Playing at 2024 Hollyshorts Film Festival
Runs From Aug 8 to 18, 2024
After watching enough horror films and reading pieces of Lovecraftian-style literature, when the protagonist is at odds with a cult, really bad things can happen. To understand just why some people are easily turned is examined In Richard J Bosner’s short film, titled Devotee. Unlike simpler (or based on reality products like Michelle Remembers [review link] which looks at the effect a cult can have upon a victim) works that hints at secret agendas going on, what’s presented here is from the point of view of a boy who discovers his mom is not all there.
I fear for him, but also want to know what he’ll do next! Everything that’s presented is executed with precision to draw viewers into the situation, and scare too! And to get some answers to what’s going on, I communicated with this director:
For those who aren’t familiar with your work, can I please have an introduction?
I grew up in upstate New York, immersed in the world of theatre as both my parents were actors and directors. Many of my fondest childhood memories are spending weekends at set construction or watching rehearsals in progress. I soon discovered my love for filmmaking and have never looked back.
As a teenager, I studied at the Visual Studies Workshops (Rochester, NY) and The International Film & Television Workshops (Rockport, Maine). I later attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and started my career in the Bay Area. This is how I came to produce perhaps my best known film, Fruitvale Station.
Are there any famous directors that influenced your style?
Growing up, I was a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan. Psycho, Rope, and Strangers on a Train are just some of my favourites. What struck me about Hitchcock then, and maybe even more so now, is how intentional he was with the camera. Every angle, movement, and point of view is an additive layer to what might otherwise be a mundane cinematic approach. It’s for that reason, his filmography still holds up today.
What are the challenges between being a producer for a film and a director, who choreographs all the action?
The best analogy I can think of is that a producer is the equivalent of a Wedding Planner and the Director is the Bride or Groom. A Producer executes and assembles everything based on the Director’s vision. Securing talent/crew, creating a budget and financing structure, all that is “the business of filmmaking” falls under the purview of the producer.
The director’s job is to communicate the artistic elements clearly and unify them into a singular vision. This includes the blocking of talent, camera movements, etc.
How did the idea of writing and directing Devotee come about?
Devotee is actually part of a feature film I wrote during the pandemic called, Devoted. When the SAG strike happened and no one was working, I knew I had to take advantage of that time. I called all my close industry friends and said, let’s get together and have some fun!
When it came to showing those clips of other cults and the things the followers do for the sake of a ‘greater will,’ were they real or created specifically for this movie?
Yes, the clips used are referencing real cults and events. (The Jones Town Massacre, the Manson family, etc.) Devotee takes place in the mid 90s, so everything our protagonist is researching, predates that.
Was casting difficult? To be specific, was Grant Feely chosen for the role because he was (or not) Young Luke Skywalker in the series, Obi-Wan Kenobi?
I cast Mackenzie Firgens (Loraine aka Mother) in a film many years ago after I saw her in the Sundance hit, Grove. When it came time to shoot Devotee, I already knew how extremely talented she was and immediately envisioned her in the role.
Casting Ray (Grant), our protagonist, was much more complicated. My casting director, Germán Legarreta, and I looked at a lot of young talent and I started thinking “Oh wow, this role will not be easy for a child to pull off.” However, I knew there had to be some amazing child actor out there, so I started just clicking through shows on the streamers.
Finally, I landed on the last episode of Obi-Wan and saw Grant Feely giving a fantastic harrowing performance as Luke Skywalker. German tracked Grant down, we had a great Zoom call, and I hired him on the spot. No audition, I just knew, he was the one.
What about Ben Bladon as the effectively creepy Tall Thin Man?
We did a wide search across the country. I knew finding the right actor who could portray a terrifying cult leader yet have the charm to lure in naïve followers would be difficult. The role requires not only a strong physicality but a skilled duality in the character’s demeanour. When I found Ben, he fit the bill perfectly. He was wonderful to work with and in reality, a very kind soul.
I can’t help but think that character is a combination of all that’s creepy from Poltergeist II because of Julien Beck (as Kane) and also Julian Richings (when he played Death in Supernatural). Would love to hear your response to that.
I certainly drew inspiration from Julian Beck (Kane). I’ve always found his performance in Poltergeist II to be one of the most underrated yet indelible in horror cinema history. With the Tall Thin Man, I wanted to dive even further into the horrors and teachings of a cult leader character. What are his values? What makes him tick? The evil these characters harbour and then instil within their followers is fascinating to me.
When concerning the dangers of being brainwashed by cults, what would you say is the core message in The Devotee?
NO ONE IS SAFE! Cults can infiltrate their way into anyone’s life, at any time. Have you seen the Netflix docuseries, Dancing with the Devil? I think people in general underestimate the power of these organisations and the collective hive. They prey on the weak and vulnerable, and with the greatest of ease, lead them down a dark path.
Would you want to produce a follow-up as either a web series or just keep what’s made as a one-off short?
Yes, in fact, Devotee is currently in the process of being turned into a feature film, DEVOTED, which we plan to shoot later this year.
As for your next major project, would it be a return to drama or be another genre piece?
Besides my feature film, Devoted, I’m also working on producing several other exciting projects. A boxing feature called, THE FAITH OF LONG BEACH, alongside producer Adonis Tountas and writer/director Eric Amadio. Another is a contained erotic thriller, Outage, with writer/director Thomas Decker.
And in closing, any words you like to say to our readers?
The world of cinema/filmmaking is in a pretty funky place right now. The balance of art and business is completely out of whack. However, I think this provides a real opportunity for creatives to push the boundaries with new mediums, genres, and innovative ways of storytelling. Never give up!
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