"Let's say I'm hoping for around nine nominations," director Martin McDonagh tells TT.
The film is set in 1973, shortly before the coup in Chile. Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play two CIA agents who travel from mainland Chile to Easter Island for some time off before the coup they know the CIA is helping to orchestrate.
Malkovich's character Chris is constantly drunk and penniless and talks about what will happen in Santiago soon and the CIA leadership considers him a threat that must be silenced. Black humour, a little violence, a lot of implied social criticism and direction and acting at a high level make it a very typical McDonagh film.
Malkovich as Malkovich?
But what is it like directing John Malkovich? Is what we see a result of McDonagh's direction or is the headstrong Malkovich playing Malkovich, so to speak? The director laughs.
That's a hard one to answer. All the lines are mine. One of the nice things is in the moments of silence when you see guilt and regret and depression in him - and that's exactly what no other actor could do. We were a good team. John has a theater background, he has great respect for playwrights and screenwriters.
McDonagh's previous film, "The Banshees of Inisherin," received nine Oscar nominations but won nothing. Disappointed?
No. Just getting so many nominations got the film noticed. Now we're aiming for just as many for this one.
Twice before
Malkovich has previously received two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor, in 1985 for “A Place in My Heart” and in 1994 for “In the Line of Fire.” For “Wild Horse Nine,” a nomination for Best Leading Actor is the one that counts.
He himself is modestly dressed at the press conference for the film in Venice.
I have had a long and very good career with lots of good collaborations with directors and actors and that is what has meant the most - more than thinking about awards, says Malkovich.
Name: John Malkovich
Born: December 9, 1953 (age 72)
Place of birth: Christopher, Illinois, USA
Family: Partner with Nicoletta Peyran, two children. Previously married to Glenne Headly.
Profession: Actor, director, producer and fashion designer
Selected works:
Film: "The Killing Field" (1984), "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988), "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "Con air" (1997), "In the Head of John Malkovich" (1999). "Of Mice and Men" (1992), "Ripley's Game" (1999), "Burn after Reading" (2008), "Changeling" (2008), "Red" (2010), "Bird Box" (2018).
Current: In "Wild Horse Nine" which will premiere in Swedish cinemas in November. The film's title comes from nine wild horses that live on Easter Island.
What do you think?