Sun Sep 15 16:15:00 UTC 2024: ## Speak No Evil: Director James Watkins Talks Reimagining the Danish Thriller for American Audiences
**Blumhouse and Universal’s latest horror-thriller, “Speak No Evil,” is a reimagining of the Danish film of the same name.** Director James Watkins, known for his work on “Eden Lake,” discusses his approach to adapting the film for American audiences, exploring themes of cultural differences and the power of cringe humor.
Watkins explains that he aimed to create a different tonal experience, one that leaned into the humor while remaining true to the film’s dark themes. He emphasizes the importance of specificity, adapting the story to British characters and culture, while still seeking to achieve universality. He also addresses the critical shift in the third act, where American characters are portrayed as less compliant and more reactive to danger, a stark contrast to the original film’s portrayal of Danish compliance.
The casting process was key to achieving this shift. Watkins secured James McAvoy for the lead role, describing him as “actor bait,” and then cast Scoot McNairy as the husband, creating a dynamic tension between the two. He praised Mackenzie Davis’s portrayal of the wife, Louise, highlighting her ability to convey both clumsiness and strength in the face of danger.
Watkins also discusses his use of pop culture references, notably “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles, which he weaponized to create an unsettling contrast with the on-screen violence. He explains that the use of Philip Larkin’s poem “This Be the Verse” reinforces the film’s themes of cyclical violence and trauma.
The director emphasizes the agency of the female characters, particularly Louise and Ciara, and how their roles deviate from the original film. He highlights the complexity of Ciara’s character, portraying her as both victim and manipulator, adding depth to the narrative.
Watkins acknowledges the challenge of finding the right pacing for American audiences, emphasizing the film’s slow burn and escalating tension. He also reveals that he made deliberate choices in the editing process, eliminating scenes that didn’t contribute to the overall narrative.
The interview concludes with a discussion about the ending, focusing on the decision to end on a close-up of Ant, the young boy who witnessed the violence. Watkins emphasizes the film’s focus on survival and the emotional cost of trauma, leaving the audience with a sense of sadness and uncertainty about the future.
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