Ben Foster on Modern Life Dread in Toronto Debut ’Sharp Corner’: ‘It’s the Failure of the Aspirational Lifestyle’

As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for character development and a soft spot for well-crafted narratives, I find Josh to be a captivating yet disquieting protagonist. His seemingly picture-perfect life hides a chilling undercurrent of existential dread that’s as unsettling as it is relatable. In many ways, Josh mirrors the everyday Joe we encounter in our daily lives – the man who blends into the crowd at Costco or Starbucks, but harbors a deep-seated sense of disconnection and powerlessness.


In a seemingly idyllic existence, Josh – portrayed by Ben Foster – appears to have it all: a loving spouse (Cobie Smulders), a child (William Kosovic), and a new home. However, this facade of perfection is frequently shattered by gruesome car accidents that occur in Josh’s front yard, revealing the fragility of his life. In “Sharp Corner,” Justin Buxton creates an atmosphere of tension, with Foster’s character, Josh, gradually slipping into compulsive behavior. As the ordinary transforms into something sinister, the film delves into horror movie tropes. Currently, Foster is engaged in multiple projects; he was in Venice to support John Swab’s “Chasing Ivory,” which screened in the Horizons Extra section. Regarding “Chasing Ivory,” Foster describes it as an investigation into the import-export of fentanyl and its devastating consequences.

The movie titled “Sharp Corner” will make its first appearance on September 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival. Neon International is in charge of distribution.

What’s your take on Josh?

Josh has lived a life as a typical modern middle-class man, one who is ethical, honorable, yet somewhat shallow and lacking introspection. However, when an accident occurs at their new home, it seems like Josh is waking up to the reality of mortality for the first time. Instead of reflecting on what it means to be human or how we relate to others, he chooses to seek more control over his life, rather than truly living and experiencing it.

“Sharp Corner” unfolds like a horror film although Josh’s life would look fine on Instagram.

Absolutely, it’s about the illusion of the aspirational lifestyle that social media portrays, isn’t it? Our goal was to expose and question this idealized image. The movie revolves around the idea of being perceived in a certain way while feeling empty and anxious in reality. It’s a reflection of an existential crisis.

How do you get into the head of this character?

I’ll handle that with great caution as I know Josh. Isn’t that right? He’s the fellow you see at the pharmacy, Costco, even Starbucks. There’s a chance he might have an office nearby. Josh seems to be omnipresent. However, what makes him particularly risky is when people are feeling disconnected or powerless and are stuck in a limited understanding of what a meaningful life looks like, reminiscent of middle school ideals.

What do the car crashes mean to him?

He’s a man who is generally well-regarded, kind-hearted, and a good spouse. His affection for his son runs deep, and we can all identify with moments of introspection in our lives when we question our actions. Regrettably, I don’t think Josh experiences that self-reflection genuinely. Instead, I suspect he grapples with the anxiety that such reflection might bring. However, another tragic incident on his property has prompted him to act. This event isn’t a call for therapy as some might see it, but rather a confrontation with mortality for the first time. Yet, this occurrence will spur him into dealing with it directly.

What are you working on now?

I’m busy with a movie titled “Motor City,” which is quite an ambitious project. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s essentially a silent film set in 1970s Detroit and stars Alan Ritchson and Shailene Woodley. You could say it’s like a rock opera. I’ve been working on some projects related to vampires recently, so if my vision seems a bit hazy, it’s because this production is quite unusual. In other words, it’s going to be a wild ride!

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2024-09-06 16:46