), and a pair of dopehead taco truck entrepreneurs (Talia Ryder and Dominic Fike).
But what inspired the story?
JACK BEGERT: It started as an idea for a structural experiment.
L-R: Jack Begert, David Schwimmer in ‘Little Death,’ Darren AronofskyDaniel Prakopcyk/Sundance/Rob Latour/Deadline/Getty Images
DEADLINE: How did you come to connect with Darren and his team at Protozoa?
I imagine that facet of the project was intriguing, as well.
I did recognize some similar aesthetic and taste from Jack and some of the work I had done.
David Schwimmer inLittle DeathSundance Institute
But those are always the ones that are memorable and that you dont forget.
DEADLINE: Its rewarding to take on projects youre not entirely sure will work?
ARONOFSKY: Very much so.
But I think it was worth the experiment.
Its just such a unique experience watching this film for audiences because theyre really taken on a journey.
But I was just so excited by the choices.
What drew you to David?
ARONOFSKY: Ive known Schwimmer since film school in the 90s.
David comes from independent film.
I knew he had this very strong theater background, and thats a background thats very similar to mine.
Everyone brought this level of intensity to the project that I think I really needed on my first film.
What was the impetus for including that?
BEGERT: Im really interested to see how people react to some of the visual style.
Im interested to see how people respond.
Im digging the way that we used it.
DEADLINE: AI obviously became a hot button topic during last years double strike.
How do you look at the technology and the impact it will have on cinema?
Is it a tool, a threat, or both?
BEGERT: I think all of these things are just tools.
ARONOFSKY: Its super complicated.
Theres a lot to talk about.
Because I think were on the edge of a defining moment.
They are absolutely tools.
How do the ideas discussed speak to your experience?
Are they reflective of your personal feelingsor concerns?
BEGERT: Its a good question.
But part of me wants to just let the movie speak for itself.
I think run-of-the-mill stuff is not that interesting anymore.
It just seems to be more extreme now.
Ari Handel, Christine DSouza Gelb, Tyler Sobel-Mason and Victor Moyers served as executive producers.
