As a film enthusiast who has had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Himesh Patel’s career, I can confidently say that his journey has been nothing short of captivating. From his breakout role in “Yesterday” to his latest project, “Greedy People,” it’s clear that he is not just a talented actor but also a versatile one.
Himesh Patel openly expressed that the opportunity to collaborate alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lily James was a major factor in his decision to appear in Potsy Ponciroli’s newest comedy thriller, making it an attractive proposition for him.
As for me, I’ve been teaming up with James quite a bit lately, and we’re starting to get pretty good at it. We’re the newcomers in “Greedy People,” hitting theaters this Friday in the U.S., where we share the screen with some heavy-hitters like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Uzo Aduba, Tim Blake Nelson, Traci Lords, Joey Lauren Adams, Simon Rex, and Jim Gaffigan. We’re all new parents in town, adding to the star-studded cast of this movie.
In a quiet coastal town, Patel’s character, named Will, starts his job as a police officer. However, things quickly get complicated when he finds himself entangled in an unintentional murder case and the unearthing of a million dollars. As a chain of poor judgments unfolds, everyone involved must grapple with the consequences.
In their new work, Will’s partner, Terry (portrayed by Gordon-Levitt), is rather annoying. On his first day, instead of easing tensions, he seems to intensify them. However, the hilarious banter and camaraderie between them is a joy to behold as friendship quickly spirals into turmoil; it’s evident that their connection was formed off-set.
According to Patel, when actors become film stars, they can often show great generosity, but it’s usually part of a larger display of their ego. In contrast, Gordon-Levitt is genuinely generous and collaborative. He pays close attention to everything happening on set, understands the overall situation, and is fully committed to his role. Additionally, he has an unique role in this project which I had not seen him do before, making it a thrill to work with someone I admire, especially as he was taking on something completely different.
In the movie set on the imaginary island of Providence, both actors mastered the distinctive southern accent needed for their roles. However, Dev Patel, being British, received some assistance from his American co-star, Gordon-Levitt. Patel shared, “There were instances where I struggled a bit with the accent. [Gordon-Levitt] would say, ‘I don’t believe we’d phrase it that way. We’d say it like this.’ Having him guide me was invaluable and showed his dedication to helping me deliver my best performance.”
After completing their work together on the musical comedy film “Yesterday” (2019) directed by Boyle, where the question posed was ‘What if The Beatles never existed?’, Patel shared that he and his co-star James had a good rapport. He expressed that their relationship is natural and based on trust, which seems to have an unspoken dynamic between them that neither has ever analyzed but seemed to work. In a joking manner, he suggested they should do a third film together to complete their ‘trilogy’, implying either it will happen soon or when they are both in their 80s.
Michael Vukadinovich’s work, “Greedy People,” demonstrates that independent films can achieve greatness with a compelling script and skilled actors, potentially challenging the belief that only big-budget productions lead to successful films. As Patel suggests, it could serve as an example of this idea, though its true impact will be determined upon release. The initial reaction to the trailer has been encouraging, indicating that audiences are eager for movies like this one and want more films of its kind available. Access to such films, Patel notes, has always been desired; it’s just that now, it’s becoming increasingly possible.
According to Patel, he’s yet to confirm a U.K. release date for the movie. He expressed his happiness about its release in the U.S., adding that many similar films have been skipping theaters and going directly to streaming services instead. (Later, it was confirmed that the film would be released on September 23 in the U.K.)
In an ideal scenario, the actor would secure a worldwide premiere. He explains, “It’s beneficial for them to have a wide theatrical release, as this gives them a chance to compete in that domain.” Using examples such as “Greedy People“, he elaborates, “Often, blockbusters dominate the cinema landscape because they are the ones with enough clout to maintain their presence in cinemas. However, I hope things are evolving. The situation fluctuates, but I remain optimistic.”
The movie is so intricately crafted that it leaves you questioning who’s responsible for the unfolding events – each character’s imperfections play a role in shaping the overall narrative. For Dev Patel, what captivated him most about the script was its resemblance to many of the Coen brothers’ works, and having Tim Blake Nelson, a long-time collaborator of the Coens (as seen in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), seal the deal. The film has several similarities to their other productions, where you finish watching and find yourself asking, “Wait, what just happened?”
For Patel, there’s a variety of intriguing projects lined up. One of these includes “The Franchise,” an HBO comedy created by Armando Iannucci (of “Veep” fame) and directed by Sam Mendes. In this production, Patel plays the role of Daniel, depicting the challenges a film crew faces while making a superhero movie. On the other hand, “The Assessment,” an upcoming sci-fi thriller from Fleur Fortuné, is also in the works. This film boasts an impressive cast that includes Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander, and Minnie Driver, and it’s set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Patel finds variation essential in his work, yet mapping out a career path for the upcoming years proves challenging, he admits. Speaking with THR, he expresses his view that it’s particularly difficult for an actor of color to plan their journey, saying, “It’s not as straightforward as just stating ‘Here are my goals and these are the steps I’ll take to achieve them.'”
As further accomplishments are expected from this star who boasts an impressive track record, the outlook appears promising and he remains open to all possibilities. He expresses his desire for his next project to be distinctly different from previous ones, whether it’s with a seasoned writer and director or someone relatively new. As long as there’s a clear vision and he appreciates the script, he is adaptable.
Starting next month, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be immersing myself in a captivating new film titled “Greedy People,” produced by Limelight, Boies Schiller Entertainment, and Hideout Pictures. In the U.S., you can catch it on the big screen from August 23rd, while UK audiences will have to wait until September 23rd for their turn! Can’t wait!
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2024-08-23 15:55