Cary Elwes on Surviving the Palisades Fire, Career, and New Film 'Dead Man's Wire'

Surviving the Palisades Fire

• 🔥 The Palisades Fire destroyed Cary Elwes' family home, a deeply sad and transformative event.
• ⚠️ During the evacuation, he prioritized saving his grandfather's paintings, the most valuable physical possessions.
• 🏡 The community's "Malibu Strong" mentality emphasizes resilience and rebuilding after the tragedy.

Early Fascination with Acting and Career Beginnings

• 🎬 Elwes developed a childhood fascination with movies, seeing acting as an escape and a way to enter the "box" of television.
• 📚 He meticulously studied the work of actors like Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier, and directors, to understand their craft.
• 🌟 Receiving praise from Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Gene Wilder after a screening of "The Princess Bride" significantly boosted his confidence.

Collaborations with Hollywood Legends

• 🎭 Elwes recounts a memorable call from Mel Brooks leading to his role in "Robin Hood: Men In Tights," a project he cherished.
• 🤝 He formed strong bonds with actors like Morgan Freeman and Tom Cruise, highlighting their professionalism, supportiveness, and dedication to their craft.
• 🎬 Working with directors like Rob Reiner and Tony Scott is described as joyful and conducive to creativity, emphasizing their collaborative spirit.

The Making of "Dead Man's Wire"

• 🎬 Elwes discusses his brother Cassian's decade-long effort to bring "Dead Man's Wire" to fruition, a film inspired by a true kidnapping story.
• 🧠 He collaborated closely with director Gus Van Sant, immersing himself in the role of a local detective by studying audio, visual materials, and personal accounts.
• 🎭 Van Sant's directorial style is characterized by experimental approaches, minimal takes, and encouraging actors to embody their characters.
• 🎬 "Dead Man's Wire" blends action, drama, and dark humor, creating an engaging cinematic experience reminiscent of 70s filmmakers.

The Future of Cinema and Streaming

• 🎞️ Elwes stresses the importance of supporting the theatrical experience for films, emphasizing the unique communal emotion felt in a dark theater.
• 📺 While acknowledging streaming's place, he worries about its potential to overshadow the art form of filmmaking and the decline of cinema.
• 🌟 He hopes his daughter, studying film, will continue to experience the magic of movies in theaters, preserving this cultural phenomenon.