I"Rock 'n Roll Ways Home" and '1he Colored Museum."
Dreams Come Through") and lenny Kravitz I"Stand By My
Woman"). JOHN HAWKES IFlick) has starred in a long list of
She is the daughter of renowned actor Jon Voight, and motion pictures, television series and stage productions. Among his
has aspirations to become a direclor. most prominent feature film credits are '1il There Was You,"
"Boogie Boy," "Sand," "From Dusk Till Down," IIRood Racers,"
MICHAEL MASSEE IGage) appeared in Michael "Night of the Scarecrow," "Cool & The Crazy," "Nails," "Freaked,"
Hoffman's romantic comedy "One Fine Day," starring as Michelle "Rosalie Goes Shopping," "Dead Air," "Sweet Poison," "Home
Pfeiffer's ex-husband, and in David lynch's "lost Highway." Fries," "Congo" and "Flesh and Bone."
Massee's other film credits include David Fincher's "Seven," and On television, Hawkes has guest starred on such popular
'1he Crow." He will also be seen later this year co-starring in programs as "Millennium," "Dangerous Minds" "Shaughnessy" Ion
Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated drama "Amistad." which he enioyed a recurring role), "Promised land," "Northern
His television credits include '1he X-Files," "Murder One" Exposure," 'Wings," '1he Marshal," '10uched By An Angel," '1he
and the CBS miniseries '1he last Don." His theater credits include Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." and '1he Idiot Box" lalso a
John Patrick Shanley's '1he Dreamer Examines His Pillow." recurring role).
10