Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!' Premieres at NYFF After 14 Years

Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!' premiered last weekend as the centerpiece of the New York Film Festival. This marks the Oscar-nominated director's first feature film in fourteen years, arriving after the conclusion of his acclaimed Star Wars series, 'Andor'.

Nine-composer collective challenges Academy rules

Gilroy assembled a group of nine composers to create the film's score, dubbing them the Behemoth! Collective. The group includes Michael Abels, Emily Bear, Lukas Frank, Michael Giacchino, Henry Jackman, Nami Melumad, James Newton Howard, Brandon Roberts, and Alan Silvestri. They are working toward Best Original Score eligibility despite Academy rules that limit official submissions to a maximum of three composers.

Gilroy described the arrangement as a utopian thing. He stated that everyone in the collective would receive exactly the same amount of money. The group operated under a basic, early manifesto outlining their collaborative rules.

Pascal leads cast in musical redemption story

Pedro Pascal stars as a perpetually on-the-run cellist and former prodigy who returns to Los Angeles to score films. Pascal learned to play the cello for the role to perform in-camera during scoring-session scenes. He was cast after Oscar Isaac left the project due to scheduling conflicts.

The supporting cast includes Olivia Wilde, who plays an obsessive former paramour. Eva Victor portrays a younger string player. Will Arnett appears as Pascal's estranged and dissipated brother.

Gilroy reflects on 'Andor', politics, and creative liberation

Gilroy addressed recent reports about his work on 'Andor'. He stated that no one at Disney ever told him, star Diego Luna, actress Genevieve O’Reilly, or others not to discuss fascism during the show's press cycle. He acknowledged there were times when people advised caution, but said the team never lied or was cynical in their public comments.

He said the parallels between 'Andor' and real-world politics became undeniably weird to discuss in interviews. Gilroy felt it was legitimate to discuss their thoughts as the show evolved. He believed they did not need to burn a bonfire in the middle of the parking lot because the show itself conveyed their intended messages. Over time, he said they became more liberated in discussing the show’s themes.

Gilroy described 'Behemoth!' as a new tune and a sanctuary from politics, anger, and dread. He gave himself permission to hide in the project for a year. He felt he had done enough, said enough, and been angry enough regarding 'Andor'. It was super pleasurable, he said, to not come home and put the news on, but to put music on instead.

Reflecting on current politics, Gilroy noted a lack of alternative, charismatic, and communicative leadership. He said there has been absolutely no one who has risen to give voice to what the majority of people want. He expressed uncertainty about understanding all the distinctions of the woke conversation or where he fits on that spectrum. Gilroy observed a de-muscularization of progressives and argued that somebody needs to stand up and fight.

Production legacy and industry context

Many scenes in 'Behemoth!' were shot at the famed Gary Martin Soundstage on the Sony Pictures lot. Gilroy said the air, the sweat, and the combination of legacy and work in that space affect people. He considers his six years working on 'Andor' to be the most life-changing creative intensity you could ever have.

'Behemoth!' is only Gilroy's fourth feature as director. He didn’t make his directorial debut, 'Michael Clayton,' until he was 50. He turned to 'Andor' after three other film projects failed to materialize. Gilroy said over the last decade, he has been gambling with Disney on the three most eccentric projects he’s ever been involved in, and that Disney has never done anything but let their freak flag fly.

Searchlight Pictures, the specialty division of Disney, stepped in to make the $36 million film. Gilroy said Searchlight stepped up because he delivered on 'Rogue One' and 'Andor'. His attitude was to cover and keep himself around, and he called Searchlight Medici for him. He added that Hollywood is not working that way anymore. Searchlight Pictures will release 'Behemoth!' on December 4.