How Novocaine Directors Transformed a Serious Script Into a Comedy Action Hit

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Perhaps you’ve had a glimpse of the trailer for Paramount’s latest action movie, “Novocaine,” directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, set to release in theaters on March 14. It might have made you flinch, gasp, and even giggle at least once or twice. The upcoming film starring Jack Quaid is brimming with hilarious moments as it narrates a young character who has an exaggerated form of a real-life condition that makes him immune to physical pain – with its downsides, such as the risk of severe blood loss, being evident. This rollercoaster ride was recently discussed by the directors of “Novocaine” in Los Angeles, where MovieWeb had a chance to interview them personally, learning about how they managed to create such a comical tone despite the violent content – an achievement more impressive given that the initial script’s draft was significantly different.

Dan Berk described the film as still being an action movie, but with a more balanced tone. There wasn’t much comedy in it, which is something they usually include in their projects. They felt compelled to add some humor due to the bold and dramatic central idea of a character without pain or fighting skills being thrust into an action movie. He further stated that the concept was so audacious and bombastic that they knew there needed to be humor to balance it out.

We understood that a storyline involving a booby-trapped house and a torture scene were essential for this project. To convince them to let us direct, we proposed a unique approach – rewriting the script with a heavy dose of humor. We required this element to ignite our enthusiasm for the project. We wanted to ensure that our distinct style was evident. Indeed, there’s plenty of gruesome body horror in it, reminiscent of Cronenberg’s work, but it’s all presented in an enjoyable manner due to the abundance of heart and humor.

Not “Some Party Trick”

As a cinephile, I must admit that while the comedy in “Novocaine” is enjoyable, it’s the other aspects that truly make it something extraordinary. Dan Berk was spot-on when he noted the film’s heart, particularly in the development of Quaid’s character, Nate. His isolated life, portrayed poignantly in the film’s opening scenes, adds a depth that makes you feel for him, and that’s thanks to Robert Olsen’s direction.

It was essential for us to convey that this isn’t just a party stunt for him; rather, this is his reality. In the beginning of the film, we portray him living in a secluded area due to the unique circumstance where he doesn’t feel pain. While some might think, ‘Oh, not feeling pain, that’s neat!’ it’s actually far from ideal because an injury like a cut could cause you to lose a significant amount of blood without you even realizing it. As a result, he leads a somewhat isolated life early in the movie.

Initially set at the secluded location, the protagonist’s journey throughout the film serves to emphasize the contrast when he eventually goes out on a date with Sherry. This is because, for the first time ever, he encounters a real person who sparks genuine feelings within him. The movie “Novocaine” from Paramount Pictures will hit theaters on March 14th.

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2025-03-12 01:07