‘Yellowstone’ Director on John Dutton’s Bloody Crime Scene, Beth’s Primal Wail and More Secrets

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who’s had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of some truly remarkable series, I must admit that the latest episode of “Yellowstone” left me absolutely stunned. The unexpected demise of John Dutton, played by the iconic Kevin Costner, has sent shockwaves not only through the screen but also in the hearts of devoted viewers like myself.

🚨 WARNING: This discussion includes spoilers from “Yellowstone” Season 5 Episode 9 titled “Desire Is All You Need”. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid them.

On Sunday, the “Yellowstone” episode took an unexpected turn when the character of John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) met his end. This development occurred due to the actor’s decision not to rejoin the series. The event left viewers stunned, but its ripple effects have paved the way for a season filled with intrigue and drama.

In simpler terms, Director Christina Alexandra Voros had a conversation with EbMaster regarding the powerful feelings experienced during the filming process, the ways in which the production team assists the actors on challenging shoot days, and what aspects the upcoming series “The Madison” may share with “Yellowstone.

There was a long time between filming the first and second half of Season 5, and Kevin Costner also left before filming the latter half. What was the vibe like on set getting everybody back together again for the first time?

We found it incredibly satisfying to reunite. After spending so much time as a family, there was a significant break following the strike and Kevin’s situation. I believe everyone felt an immense excitement at being back together, but also a heavy responsibility as storytellers. When the show ended, everyone was exhausted and ready to return to their families and personal lives. However, with the passage of time, everyone seemed genuinely thrilled to be in the same beautiful Montana location again – summertime no less – sharing this fantastic narrative. It was truly a marvelous experience.

What was the biggest challenge in the long gap between filming the two parts of the season?

We’re fortunate to have such a large and close-knit family here. Many individuals have appeared on the show continuously since its debut, making communication effortless due to our established rapport. Returning feels more natural than you might expect, given our long history of working together – it’s like second nature.

This year’s writing pushed boundaries, delving into complex, intense, and profound territories that demanded a lot from our actors. They ventured into uncharted emotional landscapes this season, giving their all in every performance. Unlike past seasons filled with action-packed scenes of explosions, gunfights, and horse chases down mountains, this year’s ‘fireworks’ were more about raw emotions and exceptional performances. Watching Wes [Bentley], Cole [Hauser], Kelly [Reilly], and Luke [Grimes] perform this season was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my career. Their work is simply breathtaking.

Kelly’s screams during this episode were so primal. How did you two discuss those scenes that asked so much of her emotionally?

One aspect of my professional life as a storyteller that I greatly value is my collaborative partnership with Kelly. She consistently delivers top-notch work and her dedication, creativity, and vulnerability often go unrecognized. I believe she tirelessly researches, experiments, and exposes herself to take on roles with depth and authenticity.

Initially, Kether Abeles, my first assistant director, is exceptionally skilled at crafting schedules that shield actors from stress, conserving their energy. This method is comprehensive, considering the emotional demands placed on actors throughout a production. It’s about more than just rehearsals and setup; it’s about waiting for the right light, knowing camera movements for subsequent setups, having focus marks ready to go. In essence, it’s like a well-choreographed dance – everyone knows their place, moving with precision. The atmosphere is calm, not rushed or chaotic like, “We need to finish before the sun sets!” Such tension can ruin performances on scenes like that. Instead, Kether ensures the stage is set for the actors to deliver their best.

How did you decide how much of the crime scene with John’s body to show?

While I may not know Taylor Sheridan’s mind during the writing process, one thing is clear: there was a deliberate decision to emphasize the reality of death by showing its effect on those left alive. A three-minute scene of a dead body might hold less weight than just 30 seconds focused on Kelly’s reaction to that same body. The emotional response to death seems to be more impactful than the event itself, and this sentiment could be extended to the entire season.

Instead of guessing an entire season about John Dutton’s fate, the writers chose a daring approach by revealing it in the first few minutes, leaving viewers in suspense about what’s next. This unexpected twist opens up numerous questions and sets the stage for the characters to evolve, becoming their truest, most authentic selves – strong yet vulnerable. The contrast between past memories and the current reality serves as a complex tool to intensify the emotional impact of this loss, causing both the audience and the characters to feel slightly disoriented.

You’re also working on the “Yellowstone” sequel series “The Madison” as well. What could “Yellowstone” fans look forward to with that show?

This story presents an entirely new perspective. The shared element is the scenery, yet it seems like a distinct aspect of this polished stone, given our unique vantage points. Though there are similarities in the vastness of the landscape and our presence within it, we approach it from completely different angles.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2024-11-12 04:17