Lee Pace on Berlin Thriller ‘After This Death’: ‘Elliott Is a Wild Thing. And I Just Had a Really Good Time Thinking About Him as This Wild Thing.’

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As a close friend of Mia Maestro for over a decade now, I find myself reminiscing about our shared journey in the entertainment industry. It’s hard to believe I’m saying this, but it was through Mia that I met Lucio Castro, the talented director behind our upcoming film, “After This Death.” Our friendship blossomed long before we worked together on the final ‘Twilight’ movie, which served as a stepping stone rather than the foundation of our bond.

Mia was the lead in Lucio’s critically acclaimed debut feature film, “End of the Century,” and it was through her that I was introduced to this exceptional filmmaker. Our paths crossed again in Castro’s latest project, where we play Isabel (Maestro) and Elliot (Pace), two characters whose lives become intertwined in an intriguing drama.

Our story unfolds as Isabel, a pregnant woman, encounters the enigmatic alternative musician Elliot while hiking alone in upstate New York. A passionate affair ensues, but Elliot’s mysterious nature soon leaves Isabel questioning his whereabouts when he suddenly disappears without warning. This disappearance sets off a chain of unsettling events as Isabel finds herself targeted by Elliot’s obsessive fans and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his sudden vanishing act.

“After This Death,” premiering Feb. 19 as a Berlinale Special Gala, promises an enthralling tale of love, mystery, and danger. I’m proud to be a part of this project alongside Mia and look forward to sharing our story with audiences everywhere.

What drew you to “After This Death”?

I thoroughly enjoyed “End of the Century,” finding Lucio’s work imbued with a spiritual, enigmatic, and tender essence. When he mentioned a part in his upcoming film for me, my excitement was palpable, eager as I was to explore the details. Reading the script, it echoed the qualities from his past projects, and I admired its compact nature. Working in such a manner held great appeal for me.

How would you describe your character?

Elliott exhibits a free-spirited nature, and I found myself appreciating him as such. His unpredictable behavior and blunt speech seem to reflect whatever thoughts cross his mind at any given moment. I wouldn’t call him an honest individual, but I also doubt he acts with premeditated intentions.

I believe he behaves as a manipulator towards Isabel. He possesses an intricate emotional understanding of her, almost like a mischievous spirit had invaded her life temporarily, causing chaos and then vanishing. Yet, their bond is one of those enigmatic connections where there’s not much depth to it, but the spark between them endures mysteriously.

What was it like working with your longtime friend Mia Maestro?

I’m deeply fond of Mia, as she possesses a magical, untamed charm. This is one of the aspects that captivates me most about her and why I find myself particularly attracted to her. However, I told Lucio from the start, it might be best if Mia and I avoid discussing our characters’ actions extensively, as I wanted the joy of simply performing the scenes together.

There’s a tendency, when collaborating with friends on a project, for the dynamics of your personal relationships to seep into the characters you create. In my case, I aimed to maintain a similar quietness in the dialogue between the characters, as they don’t interact much in the scenes.

How was your experience working with Lucio Castro?

I discovered he was exceptionally laid-back, yet incredibly well-prepared for the role. His bond with the Director of Photography was strong, and together they created a visually stunning film that followed the script closely. Working alongside Robert Lombardo, the composer, was an enjoyable experience as we collaborated extensively on the songs he composed for me to sing. The music served as a powerful guide in shaping my character, embodying the mysterious allure of him, which I believe resonated well with Lucio’s subtle yet direct style.


What are you working on next?

Currently, I don’t have a well-defined long-term plan regarding my next steps. However, at the moment, I’m engaged in the reboot of “The Running Man” under the direction of Edgar Wright, whom I’ve admired for years. When he proposed involving me in this project, I enthusiastically agreed, ready to follow his instructions and be wherever needed.

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2025-02-21 21:17