Diving Deep: Colin Farrell and Edward Berger on 'Ballad of a Small Player'

From Sauna to Set: A Serendipitous Beginning

In Hollywood, not all meetings are crafted in the polished boardrooms or at high-powered pitch sessions. Sometimes, they unfold in the most unexpected of places. Just ask Colin Farrell and Edward Berger, who forged their creative bond in a London sauna. The scene was surreal: two sweaty bodies in tight shorts, immersed not just in steam but in big ideas for cinema.

Farrell reminisces, cracking a joke about their unusual meeting, which occurred during an awards season bustling with excitement for both of them. With Farrell basking in the glory of “The Banshees of Inisherin” and Berger riding high from “All Quiet on the Western Front,” they were both at pivotal moments in their careers.

The Passion Project

Three years later, we've landed at the doorstep of their collaboration, “Ballad of a Small Player,” set to debut on Netflix. This film isn't just another project for Berger; it's a lifelong ambition that threads through his narrative of creativity and excitement. Based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne, it tells the story of Lord Doyle, a debauched British gambler navigating the neon-lit chaos of Macau. Even as his debts mount, he believes that one good play will redeem him—except that his reality might hit harder than he expects.

Exploring Doyle: A Role Like No Other

For Farrell, portraying Doyle proved to be a double-edged sword—a daunting task that triggered both trepidation and excitement. While he reveled in the complexities of the character, he initially feared the emotional weight that came with it. “I thought long and hard about not getting on that plane to the Macau set,” he admits, a testament to the fear swirling inside him.

“There's a certain fear that can masquerade as exhaustion, you know?” - Colin Farrell

This vulnerability is what Berger sought when drawing Farrell into the project. The character encapsulates multiple nuances: a man spiraling deeper into addiction and chaos while searching for one last chance to save himself. Their first conversation in the sauna, filled with frankness and openness, set an intimate tone for their collaboration that would thrive on vulnerability.

The Gamble of Film Making

As they ventured into this gamble, Berger found a likeminded creative partner in Farrell, who echoed the director's sentiments on how cinema has the unique ability to immerse us into unknown worlds. “Everyone involved felt the weight of the story and the high stakes involved,” he shares. And indeed, the stakes couldn't feel more palpable when you consider the challenges: working on location in real Macau casinos, where high rollers command the space like titans.

Berger likens his decision to make “Ballad of a Small Player” to standing at a buffet: “So many tempting options, yet I gravitate toward the one that calls to my soul.” That beckoning answer was this script, one that offered him a chance to not only tell a gripping story but also to delve into the human psyche's complexity, all while navigating the chaos of high-stakes gambling.

Behind the Scenes: A Whirlwind Experience

Shooting in Macau turned out to be a logistical dream and nightmare simultaneously. Berger shares, “Every day brought new surprises. Imagine trying to film in a casino where high rollers swoop in at a moment's notice, booking rooms that we had plans to shoot in.” In this high-octane environment, the men of the production and Farrell faced both the exhilaration and strain of creating something extraordinary, all while walking a tightrope of constant uncertainty.

The Risks of Portrayal

The film's portrayal of gambling evokes broader themes of addiction and self-destruction. Members of the crew often found themselves discussing not just the visual aesthetics of casino life, but also the introspective examination of the characters' emotional landscapes. “To me, and I think to anyone who has felt the push and pull of excitement and fear, gambling serves as an external manifestation of our internal conflicts,” Farrell philosophizes.

A Reflection on Career and Contentment

Reflecting on his career, Farrell notes a poignant evolution: “At this point in my life, acting isn't all I have. I've got my children, my friends—a fulness that allows me to approach work with a liberated spirit.” He explains how the pressures he faced in his twenties have matured into a more grounded approach to his work. What once felt overwhelming and defining has now transformed into a vessel of exploration and joy.

“That shift in perspective has freed me, ideally allowing me to throw myself into my roles while also being able to walk away—emotionally unharmed.” - Colin Farrell

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey

As “Ballad of a Small Player” gears up for release, I can't help but feel the excitement enveloped in both Farrell's and Berger's journeys. Their story—from the sauna to the set—speaks volumes about the unpredictable and beautiful nature of artistic expression. Can't wait to witness how this rich tapestry of experiences comes to life on screen. It reflects the elegance of creativity and the raw edges of vulnerability that make art resonate.