One of my favorite films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’Me and Earl and the Dying GirlBased on the Jesse Andrews novel of the same name, the film revolves around a movie-obsessed high school senior (Thomas Mann) who is talked into spending time with an acquaintance classmate (Olivia Cooke) who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. The film was this year’s big winner at the Sundance Film Festival, following in the footsteps of Whiplash and Fruitvale Station by taking home both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. The film also stars RJ CylerNick OffermanJon BernthalConnie Britton and Molly Shannon. For more here’s the trailer and Adam’s review.

A few days ago I sat down with Thomas Mann for an exclusive interview. He talked about when he knew it was a special film, the movie references, getting back to L.A. after being part of such a big hit at Sundance, what he took home from set, future projects, deleted scenes, and he even plays “Save or Kill,” too.

Here’s the interview followed by the time index. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is in theaters this weekend.

 


Thomas Mann:

  • 00:04 - When did he know that Me and Earl and the Dying Girl was a special film?
  • 00:47 - Watching it with an audience at Sundance.
  • 01:04 - On the movie references featured in the film; the need to watch the movie they parody.
  • 02:16 - Not working for a year and then taking too many films.
  • 03:28 - What happened after the film hit it big at Sundance; getting more meetings.
  • 04:25 - Mann plays Save or Kill.
  • 06:57 - The incredible gift he got to take home from the Me and Earl and the Dying Girl set.
  • 08:04 - What is he hoping to do next?
  • 08:31 - Getting away from younger, high school roles.
  • 09:20 - One of his most memorable moments from set, shooting a scene that wound up being cut from the film.

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