Get Inside the Mind and Experience of Jonathan Rosenthal in 'The Abandoned'. Liongate's upcoming Sci-Fi enigma of a film.
Jonathan Rosenthal, star of the new Sci-Fi thriller "The Abandoned," sits down with EM C. Ghoul from wearecritix.com and our Xscream Podcast to discuss his intense preparation for the demanding role. Dive into behind-the-scenes stories of rigorous rehearsals, physical challenges, and the innovative set design. Jonathan reveals how he isolated himself from friends and family to authentically portray a character coping with trauma. Directed by Jason Sutland, "The Abandoned" is set to captivate audiences in select theaters on July 19 and digitally on July 30.
Key Insights from Jonathan Rosenthal's Experience on 'The Abandoned'
The film's complex script captivated Jonathan Rosenthal, offering depth and challenges not commonly found in Sci-Fi thrillers.
Rosenthal underwent intense physical preparations, performing all his stunts personally, which added authenticity to his role.
His preparation included a unique form of isolation to embody his character’s persona of trauma and PTSD, creating an immersive performance.
The Allure of a Complex Script
The world of Sci-Fi thrillers often walks a fine line between profound storytelling and simplified action. Jonathan Rosenthal, when discussing his role in 'The Abandoned', highlighted why this film stood out among others in the genre. "It encapsulated a lot of elements that I love in movies of that genre without taking the easy way out," Rosenthal notes. This statement underpins the significant appeal behind 'The Abandoned'—a script rich in layers and moral complexity.
For Rosenthal, the script's appeal was immediate. "It just seemed like the ultimate challenge," he said, reflecting an understanding that his character Miles is not merely moving through a story but evolving within it. This sets the film apart from others where characters and plots may feel two-dimensional. By avoiding the "easy way out," the writers and directors of 'The Abandoned' crafted a narrative that tests its characters and, by extension, its actors. This robust foundation allows actors to explore profound levels of their craft, leading to an enriched viewing experience for the audience.
The Physical Demands and Authenticity in Performance
One of the standout aspects of Rosenthal's performance is the physicality required by his role. As he mentioned, "That was all me," referring to the grueling stunts he had to perform throughout the film. The idea of immersing oneself fully in a role is not new, but the extent to which Rosenthal committed to the physical aspects demonstrates a dedication that enhances the movie's authenticity.
"We had such limited days to shoot and were doing so many pages a day, there was really zero room for error," Rosenthal recalls. This tight schedule necessitated a thorough preparation process, including his personal combat and stunt training. The realism he brought to the film was not just a visual treat; it underscored the character's ordeal, making the audience live through the falls, slides, and impacts along with Miles.
"There are parts of the film where I don't have a shirt on, so it's not like you can hide pads or padding," Rosenthal explains, emphasizing the rawness of his performance. This commitment to the role’s physical demands leaves an indelible impression, supporting the overall narrative with unwavering fidelity.
The Isolation Method: A Compelling Preparatory Process
To authentically portray Miles, a character experiencing extreme isolation and PTSD, Rosenthal took an unorthodox approach. He isolated himself from friends, family, and even his girlfriend during the preparation and shooting phases of 'The Abandoned'. "Decided to cut communication with my friends and family and girlfriend... until we rap shooting," he admitted, highlighting the lengths he went to internalize his character’s mental state.
This form of method acting allowed Rosenthal to delve deep into the psyche of someone dealing with severe trauma and isolation. "I think the hardest part was just finding a way to wear that as a skin without it feeling forced or over the top," he shares. His commitment shines through in his portrayal of Miles, bringing a palpable sense of authenticity and depth to the screen. By secluding himself, Rosenthal mirrored Miles’ disconnection from the world, immersing himself fully in the character's emotional landscape.
The outcome of this painstaking preparation is visible in the movie's engaging storytelling. The audience is invited into Miles' fragmented world, witnessing firsthand the real struggle of a character who feels painfully isolated. This immersive experience brings a layer of vulnerability and relatability to the film, setting it apart from typical genre offerings.
Summarizing the Profound Insights from 'The Abandoned'
Jonathan Rosenthal's journey within 'The Abandoned' provides remarkable insights into the dedication needed for a truly compelling performance. His love for the rich, complex script, combined with the physical rigor of performing his own stunts, brings an unparalleled authenticity to the film. Furthermore, his unique approach to isolation allowed him to authentically embody a character dealing with trauma and detachment.
Rosenthal’s experiences underscore a broader implication for actors and filmmakers alike: the heart of an engaging story lies in its depth and authenticity. Utilizing exhaustive preparations, both physically and emotionally, ensures that a character is not just read off the script but genuinely lived through. As Rosenthal beautifully demonstrated, it is the marriage of a powerful script with an actor's unwavering commitment that breathes life into cinema, offering audiences an unforgettable experience.
In reflecting on his journey, Rosenthal emphasizes the importance of immersion and dedication to craft. By fostering a deep connection with the character and story, he set a precedent for what it means to fully commit to a role, urging future actors to push their boundaries and truly inhabit their characters.
"The Abandoned" hits select theaters on July 19 and digitally on July 30.
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