Actor Chris Hemsworth says that through his role in Bad Times at the El Royale, he wanted to highlight toxic masculinity in the world. Hence, there was something sexist about the character addicted to power and control. By Team Viva
Set in the year 1969, Bad Times at the El Royale, revolves around the seven strangers and their seven secrets in search of their own identity or either running away from something. Each living in their own universe ends up to El Royale hotel near the California-Nevada border that carries a dark past. A series of events unfold at the hotel, the strangers become acquaintances by sharing their shady secrets. What happens next is robbery, surveillance, death, revenge, defiance, and survival.
Chris Hemsworth views on his experience of working in this neo-noir thriller:
How did you land up with this role?
I have known Drew Goddard from The Cabin in the Woods Days. We worked together years ago. One day when I contacted him, this film was in process. As I got to know about it, I immediately rang him and said, ‘why you haven’t offered this film to me?’ I then read the script and right away said yes, lets go and never looked back. This was an opportunity for me to work with him again.
How was your experience working in the Bad Times at the El Royale?
Before signing up for this film, I had a detailed look at the script. The idea of a neo-noir thriller film with such a storyline made me readily agree for a role. The whole shooting sequence went like bliss and was enjoyable due to the immense hard work put in by the entire team. The script is one of the best things I have ever read, the cast was incredible. I heard great things about the script and saw amazing work by the cast. Everybody was in an integral place in this puzzle. Even if one person did not drop the ball or did not show up, it seemed as if there was something missing on the sets. I am very happy that everyone just put in so much for their roles. It is one of the most collaborated and enjoyable film set I have ever been on.
Tell us about your character and its challenges.
I felt everything very different from what I have done before. Surprisingly, the role was easy may be due to such an amazing script. It signalled that you can’t go anywhere else but on this terrain you got to roll the dice and take that kind of risk. Yes, it was very satisfying. Billy Lee, my character is a coke leader who is manipulative, and charismatic, which is kind of essential for the script. There had to be a sense of humour but also true set of manipulation and sociopath kind of guy. He might look like he is giving answers and trying to help but it is actually just an opportunity for him to feel responsible. I just wanted to highlight this kind of toxic masculinity in the world. Hence, there was something sexist about the guy addicted to power and control.
What time is the film set in?
The film is set in a hotel, where seven strangers have seven secrets, all searching for something, maybe an answer or object, trying to find who they are and what is their place in the world. But at the same time, they all collide which pretty much ends as a chaotic situation at the El Royale. The film is a beautiful shot with amazing soundtrack.
(The film is set to be previewed on Sunday, January 19 on Star Movies.)