This interview contains references to sexual assault.
Melissa Leo: No, but it’s a really wonderful insight on the film.
It was, on every level, an interesting thing that way.
You’re seeing things that you don’t see in conventional ways.
You don’t get a dining hall without a dining table without a bowl of fruit.
It’s a cinematographer or art department choice barely gets looked at.
That empty bowl sitting between me and the police who was doing no help to me …
I wasn’t going to play a killer, like, “Ooh, gruesome!”
I’m way against killing, but, there’s a funness to [the movie].
It’s because of this element, that this actress is getting these visits from her characters.
Bella Thorne: [Having] my experience with Melissa [was] definitely the most rewarding.
For every character, it’s very important that you have an arc.
I got Melissa to work with, who is so open and immediately giving and vulnerable to me.
That allowed me to be vulnerable with her, which therefore then plays a big part later on.
I got lucky on this one.
Thorne: That’s acting.
We have to do it anyway, no matter what.
Straight up, that scene was awesome.
My favorite scene to film.
And then, when we’re together in, what is it?
The restaurant bar thing …
When we’re sitting together.
That was also another amazing scene to film and to learn from Melissa and her technique.
We had both prepared to meet there.
I, as an actor, know that I’m meeting Bella, right?
Lillian is meeting Taz.
What Bella’s talking about is a willingness to use that first meeting for all it’s worth.
We adored each other.
By the time she came, I’d already been shooting.
I didn’t get to see her find her costumes, etc.
This delightful little imp inside this hard cold [person] …
It’s because it’s all pretend to us, but thank God it’s real to you.
It’s all pretend to us.
What a beautiful experience that you both felt like that right from the beginning.
That must be unique, right?
That must be incredible to experience.
Leo: It’s, unfortunately, rarer it might be, but it does happen.
That’s real magic.
They talk about it.
Leo: For me, it also has to do with, who is that actor opposite?
Are they going to go toe to toe?
Are they going to really do it?
Talking about her costuming she was really going to do it.
This girl’s going “Woo!”
Thorne spoke about the difficulties of being fearless on set
Oh yeah.
Thorne: It’s hard to be fearless on set.
No one’s bringing her fruit, her son just died.
Do you think she’s getting fruit?
This house should be empty.
It should be cold.
It should feel like she does, like a loss of life.
These kinds of moments are so pivotal.
It really will push you forward because it’s hard to speak up.
A lot of actors also get fired for speaking up, as well.
I can do that.
I can do that.
you could do it.
you’re able to do it!"
Leo: And you just watched her do it.
Leo: It’s very interesting when interviewers ask about the emotional aspect of being an actor.
I want to say to you first, you are a very good film watcher.
Oh, thank you!
That’s so kind.
Leo: You’ve seen things and asked us things that tell us you’re really watching the film.
You’re right on it.
But you asked something else.
What did she ask Bella?
Thorne: About getting emotional and getting into character before the scene.
Leo: Oh yeah!
So, that’s our job.
We know it’s coming.
We’ve read the script.
We hopefully know how to prepare ourselves.
It’s a thin and complicated line, but it’s also really important to remember.
Thorne: I totally agree.
To understand that line is so important.
Leo: That’s exactly it, that you don’t get lost in it.
The more experience you have, the more you realize.
You know, ‘cause that’s what we do.
That’s how we do.
When an actor, for instance …
Okay, I was molested growing up.
That’s when it gets harder to tear these characters apart from yourself to shut that off.
Sometimes, you get lost in it and that’s not a good place to be.
Don’t get lost in it.
Bella, I wanted to say thank you for sharing that.
It should always be highlighted for the importance of what it is.
So I appreciate you both just taking the time to be so honest with me about the film.
It’s been such a great experience, so thank you.
Thorne: Thank you for all your lovely insights.
Leo: Thank you, and enjoy the film.
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“Measure of Revenge"is now available on demand and for digital rental and purchase.
