It wouldn’t be cheating, it would be experimenting.
Infidelity, intimacy, sexual fluidity. These themes coarse through the veins of Anything For You. The project explores the alpha male mentality in a fun and compelling way. What starts out as an innocent lunch date becomes a meal of desires and secrets. But at its core, this is a piece focused on the complexities of male friendship and the limits and boundaries that test it. We connected with director Matt Ferrucci who told us a little more about his wild little film.
Can you tell us what inspired you to bring this story to life?
This film was inspired by the one-act “Anything For You” by award-winning playwright Cate Allen, who also serves as a producer. In the original play, the two lead characters are women. With Cate’s blessing, I adapted the piece and changed the gender. (*Spoiler Alert*) The idea of two, “straight” men in seemingly happy marriages discussing the possibility of having an affair with each other gave the piece a heightened sense of danger that I wanted to explore. But I also saw this as a story about the emotional intimacy of male friendship. These guys are vulnerable in a way that most men aren’t and this made the piece feel fresh.
How did you go about casting for ‘Anything For You’?
I’ve know both actors Alain Uy (Richard) and Sunkrish Bala (George) for a long time. We were all cast in the ABC Diversity Showcase years ago. I had been looking for a project we could work on together and this was a perfect fit. Both actors have have a natural charm and charisma that naturally comes through in their work. But more importantly both bring a vulnerability to their performances that was vital to these characters. There are a few sharp turns in the script and I needed actors that could walk that tightrope of balancing the comedy and drama. Alain and Sunkrish do an incredible job of grounding the humor in an authentic place that feels true for the audience.
What was the most challenging thing for you to capture in this film?
Ostensibly, this film is a 10 minute conversation. The writing and the performances do the heavy lifting, so my challenge as a filmmaker was to keep the audience visually engaged while serving the tone and nuance of the script. From jump, there’s a feeling that a “bomb” is going to be dropped. The test for me was keeping the audience on their toes by telling this story as authentically as possible and allowing the humor come from the insanity of the situation. Then in the edit, making sure the tone and pace were dialed in correctly.
Is there anything in particular you hope people will take away from this short?
With this project, I think it’s more important to leave the interpretation up to audience without it being colored by my perception. I do hope it makes people ask questions and creates a conversation. I think that’s all we can ask for as filmmakers. On the festival circuit its definitely stirred a bit of debate about sexual fluidity, bro culture, infidelity. If anything I wanted to tackle those topics in a fun and compelling way. I think one review captured it best saying “it’s an unorthodox bromance that unleashes a well of suppressed feelings, lust and desire – all while having lunch and with no clothes being torn off.”
What are your favorite short films?
Pink Grapefruit, The Girlfriend Game, Excuse Me I’m Looking For The Ping-Pong Room and My Girlfriend, The Voice In Your Head, The Neighbors’ Window, Brothers From The Suburbs. Favorites I’ve seen this year are the digital series In The Cards by Colin Healy, and If I’m Alive Next Week by Jennifer Morris, Robbie Sublett.
Which films you can say directly inspired this film?
The dark comedy shorts A Reasonable Request and Best Man for sure. I loved the simplicity of those films. Both films revolve around an absurd conversation but they never flinch or wink at the camera.
