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[INTERVIEW] Patrick Schwarzenegger Talks About ‘Daniel Isn’t Real’

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Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes the son of that guy) stars in Daniel Isn’t Real, a horror movie that has been faring well on a lot of people’s “Best of 2019” movie lists. It’s now available On Demand and Digital.

In one way, it deals with a lot of genuine mental health issues and in another, it is a supernatural psychological thriller about the trappings of schizophrenia.

Schwarzenegger plays the titular character in this movie from Director Adam Egypt Mortimer.

Daniel takes on a physical form for the downtrodden Luke (Miles Robbins) and talks him into coming out of his shell, but those growing pains come at a cost.

Schwarzenegger’s performance is menacing. Daniel is malevolent and reckless and puts Luke in danger. But is he real or is his presence a conjured up byproduct of ailing mental health?

We talked to Schwarzenegger about the theme of the film, what motivated him and what he hopes people will get out of it. We also answer the question for those wondering if that is indeed his bare rear-end on film and other important things.

There are some spoilers ahead so read at your own risk:

iHorror: I’m curious were you allowed to watch horror movies as a kid?

Patrick Schwarzenegger: Um…I remember seeing some, and I remember seeing some of my dad’s movies that were rated R. But I think that a movie like this is something that touches on some deep subject matter that kids probably wouldn’t understand fully. But it’s something that the idea of mental health needs to be talked about with people of all ages–an understanding of what it is.

iHorror: What do you think about how the movie handled mental health and depression?

Patrick: First off, I think it does a great job of using film as the medium to bring out the idea and the subject of mental health, showing the negative and dark sides of it. It needs to be shown because it shows that to Luke’s character, Daniel, which embodies the idea of mental health and that toxic masculinity is very real.

I mean he’s there; he’s existing in front of him and that voice is not just a voice but a physical presence and then to other people it’s just, you know, nothing. It’s that Luke, Miles’ character, is crazy, that he’s someone they don’t want to be around. Which is kind of what happens in our society.

I mean to one person they might be mentally sick and have these voices in their head and people around them and then other people think, ‘oh that person is crazy, get them away from me, I don’t want to deal with them. I don’t want to talk about it,” anything like that. What can be so real to someone and be nothing to another person.”

What about that ending?

Patrick: The end is the end and you realize that this voice was so strong in his head he had to do whatever it would take to save himself from that and harming other people. Then it kind of leads off for me to go into the next person’s head which if you think about how many people going through it and die, and then it just goes into another person’s brain. It’s just never-ending unless we really talk about it or find ways to help it.

Your character is very evil, what inspired you to play him the way that you did? Have you ever suffered through depression?

You know I never have. I’ve gone through sadder times or darker times in my life than other days but never through depression.

For my character he wasn’t playing depressed, he wasn’t playing anything like that. He was supposed to embody the idea of totally contrasting the dichotomy of the other character and be the voice that is completely opposite, egging on this menacing side of him.

What we view as something in the beginning of the movie that’s great–that’s good; he’s egging him on to get girls, and drink and become a man and get in fights. But that’s all the embodiment of toxic masculinity of what society views as masculine and manly, but it’s all wrong.

I’ve never been depressed and this character isn’t supposed to be there to be that depression, he’s supposed to be the idea of how there can be a voice in your head so polarizing and different and it can be just so real and convincing.

The nude scene, was that you?

Yeah that was me.

How did you feel about doing that, had you ever done that before?

Patrick: No. With film when you’re playing a character in a movie, it’s just what you sign up for. If you have a role, a character and you’re kissing another person or having to punch someone or you’re having to say terrible things, those are all part of a character—it’s not Patrick—it’s the character and that’s what you have to do.

I didn’t really care [about doing the nude scene]. You know, he [Director Adam Egypt Mortimer] said do you mind? I said look, I’m totally fine as long as the girl’s comfortable and she’s fine with it, then I’m cool.

I don’t care is someone sees my butt.

This film is on a lot of “Best of 2019” lists, what do you hope audiences take away from it?

First off, I hope that they enjoyed the film, that they like it aesthetically, cinematically, the storyline.

You know, it brings an original idea from an aspiring filmmaker that’s made one movie and is continuing his career, so I hope they recognize that. This is a small independent film that’s getting brought to the theaters and stuff. And I hope that they just take a moment in the day and maybe just check in with someone.

With mental health and stuff like this you never know who is going through it, you never know if it’s that Patrick Bateman [American Psycho] who has a perfect suit, slick-backed hair, in shape and working in New York City with a beautiful apartment. And you don’t know if it’s a person like Luke that’s struggling at school and has no friends and is lonely. It comes in all shapes, sizes and forms, just be mindful of other people; you just never know what other people are going through.

What is on the horizon for you?

A bunch of things. I filmed a new psychological thriller called Warning this year and I filmed a new feature film that Michael Shannon produced and starred in called Echo Boomers and that will be out in 2020. And another movie I’m filming right now called Moxie, which Amy Poehler writing, directing and starring in for Netflix. So, I’ve got a few things coming up for this next year and I’m excited to get them out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4zOUxHxhXM

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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