Sean Connell Interviews Alex Garland and Cast of 'Civil War'

Alex Garland, the visionary writer/director behind groundbreaking science fiction hits like "Ex Machina" and "Annihilation," is back with his new film "Civil War." In a lively and insightful discussion, Entertainment Weekly's own Sean O'Connell sat down with Garland and the star-studded cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, and Wagner Moura, as they talked about the grueling difficulty of shooting a film with such tension, their childhood cinematic influences, and what the film taught them about the political divide.

In the interview, Garland gushes about Cailee Spaeny, praising her ability to portray anxiety and grief so acutely that it mirrored his own experiences. Kirsten Dunst names her childhood cinematic mentors, reflecting on the impact of watching films like "The Godfather" and "Raging Bull" in her childhood. Garland explains his inspiration for making a film about journalists, citing his desire to tell a story about the moral complexities of the Iraq War and the challenges of reporting it faithfully.

Garland describes the toughest scenes to shoot in "Civil War," reflecting on how the actors were physically and emotionally drained during the filming of the army battle sequences. The cast never had a rest day, doing endless takes of intense dialogue and action scenes.

Garland also discusses his screenwriting process, noting that he starts writing at the end, and Moura reflects on what the film taught him about the political divide, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding the pain of others.

This video is a must-watch for fans of Alex Garland's work and those interested in the creative process behind compelling filmmaking. Enjoy this insightful interview, and be sure to check out "Civil War" when it premieres on Hulu on July 22, 2022.