Strange Angel at ATX TV Festival
I made sure to awake early enough to not forget anything, but the best laid plans…I ran out of the house without my sweater (for the cold movie theatre) or an umbrella (to shield me from the fierce Texas sun), and my phone on 20% battery! I plugged the cord into my phone last night, but somehow the cord was not plugged into the wall 🙃
The Uber driver got me to my first destination safely. (I didn’t feel like worrying about driving and parking downtown.) I had to pick up my wristband before walking about a block to the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz, where I would screen the first episode of Strange Angel and hopefully meet Rupert!
At first, I was in the line to the right and got a cute “boarding pass” for the event, courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
Then I realized I needed to be in the line to the left, which was a much shorter line! And I got a new boarding pass - lucky #5!!
After waiting in line and sweating to death for almost an hour, we were allowed inside the venue. I was able to snag a front row seat, sandwiched in between two very large guys, one of whom was hogging the armrest. Luckily they both left right after the screening, so I had plenty of room to take notes and see the action up front!
Some Thoughts on the Show (a few spoilers)
The show was really interesting, with beautiful cinematography. We’ve all seen pictures of the period cars and clothing, but seeing it all flow together on screen - it’s rather lovely.
Ernest was prominent in the first episode. You’ve already seen the trailer where he meets Jack Parsons and his wife. There’s a little more to that exchange, but I don’t want to spoil it. Ernest is every bit an eccentric nonconformist, to say the least, which is why I suspect Rupert enjoyed this role.
For those concerned about animal sacrifices - I will say they did not show any animal slaughtered in the first episode, but it is implied that one is indeed slaughtered offscreen.
And also…Rupert sang a song in a foreign tongue, just briefly, but 😍
The panel discussion began with the creator and showrunner, Mark Heyman, who talked about how the idea for the show began four and a half years ago. He grew up in New Mexico with new-aged parents who belonged to a cult-like organization called MSIA (which I assume was Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness). His best friend’s father was a chemist, and Heyman himself was intrigued by mysticism and science.
(Heyman mentioned he has about five seasons in mind. So if this first season is successful 🤗 I think that means MORE RUPERT!)
The panel moderator, Michael Schneider from IndieWire, asked Rupert specifically about his role as Ernest. Rupert stated that playing Ernest felt so different and was a definite departure from Homeland. He described Ernest as a “mysterious guy” who is “weirdly, dangerously magnetic and intriguing.” Rupert played Ernest as a “weirdo” who gives the audience something “that sucks you in.” He described the relationship between Ernest and Jack as volatile and important.
Because Ernest is not a character in the book, Schneider asked about whether or not he was a composite or completely fictionalized. The character was not a composite, and Heyman described Ernest as much more than a plot device. Ernest is a mentor and guide for Jack into the underworld. As the season develops, their relationship morphs and changes. There is a tug of war, a push and pull, and the relationship “flops” at a certain point.
When Rupert was asked about a path forward for Ernest in the story, Rupert really demurred and just said they “haven’t talked about going forward.” However, it’s obvious Ernest’s role would continue. Herman revealed there is a power dynamic at the start of the series that he likens to Cape Fear - an “intriguing menace.”
(Michael Schneider (Panel Moderator), Jack Reynor (Jack Parsons), Rupert Friend (Ernest Donovan), Mark Heyman (Creator/Showrunner), David DiGilio (Executive Producer), and David Lowery (Director)
Rupert looking cute again 😍
When Schneider asked for questions, my hand shot up 🖐🏼so I got to ask the first question!!! I asked Rupert, considering all the diverse characters he has played, what did he learn from Ernest Donovan, a very eccentric character. Rupert answered, “How to be a good neighbor.” Everyone laughed because we had just seen how neighborly Ernest and Jack were to one another. Rupert also mentioned learning how to fix cars was cool. The period cars were cool, but NOT easy to drive, according to Reynor.
I asked the third and last question, because no one else raised their hand. I asked about working with the animals - I mentioned a lamb and chicken, and of course, Rupert corrected me that it was a goat. (And I knew it was a goat, like why the hell I said lamb, I don’t know! 😜) But the Director, David Lowery, mentioned he is a vegan and all animals were treated ethically and humanely. He said Rupert had a very calming effect on the animals. (I THINK IT’S THOSE HANDS!) Rupert said the goat was supposed to be kicking during the scene where he holds him, but the goat was “happy and lovely.” Another cute tidbit: the goat had a baby sheep on the set as a buddy. As for Reynor, he said he was a “fucking chicken wrangler.” 😂
As the panel ended, I went up to the front quickly, hoping to get a picture and a handshake. A gentleman approached Rupert first and got a picture. Then I stuck my hand out and said, “May I say hello?” I shook Rupert’s hand (not washing my right hand forever now), and told him it was so great to meet him, I’m a big fan, and look forward to watching his show. Then I asked for a photo, and we took a quick selfie. It’s not the best shot, but I’m so glad I asked!
See, he really IS a Strange Angel! That chest is awfully close to my face, too 😚 You can’t really see much of my shirt, but it had a red rose on each shoulder. I thought he might appreciate the gesture 😉
Afterward, I waited outside the building to see if he would come out the same way, and he did! I caught another quick pic of him with Reynor and saw others were taking pictures with them. That spot would have been a much better place for a pic, but I didn’t want to be a bother and ask for another one.
I stayed behind to watch him for a moment. There was a white van waiting outside with the doors open. I thought it might be their ride, but instead, they stood there longer and then walked away on foot. I was tempted to follow, but didn’t want to turn into a stalker! 😜
Just a couple other things:
- Rupert wore the brown, well-worn boots laced up only halfway.
- That white shirt was very unbuttoned.
- His hair looked pristine, with beautiful twinkling eyes.
- I don’t recall smelling Rupert, but he looked fresh!
- Rupert was very kind about shaking my hand and taking a picture. I can’t remember a word he said, but I’m pretty sure he answered something in the affirmative when I asked to say hello and take a picture. I’m also pretty sure he said thank you when I gushed over him.
- Jack Reynor’s blue eyes POPPED! He’s a funny, handsome devil with a wickedly sexy Irish accent! He described growing a “filthy fucking mustache” as one of the challenges in making a period piece. 😂
