The Empire Film Podcast Now It's Time For Halloween (ft. guests Edward Berger, Yorgos Lanthimos, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Maika Monroe)
Oct 31, 2025
In this spine-chilling installment, filmmaker Edward Berger delves into the creation of *Ballad of a Small Player*, sharing insights on his development process and casting choices. Acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos uncovers the magic behind *Begonia*, discussing unique casting methods and the role of music. Actress Maika Monroe reveals the challenges of stepping into a darker role in *The Hand That Rocks the Cradle*, while Mary Elizabeth Winstead opens up about the emotional landscape of her performance and the collaborative spirit on set.
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Costume First, Theory Later
- Berger describes practical actor prep with Colin Farrell: costume, mustache tests, and on-set dialect coaching shaped the role.
- He prioritized tangible choices to guide performance over abstract backstory talk.
Location Reflects Character Descent
- Berger chose Macau for its over-the-top excess because the setting mirrors the protagonist's consumption-driven spiral.
- Visual abundance becomes thematic: wealth on display underscores the character's emptiness.
Actor's Playlist Became Soundtrack
- Berger recalls Colin Farrell using a Bach cantata to get into a grotesque gorge scene and playing it between takes.
- The director embraced the choice and incorporated the music into the film's soundtrack.
