Photo by Dan Doperalski for Variety
Benny Safdie, the talented filmmaker and actor, has been making waves in the industry with his gritty and heart-pounding crime thrillers. Yet, he is now venturing into solo projects, showcasing his versatility and creative prowess. In this article, we delve into Safdie’s recent endeavors and the exciting future ahead for him.
A Shift Towards Independence
Safdie, who gained recognition alongside his older brother Josh as the dynamic duo of indie filmmaking, has recently embarked on individual projects. With major acting roles in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Kelly Fremon Craig’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and Showtime’s “The Curse,” Safdie is forging his own path.
Last year proved to be a pivotal year for the talented artist. While Safdie and Josh continued their collaboration as executive producers on several projects, Benny pursued his own acting career and explored new avenues. Amidst speculations of a falling out between the brothers, Safdie assures us that their split was amicable and stemmed from a natural desire to pursue individual creative interests.
“The Curse”: A Dark Comedy Collaboration
One of Safdie’s most exciting recent collaborations is the creation of “The Curse” alongside Nathan Fielder, the comedic mastermind behind “Nathan for You.” The idea for the pitch-black comedy series emerged during a casual meeting between Safdie and Fielder in 2016. Over the next two years, fueled by their shared interest in each other’s work, they developed the concept further.
“The Curse” revolves around a married couple, played by Fielder and Emma Stone, who film an HGTV series in New Mexico. However, a supposed curse and a slimy, self-interested producer portrayed by Safdie begin to corrode both their television show and their marriage. The series explores gentrification, crime, and Indigenous relations, shedding light on the sinister underbelly of HGTV’s aspirational programming.
Safdie with Emma Stone. Photo by Dan Doperalski for Variety
Safdie and Fielder fearlessly tackle touchy subjects, aiming to challenge viewers’ preconceptions and provoke uncomfortable introspection. The unflinching discomfort presented in “The Curse” combines Safdie’s stomach-churning suspense drama with Fielder’s extreme-cringe comedy, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking viewing experience.
Safdie’s Journey as an Actor
While Safdie has built a reputation as a talented filmmaker, his foray into acting has garnered significant attention. His breakthrough role came in “Good Time,” where he portrayed the intellectually disabled younger brother of Robert Pattinson’s bank-robbing fugitive. This performance caught the eye of director Kelly Fremon Craig, who subsequently cast Safdie as Herb, a kind-hearted father, in her adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”
Fremon Craig was captivated by Safdie’s transformation in “Good Time,” but it was his warm and easy humor during the audition that convinced her he was perfect for the role. Safdie’s compelling portrayal of Herb, a character with a crucial Jewish faith-based conflict, resonated deeply with audiences.
Photo by Dan Doperalski for Variety
The talented actor also had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson and Claire Denis. Safdie credits these experiences with expanding his acting abilities and shaping his approach as a future director. Directors such as Anderson exhibit a keen eye for their actors’ smallest choices while empowering them to fully commit to their characters.
“The Smashing Machine”: Safdie’s Solo Filmmaking Debut
Safdie’s solo filmmaking debut is set to be an A24 movie titled “The Smashing Machine.” The film will star Dwayne Johnson as the mixed martial arts champion Mark Kerr. The project was initiated when Safdie sent Johnson a Nautica sweatshirt that Kerr had worn in a documentary, along with a handwritten letter expressing his admiration for Johnson as an actor.
Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the project, and Safdie and Johnson lost touch. However, after reconnecting with Emily Blunt, Johnson’s close friend and co-star, the stars aligned, and Safdie and Johnson resumed their collaboration. Johnson’s passion for the story of Mark Kerr, coupled with Safdie’s creative vision, promises a powerful and dramatic performance from Johnson in his most challenging role yet.
Photo by Dan Doperalski for Variety
A Bright Future
With the conclusion of “The Curse,” Safdie’s future projects are generating significant anticipation. He reveals plans for a scripted HBO series about boxing, a project that he believes will consist of six episodes. Although Safdie alludes to another project he has written and intends to direct, he remains tight-lipped about the details, eager to preserve the intellectual excitement surrounding it.
As Safdie ventures further into independent filmmaking and continues to explore his artistic voice, his passion and enthusiasm for the craft are palpable. With each step, he solidifies his position as a multifaceted talent in the industry. Benny Safdie’s career trajectory is certainly one to watch, and we can’t wait to see what he will bring to audiences in the years to come.
For more exciting updates on Benny Safdie and his projects, visit F5 Magazine.