Finn Little and Angelina Jolie in an action thriller
The 2021 American action thriller, Those Who Wish Me Dead, directed by the acclaimed Taylor Sheridan, brought together two compelling performances in a high-stakes narrative. At its core is the unlikely pairing of a seasoned Hollywood icon and a burgeoning young talent, tasked with portraying characters caught in a desperate fight for survival. The film plunges viewers into a world of intense action and suspense, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the wilderness. This collaboration offered a unique opportunity for audiences to witness a different side of both stars.
Who is Finn Little? A young talent in ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’
Finn Little, a then 14-year-old actor hailing from Brisbane, Australia, made a significant mark with his starring role in Those Who Wish Me Dead. His journey into acting was sparked by his mother, and he had previously showcased his talent in the film Storm Boy. In Those Who Wish Me Dead, Little delivered a nuanced performance as Connor, a young boy thrust into a perilous situation. He channeled his own experiences and emotions to bring authenticity to the character, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. His presence in the film alongside a global superstar highlighted his rising potential in the acting world.
Angelina Jolie’s role as smokejumper Hannah
Angelina Jolie commands the screen as Hannah, a hardened smokejumper grappling with her own past traumas. Her character is a professional firefighter specializing in combating wildfires, a role that demands immense courage and resilience. Hannah’s personal struggles and her protective instincts are put to the ultimate test when she encounters Connor, the boy on the run. Jolie’s performance imbues Hannah with a compelling blend of strength and vulnerability, making her a formidable yet relatable figure in the face of overwhelming danger.
Behind the scenes: Taylor Sheridan and filming in Montana
The screenplay and inspirations for the film
The gripping narrative of Those Who Wish Me Dead is rooted in the 2019 novel of the same name by Michael Koryta. The screenplay, co-written by Taylor Sheridan, Charles Leavitt, and Michael Koryta himself, masterfully adapts the book’s suspenseful plot. Sheridan, known for his authentic portrayals of the American West and complex characters, infused the film with his signature gritty style. The story centers on Connor, a witness to his father’s murder, who must escape a pair of assassins with the help of Hannah, a smokejumper. The screenplay draws inspiration from the inherent dangers of the wilderness and the human instinct for survival.
On-set challenges: Fires and heights in New Mexico
Filming for Those Who Wish Me Dead took place in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico during May and July of 2019. Director Taylor Sheridan is renowned for his immersive filmmaking approach, and this production was no exception. To capture the raw intensity of the wildfire sequences, Sheridan reportedly intentionally set parts of the forest ablaze, creating a truly authentic and perilous environment for the cast and crew. For Finn Little, a significant challenge during the production was the extreme heights encountered in the New Mexico terrain, a testament to the demanding nature of the film’s setting and action.
The release and reception of ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’
Box office analysis and critic reviews
Those Who Wish Me Dead premiered in South Korea on May 5, 2021, and subsequently in the United States on May 14, 2021. The film adopted a dual release strategy, being available simultaneously in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming platform for one month. Despite this broad accessibility, the film’s box office performance was modest, grossing $2.8 million in its opening weekend in the US and a worldwide total of $23.5 million. Critically, the film received mixed reviews, garnering a 63% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics often described it as a “solid, traditional action thriller reminiscent of the 90s,” with particular praise directed towards the performances of Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult as the assassins.
‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’: Interviews and audience opinions
The release of Those Who Wish Me Dead was followed by interviews with the cast, offering insights into the production. Finn Little shared his positive experiences working with Angelina Jolie, describing her as an experienced and supportive co-star. He noted that they spent time together off-set, fostering a comfortable working relationship. Little also highlighted director Taylor Sheridan’s ability to cultivate an environment conducive to strong performances. Audience opinions on the film varied, with many appreciating the intense action and the performances of the lead actors, though some found the plot to be somewhat predictable. The film’s delayed release, approximately two years after principal photography concluded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also impacted its initial reception.
Finn Little on working with Angelina Jolie
Shared experiences off-set
Finn Little spoke candidly about his time working with Angelina Jolie on the set of Those Who Wish Me Dead, emphasizing the positive and supportive dynamic they developed. He revealed that their connection extended beyond the camera, as they frequently spent time together off-set. These shared moments allowed them to build a rapport that translated effectively into their on-screen chemistry, portraying the growing bond between Hannah and Connor. Little expressed his appreciation for Jolie’s approachable nature, which made their collaboration comfortable and productive.
Working with experienced actors
For Finn Little, collaborating with seasoned professionals like Angelina Jolie was an invaluable learning experience. He described Jolie as an incredibly experienced actress who was not only a talented performer but also a helpful partner on set. Little felt that her guidance and presence contributed significantly to his own performance and his understanding of the craft. Working alongside such accomplished actors allowed him to absorb different approaches to acting and further hone his skills, making his role in Those Who Wish Me Dead a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
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