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With Free Fire opening this weekend, I recently sat down with director Ben Wheatley and Armie Hammer to talk about the film. During the interview they talked about the challenges of trying to pull off a 90 minute non-stop movie, what it was like working with Sharlto Copley, how they pre-lit the warehouse before shooting began, and more. In addition, Hammer talked about trolling fans about Green Lantern and gave an update on a possible Man From U.N.C.L.E. sequel.

If you’re not familiar with Free Fire, the film takes place in 1970s Boston and it’s about an arms deal that goes completely wrong. It’s also a ton of fun from beginning to end and loaded with an all-star cast made up of Brie Larson, Sam Riley, Cillian Murphy, Jack ReynorBabou CeesayEnzo CilentiMichael Smiley, Noah Taylor, Tom DavisMark Monero and Patrick Bergin. While I know Free Fire is not for everyone, if the idea of an almost 90-minute gun battle loaded with colorful characters where no one has any control interests you, I strongly recommend checking it out next weekend. You’ll definitely laugh and see an epic shootout. For more on the film you can read Matt Goldberg’s review.

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Check out what Ben Wheatley and Armie Hammer had to say in the video above. Below is exactly what we talked about followed by the official synopsis.

Ben Wheatley and Armie Hammer:

  • What do I need to do to get a Man From U.N.C.L.E. sequel?
  • The challenges of trying to pull off a 90 minute non-stop movie.
  • Hammer talks about why it was a great filming experience.
  • How they pre-lit the warehouse before shooting began.
  • They talk about working with Sharlto Copley and “Vernon”.
  • Freakshift
  • How much is Hammer enjoying trolling fans about Green Lantern?

Here's the Free Fire synopsis via A24:

Bold, breathless and wickedly fun, Free Fire is an electrifying action comedy about an arms deal that goes spectacularly and explosively wrong. Acclaimed filmmaker Ben Wheatley (Kill List, High Rise) propels the audience head-on into quite possibly the most epic shootout ever seen on film as he crafts a spectacular parody –– and biting critique –– of the insanity of gun violence. Everyone’s got a gun, and absolutely no one is in control.

 

Set in a colorful yet gritty 1970s Boston, Free Fire opens with Justine (Oscar® winner Brie Larson), a mysterious American businesswoman, and her wise-cracking associate Ord (Armie Hammer) arranging a black-market weapons deal in a deserted warehouse between IRA arms buyer Chris (Cillian Murphy) and shifty South African gun runner Vernon (Sharlto Copley). What starts as a polite if uneasy exchange soon goes south when tensions escalate and shots are fired, quickly leading to a full-on Battle Royale where it’s every man (and woman) for themselves.

 

Packed with witty one-liners, flamboyant characters and remarkable feats of cinematic gunplay, Free Fire is a full-throttle action extravaganza that keeps things fresh and fun with Wheatley’s alternately buoyant and savage sense of humor. Swinging from the madcap to the macabre and back again, the film is an exhilarating experience that will leave you quite literally blown away.

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Image via A24
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Image via A24
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Image via A24