Interview With Patrick Roddy, Director of Mercy

Posted on 25 June, 2007 by FatallyYours

Patrick Roddy is the writer and director of Mercy, an independent film that takes a decidedly art school, film noir approach to the horror genre. With Mercy, Roddy has crafted a visually stunning, stark and unforgettable film.

Roddy is also the Producer-in-Residence at the University of Arizona where he helps the next generation of filmmakers learn the business side of the craft, as well as giving students the opportunity of hands-on learning by assisting on his projects.

Recently, I had the pleasure to chat with Roddy about the memorable Mercy, his career, his life as a professor and his upcoming projects.

Fatally Yours: Patrick, thank you so much for doing this interview. I absolutely loved Mercy. Can you tell those that might not be familiar with the film a little something about it?

Patrick Roddy: MERCY is truly a DIY film with no budget that follows an ex-con recently
released from prison who is eager to start a new life, but is haunted by a ghost from his past.

FY: How did you come up for the idea for this film? What inspired you to make it?

PR: The idea came from wanting to do a noir when I was in grad school at UCLA. An antihero tormented by his victims. But as I began to write the script it became surreal and supernatural with a lot of dream logic.

FY: Mercy is a thoughtful, nightmarish and surreal horror film – so much different than most "mainstream" horror films produced by the big studios. What made you want to do something different?

PR: Since I made it for very little I had no concern for the marketplace. I just made a film that I wanted to see. Its the kind of film I would have wanted to make when I was in film school. Its great that people are responding to it.

FY: One of the most striking features of the film is its noir look. What inspired you to give the film such a stylized look and to shoot in black and white?

PR: I love German Expressionism and noirs are generally in black and white. A horror film should be a nightmare so I wanted something that felt like a dream.

FY: The acting in the film, especially by Gary Shannon, is one of the things that gives Mercy such impact. Did you have him in mind for the part or did he have to audition? What was the auditioning process like?

PR: The film was made in a small town in Louisiana--Lake Charles. I used all local actors. Most of their experience was in community theatre. I saw Gary in a play and asked him to audition. It was a perfect choice.

FY: Now we know how you found your actors, but how did you find your crew?

PR: My crew for the most part were two people--Scott Waldrop and Carol Anne Gayle. Scott was my Assistant Director, Assistant Camera, Gaffer, Grip, etc. Carol Anne was my Production Designer. She did props, set dressing, wardrobe, makeup and even acted. She plays two parts--the old woman and a prostitute. Scott was a student of mine at McNeese State University and Carol Anne worked in local theatre. I couldn't have made the film without these two. They were there everyday with me.

FY: Many reviewers have pointed out the social commentary contained in Mercy. Is there anything specific you want the audience to walk away with after they have watched your film?

PR: The film is not escapism. I just hope that the film makes people think, that they are engaged by it. That's what art does.

FY: Congratulations on recently securing distribution with Unearthed Films! How did that come about?

PR: Early on I talked to distributors I had worked with before. They weren't interested--black and white and too slow. So I started looking at other distributors. I really like Unearthed's label and just sent an email. Stephen liked it and that's how it happened.

FY: Besides being a filmmaker, you are also the Producer in Residence at the University of Arizona. What made you want to teach students about the business side of filmmaking?

PR: I had an amazing professor/mentor at Montana State University--Dennis Aig. He was actually producing work regularly that was being distributed on PBS. While in school I worked as an assistant editor on a feature documentary of his and later worked as his assistant. I learned so much about producing which wasn't covered in the curriculum. He also got me a PA job on "A River Runs Through It". I think I had decided then I would like to teach but wanted to make sure I got some industry experience and that I would be an active producer.

FY: Do you have any other projects you are working on or any lined up?

PR: I just finished shooting and directing my latest film "Red 71". Its a noir with some surreal elements.  It's a lot more narrative than "Mercy". I also have more of a budget on this one. We cast Angus Scrimm for a featured part and Michelle Belegrin as the femme fatale. I'm hoping to have the film completed by September first and start submitting to film festivals. I have three completed scripts I would like to produce as well, two of which are horror films.

FY: We definitely look forward to what you do next! Thanks so much!

Comments

sulentho	Wed August 1, 2007 at 15:56:03 PDT Definitely a good Interview. Way to go Fatally Yours.
MaryGoff	Tue June 26, 2007 at 0:09:43 PDT I enjoyed reading this interview. Well done!