Many initially thought Bob Odenkirk’s new film, “Normal,” was another sequel in the “Nobody” series, given the same star, writer, and producer. However, while the two share similarities, this new movie presents a fresh narrative and aims to mix genres distinctly from its predecessor. Mashable’s Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, interviewed the “Normal” team at SXSW regarding the film, its themes, and the decision to shoot on 35mm.
Derek Kolstad, the film’s writer (“John Wick,” “Nobody”), highlighted how “Normal” deviates from “Nobody,” their earlier project. In “Nobody,” the protagonist Hutch would run into a burning house ready for action, while in “Normal,” he might hesitate.
Odenkirk described the film as the tale of a man who has lost trust in himself and is avoiding facing the truth. As he interacts with the inhabitants of a small town hiding secrets, he is eventually forced to confront the reality, leading to unexpected shifts in allegiance. He commented on the film’s numerous and at times conflicting themes, which add to its intrigue.
Ben Wheatley (“The Meg,” “Kill List,” “Rebecca”), a new addition to the production, found appeal in the film’s elements resembling a cowboy movie, featuring the traditional white hat, black hat theme and a moral sheriff character, while aligning with his unique sense of morality.
In the full YouTube interview, the team discusses the distinctiveness of filming with practical effects instead of CGI, the evolving impact of films as we age, and the desire for “Normal” to celebrate classic action-thrillers. Odenkirk mentioned the choice to screen on 35mm to capture a specific quality, adding that the retro-style poster underscores this intent.
“Normal” is now showing in theaters.