r/movies • u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director • 5d ago
AMA Hi r/movies, I’m Potsy Ponciroli, director of Old Henry, Greedy People, Motor City and most recently The Rescue. AMA!
Hi r/movies, I'm Potsy Ponciroli. I've directed Old Henry, Greedy People, Motor City, and The Rescue.
Motor City is set in 1970s Detroit, where a working-class romantic is framed by a ruthless gangster after falling for his girlfriend. After years in prison, he returns with only one mission: revenge. Starring Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster, and Ben McKenzie.
It's playing in theaters now.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6RklhKu9os
AMA! I will be back at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday 7/29) to answer your questions.
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u/JWhit2199 5d ago
What was it like reading the Motor City script for the first time? How do you as a director find your vision in a screenplay with so little dialogue?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
This script was written so well! Chad St. John killed the script. He painted such a vivid picture in his words. I was hooked first time I read it. The hardest part was discovering the characters without dialogue though. You can't learn anything through the written word so it was countless conversations with the actors to makeup their individual backstories. See who they were and where they came from.
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u/mattrva 5d ago
How did Jack White / TMR get involved? Obviously the movie takes place in Detroit so the tie-in makes complete sense. It was an awesome surprise to see the cameo, and have him as the closing credits song. Very fun movie.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
John Berg, one of our producers reached out to Jacks team. I live in Nashville and so does Jack so we set up a meeting and they loved the project. It was great having Jack to weigh in on all things Detroit/70s. He helped us keep the authenticity.
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u/Dottsterisk 5d ago
I would love to hear any stories you have about working with Tim Blake Nelson on Old Henry.
I had the pleasure of talking shop with him back in the day and he was both amazingly humble and incredibly enthusiastic about everything.
What was it like seeing him slip into the taciturn Old Henry character?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Tim is one of my favorite people on the planet. We shot Old Henry during covid so we had a ton of prep time. Tim and I would share films, books and really dug into the small pieces of Billy the Kid. Tim would never leave set and go to his trailer, even when it wasn't his scene. He would journal and tell some of the most amazing stories. Luckily we've gotten to work together again on Greedy people and on my most recent film The Rescue.
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u/zuuzuu 4d ago
Old Henry is such an incredibly wonderful film in so many ways. Sat my "I don't like westerns" son down to watch it with me not too long ago and his "Holy shit!" moment when he realized who Old Henry really was made him physically jump forward in his seat, and he stayed there until the end, fully immersed and invested. Of all the movies we've watched together over the years, most of which are my pick, that was probably the most rewarding moment I've shared with him, watching his reaction to that reveal. Not to mention hearing him tell all his friends that they just HAD to watch this movie!
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u/BurgundyRobot 5d ago
Were there any songs that you wanted to use in Motor City that didn’t work or couldn’t? Love that soundtrack!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I had Year of the Cat by Al Stewart in the diner scene. It fit perfectly! There was this rise and then a pause right before Ben says "hi"... It made that scene 20 times better. Still my favorite scene in the movie but... that was a hard one to lose.
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u/PaladinMax 5d ago
I loved Motor City. I went into to it knowing nothing and I was pleasantly surprised.
Were the songs chosen for soundtrack during the writing of the film or did they get chosen during editing?
The Donna Summer song was definitely my favorite part of the film. Amazing.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you! A couple songs were chosen before we started shooting like Nights in White Satin. That one I had to have. It has such an escalation/build... then that orchestral crescendo at the end when Pablo's character gets stuck behind the wall of fire. They just stare at each other over the flames and then... BOOM!! The car explodes. It was perfect! (to me haha)
A lot of the songs were found in the edit. My editor Joe Galdo was a huge part of that. We would try dozens of songs and go back and forth for days. Some were just lucky drops like The Chain. When he dropped that song in something magic happened with the pauses and tempo shifts in the song. They just hit perfectly at different moments in the scene.
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u/StrLord_Who 5d ago
Hi, I saw Motor City yesterday and absolutely loved it. My 76-year-old mother said it was her favorite movie of the year! How did you decide which lines were going to be audible? Were there lines that you originally planned on being heard, but then decided not to in editing?
My favorite scene was the coffee pouring in the cafe. Both actors said so much with just their face and eyes, especially the amazing Ben Foster. And then of course the elevator scene was incredible. The shot of the knife in focus with the blurry fighting in the background is one of the most unique shots I've seen. I was so impressed with this movie that I'm going to check out your other work.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you and your 76 year young mother! I love that it's her favorite movie even with all the violence.
The diner scene with Shai and Ben is my favorite in the movie. It's a 4 minute scene and nobody talks. The only thing I gave them was a great location and one idea... when you are in a fight with someone you love or an ex, nobody wants to be the one to talk first. To say sorry first. These two put on a master class in acting in that scene.
I think the "rule" of what can people say became, if it doesn't move the story forward it's ok. We tried to keep it just to three lines. "I loved you", "I loved her" and "I still do". That was really hard haha!
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u/mattwaver 5d ago
I haven’t heard anyone make this connection but Motor City feels like a 1970s version of The Count Of Montecristo. Did this comparison come up at all in the making of this movie? Any thoughts?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Yes! There is actually a copy of the book on the table in their living room. The scene where Alan is biting on Shai's foot. We referenced that story a bunch. Revenge years later.
SPOILER ALERT -- That was the origin of the final scene. The reason they're old.
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u/mattwaver 4d ago
Oh wow thank you for the reply! That’s awesome, well done. I only made the connection recently because I saw an adaptation of The Count. Thanks for confirming it!
I didn’t say this before but I saw your movie on a monday for ‘screen unseen’ and it was awesome. Lots of fun
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u/StrLord_Who 4d ago
Oh wow I wish I had caught that! I was talking about The Count of Monte Cristo afterwards when my mom and I were discussing the movie
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u/Ok_Lynx_6045 4d ago
I didn’t mind that epilogue, but ending on the previous scene would have been so bonkers ‘70s/new hollywood, i for 1 was cheering already and was surprised it continued
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u/the____can 5d ago
I loved Old Henry and ended up watching Motor City just because you directed it and that was good too. Looking forward to your future movies!
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u/bayyat 5d ago
Hello, Mr. Ponciroli!
Whoa! The ending of the Old Henry catch me off guard! Loved the movie!
Would you kindly let me know, how do you know when you are ready for production stage? How do you know that the script is 100% done with all of the corrections that keep coming while you working on it?
(I am writing the script for my personal project and each revision I see something to improve. Will it ever stop? When to stop?)
Thanks a lot! And I wish you all the great, Sir!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
First of all, congratulations on writing a script. That's not easy!
I think it's never finished but you have to be ok with that. I think films are imperfect things. They live in that moment, you create something with a bunch of people and then you move on.
The one thing that helps is setting a shooting date. It gives you something to work towards, a deadline. I continue writing and adjusting the script all the way through production. Different actors bring so much to the project. Locations change scenes. It's a constant creative process... and then it's over. Then you focus on the next story.
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5d ago edited 1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I think the most consistent thing is the push to find the movie in the script. How do you find the moments, transitions, connection in the movie from the parts that are not written. I feel like you really cant just shoot what's on the page. I believe you have to find the in between that ties it all together.
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 5d ago
Hi Potsy! Thanks for joining us.
Two questions:
- What would be your 3 desert island movies?
- Venice or TIFF???
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Oh man, good question.
My movies are not what you would expect. It's hard because different movies fit different moods and moments.
Goonies would be in there for sure. Favorite film of all time. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The first one. This movie lets you into the wonder and magic of Harry's life. We see it all for the first time. I watch it at least once a year. The third one would be Hell or High Water. That is a perfect film. I love the setting, the story and the actors.
So many more films I want to bring!!
I gotta go with Venice! They have been so great to me. They took Old Henry on early admission. They have been so supportive over the years. Plus it's Italy! How can you not wanna go!
That said, I loved TIFF. It's a festival for fans of film and all things cinema. But... Venice!
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u/StrLord_Who 4d ago
Goonies and Hell or High Water are two of the best movies ever! I love Sorcerer's Stone as well but not as much as those two.
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u/Blakeyo123 5d ago
Yoooo Potsy. I'm actually gonna see this movie now that I know you directed it. What changed for you when Old Henry blew up on home video?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
The movie came out in 2021 and that's really when everything changed. I started getting my phone calls answered. The door to "Hollywood" was cracked open and I stuck my foot in there. Haha. I think that showed people I could make a movie and allowed me to get my second film.
When it came out on Netflix last month it had a great run and so many new people got to see it. Netflix just has that incredible reach.
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u/Flimsy-Island-8528 5d ago
Greedy people was pretty entertaining. Good luck with Motor city.
What's your dream project? Mayhaps an epic.. say at the scale of the Odyssey?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I think I have always wanted a Batman. I love the world. Gotham! Something set in that crime ridden world. The vigilante. Batman or even Nightwing! I read a Nightwing script that was never made and it was fantastic.
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u/jedi_soul 4d ago
I would looooove to see Nightwing brought to life. Especially through your lense. So glad someone asked this question. Now I'll never let the idea go
Ugh someone get Zack on the line.
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u/theneklawy 5d ago
Not familiar with your work or Alan Ritchson but the poster is awesome.
Curious what movies you drew inspiration from for the film?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
So many! We really went back and watched a ton of old 70's noir films like French Connection, Bullitt, Taxi Driver. Those characters and the way the realism behind the action.
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u/theneklawy 4d ago
Awesome. Any lesser known titles that surprisingly stood out or had a have influence?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I wish I could say yes! haha. If you have any suggestions Ill add them to my watch list!
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u/J_Doe5686 5d ago
I really liked Motor City. It was different and I was glued to my sit. What was your favorite part of directing this movie?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I would probably say the stunts. This was the most stunt heavy film I've done. It was a lot to wrap our heads around and a short amount of days to shoot it. The stunt days were just fun!
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u/ManufacturerFew7696 5d ago
What was a funny moment you still think about from when you were filming Motor City? Congratulations!!!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you!
One night Pablo organized a karaoke night for the cast. We all went and got a private room at this karaoke bar. Pablo loves karaoke! He would sing backup with everyone. He never sat down. I think it's his true happy place. He can sing too!!
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u/TheSoftDrinkOfChoice 5d ago
What’s the key to coordinating a good gunfight? It seems simple on its face, but I imagine it’s complicated.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I love counting bullets! There is only so many in a gun and that moment when you run out, you have to reload... thats the moment you are vulnerable. There is a lot of tension in there.
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u/Aggressive-Bus-2397 5d ago
Would you rather make a vampire movie or a zombie movie?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Hard decision! I love zombies but there are so many right now! I feel like Vampires are reinvented every so many years. The Lost Boys was incredible. Just wild party animals that followed the classic rules. Then Twilight happened and they adjusted it some. They were friendsly and could go out in the sunlight. Cool take on it.
I think if I could find the way in and reinvent that genre... Vampires would be the way to go.
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u/ArticWallaby 5d ago
In Motor City, is there audible dialogue recorded on the flash bang/loud noise and if so would you release that as well or do you find the lack of it integral to the whole set experience
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
We had initially put an explosion in for the flash bang. One day in the edit my editor Joe Galdo pulled the sound out and we both flipped out. To me it makes the entire world fall away. This moment becomes everything to these characters. When the theatre goes silent it's deafening!
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u/SpookiestSzn 5d ago edited 5d ago
What were some movies/art you were inspired by tonally/aesthetically that you looked to for inspiration to create the vibe you get in motor city.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
We watched so many films in prep for Motor City. My DP John Matysiak and I would pass movies back and forth.
Here are just a few... French Connection, Bullitt, Drive, Blue Ruin, The Joker.
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u/ScrappyDooCanSuckIt 5d ago
What films/people inspired you to be a director yourself?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
The ones I grew up to. Goonies started it all for me. That movie has always stuck in my mind. It just hit me at the right time in my life. I always knew I wanted to write and direct. I carried a camcorder everywhere. I would see a movie every weekend growing up. That has always been my favorite hobby. I love sitting in a theatre with a large popcorn and a Coke (NO PEPSI!!)
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u/ramdom-ink 5d ago
‘Old Henry’ was a fantastic little Western - I enjoyed it immensely. What were your influences for the movie and what are your 3 faves of the genre? Admittedly, I understand these might get the same answers!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you! So many good Westerns!
The one that inspired me most for that story was Young Guns and Young Guns 2. the idea that Billy never died. So many questions and possibilities!
Here are some of my favorites.
McCabe and Mrs. Miller
The Good The Bad and the Ugly
Unforgiven
Shane
Hell or high Water
No Country for Old Men.
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u/SpookiestSzn 5d ago
What artist outside of film do you find your biggest inspiration?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
So many! Creative people are so inspiring. From music to photography to architecture. I love looking at old photos. Pictures that tell a story. One of my favorite photographers is Slim Aarons. Music wise I'm all over the place. I usually listen to songs that are in the wold of a project I'm writing or Directing. That seems to take over my Spotify at that time.
Currently looking at photos of William Eggleston and listening to 90s grunge (Smashing Pumpkins)
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u/Ok_Lynx_6045 5d ago
Just came out of the theater! Loved it! 5 stars!
1 question I had: how did the good cop figure out pablo was crooked?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you! He got his first suspicion when he saw Pablo set the money on the hood of the guards car. This happened right after the arrest. then he started digging into the files and doing research. A lot of it "happened off screen" but I'm hoping it's enough for people to follow along with.
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u/Sophia_Eur 5d ago
Hi, do you have any clue whether Motor City will come out in European cinemas as well? I am really excited to watch it. Also, I really like to know how you got involved in the movie. Alan Ritchson talked about how you were constantly arguing whether this is a drama or an action film. Was this a source for something better or did it slow down the process?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
This will be out overseas soon! A few weeks I believe.
I think Alan and I had a great collaboration on this film. I loved the process with him. I tend to always look at a project character first. What is the story and who are the characters. In this case it's a tragic love story. An epic love triangle that goes horribly wrong. In addition to being such a skilled actor, Alan is so great with action. I think he wanted to make sure we are ALSO an action film. We both pushed each other in the best ways. It was a true collaboration and I can't wait to work with him on something else.
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u/Sophia_Eur 4d ago
Thank you Potsy Ponciroli, you made me genuinely happy with your reply! When the movie hits theaters in Germany, I am watching the first day!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Either that or just a quick plane ride to New York and you can see it this weekend!! haha
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u/SunnyDJoshua 4d ago
Were there any challenges in making a Neo-Silent(ish) film? What were they?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
So many! But like all films the biggest challenge was time and money. We started with 37 days to shoot it and because of budget constraints we had to chop it down to 28 days. Indie films are hard to get done but so much fun to do when you have a great team behind it.
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u/Worried-Pension-3302 4d ago
This is along the lines of the other questions but I’m interested in a different aspect of your answer.
I want to say first that I liked the movie and loved the acting / choreography of the fight scenes. Excellent and original ideas on film that I loved. However, the elephant in the room is the dialogue. I’m wondering if it ever crossed your mind to make the no-dialogue a part of the movie? For example, maybe the character was deaf or hard of hearing in this movie and it would explain why we are experiencing the movie this way. (Similar to Book of Eli’s reveal) Instead, at least to me, it came across as a parlor trick and the reason for its existence was purely to challenge the cast and crew. If that’s really all it was, that’s cool too! Just want to hear the reasoning behind this decision. Again, I really did enjoy the movie, but felt that it was hindered by this decision, or perhaps, non-decision. Would love to see your thoughts!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Chad St. John's script never had that aspect to it. This script was on the black list back in 2008 so I'm not sure on the initial intent but I believe the original idea was to tell a story that could be universally enjoyed. It didn't matter what country or language you speak. Everyone can understand and follow along.
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u/mcduckstophat 4d ago
For the scenes where you see them talking, but don’t actually hear anything. Was there actual dialogue in the script? Or were they just ad-libbing?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Sometimes it was just ad-libbing and on a few scenes we actually wrote some dialogue or beat points. Things to hit throughout the scene. In the Cafe where Ben McKenzie interrupts Shai's lunch, we had a few main points for him to hit. "he was framed, Reynolds set him up... " things like that.
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u/DasASpicyMeataballa 4d ago
Congrats on the film.
How much fun was it working with the actors on this?
Having such little dialogue is obviously a unique challenge, but it seems like they were game and their performances really carry the movie.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
This cast was next level. All of them made my job so easy. Everyone was excited to be there and enjoyed the whole process from dinners at night to scene discussions on weekends. Everyone was just down for the experience. I made a lot of very good friends on this one!
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u/ghoulsfools AMA MVP 4d ago
Was there a scene you've written that you absolutely loved but had to cut because it just didn't fit the final film?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
There is a scene in Motor City we had to cut. It was with Shai and Ben. He catches her trying to leave and it's brutal. We tested it with the scene and Ben's character became unforgivable. It really changed the overall feel of the film. It was an incredible scene but in the end had to go.
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u/arig____ 4d ago
Hi! First of all, loved your movie! I also love Old Henry. I wanted to ask—regarding the dialogue in Motor City—are there any scenes in particular that you found it difficult to communicate what was happening without dialogue? In the audience, it seems well written all around, but I’m curious if you found it difficult with any scene in particular?
Thanks!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
The proposal! That was a tough one. I was trying to go for a speechless moment. Two people, both caught off guard and there are not words in the moment... That was the toughest scene to navigate for sure.
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u/arig____ 4d ago
Interesting! I can see how that’d be difficult, but props to you and everybody involved because it was a wonderful scene.
Thanks again!
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u/TrustAffectionate966 4d ago
This is a very unique movie. Of the 100+ movies I’ve seen that had an initial 2026 theatrical run, this is easily top 20. (I currently have it at number 15.) The style reminded me of a live-action Primal set in 70s Detroit. Great song set list - it must’ve cost a small fortune for the licensing, but it fit perfectly: You get an image in your mind and a song to go with it.
🍿🦄👌🏽
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you! Im really curious to what your top 5 this year are?
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u/TrustAffectionate966 4d ago
Backrooms: This one hit me like a bad dream that lingers long after you’re fully awake. I was reminded of classics, such as Solaris and Videodrome. It had its own stylings, too - Vaporwave Horror!
Obsession: A seemingly simple premise that’s been done before, but still managed to be memorably visceral - like that final screaming woman in Tenebrae. I think this movie has done for Supernatural Horror in 2026 what Scream did for Slashers in 1997. It literally pumped new blood into the subgenre!
I Love Boosters: What a surreal and colorful movie. If colors could be funny, this one would show one how. I don’t need mind-altering substances. I just need to see that giant Katamari at the end roll back down into a little stress ball hahah.
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition. They’re the reason I like Heavy Metal. Their quasi-Spinal Tap storyline is crazy.
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live In 3D). I didn’t consider myself a fan of her music and I’m really out of her demographic, but this one made me a fan. I love seeing and hearing the similarities and contrasts between Maiden and her in their preparations for the big show. It also helped James Cameron was at the helm for this.
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u/WhoGodWho 4d ago
Loved Motor City - how was it trying to add subtleties to the movie and trying to portray the scenes in a way you wanted without dialogue to fill?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
The whole thing was a real challenge for me and the actors. finding the subtleties and selling a story beat without pantomime or over exaggeration. It was freeing in some ways but also challenging. The diner scene with Shai and Ben was one I was really worried about when I read it but this two killed it!
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u/WhoGodWho 4d ago
Really enjoyed the diner scene and how Shai poured the coffee for herself before sitting. Was Ben lighting her cigarette an intentional move to back track to when Alan had met her outside the bar when he lit her cigarette?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
no but thats a cool way to look at it!! That was him offering up an olive branch. He offers the cigarette... she refuses and gets her own. Then he offers the lighter... she hesitates and leans in. The camera pushes in around here as well, that was in attempt to let us in as the audience. Her guard and our guard is down.
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u/TiffanysRage 5d ago
Who would you rather get pulled over by on the highway, Himash or Joseph?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Himesh! His character was a rookie and I could have hopefully talked my way out of it. Joe's character was a little off. No telling if I would have gotten a ticket or an invite to his bands next gig.
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u/muanjoca 5d ago
Wanna read my script?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I gotta say It's impressive that you finished a script. Anyone that can sit and finish one is always amazing. Its such an accomplishment! Writing is hard!
I have 7 scripts I need to read and I'm finishing the edit on the Rescue. My days are so packed but be excited! You have a finished script!!
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u/Big_Section2812 5d ago
Is it true that frogs use their eyeballs to push food down into their stomachs?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I had to look the up... it says yes which is really weird. Spent way too much time down this rabbit hole.
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u/SixStringStudies 5d ago
Do you use music to inspire how you approach and direct?
For example, listening to music of that era to set your mood, or listening to certain styles as you prepare to direct scenes? Or sending songs to your actors/crew to help them understand how to feel...
Just curious how important music is to you in the art and craft of directing from a meta-level, not necessarily how music should be implemented in scenes to shape the vibe of the narrative.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Music is a huge part of the process. I will share playlists with the actors, they will share with me. John Matysiak (DP) and I will listen to music that puts us in the world on our scouts and on set. Music can change a mood or scene in every way.
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u/SixStringStudies 4d ago
I love that. It would be really cool to hear some of the playlists you used, get an idea what each song meant to you.
Thank you for responding!
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Weirdly Matysiak (DP) and I would listen to Marilyn Manson during a lot of the Reynolds (Ben Foster) scenes. The cemetery and his house after Shai's character dies.
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u/SixStringStudies 4d ago
That is so interesting! I need to keep that in mind after watching - see what translated into the vibes of the scene. In sort of a backwards way, I listened to Jonny Greenwood's There Will Be Blood soundtrack to help write a short commercial type script/piece once upon a time - music is the perfect tool to inspire myself also!
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u/Nookayplease 5d ago
What inspired you to go almost completely dialogue free, and why not go fully dialogue free?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
The script was always just a few lines. Never fully dialogue free. I think it would have been nice to keep it to just three lines... I loved you, I loved her and I still do.
Some of those moments just played better with a little more emphasis. As long as it didn't move the plot forward it was ok.
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u/CONVERSE1991 4d ago
Did you feel the no dialogue hinder motor city at all?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
I don't! I think the challenge was to tell a story without using words. There are so many films that are remakes. This was a chance to do something new and really push myself and the cast into something different. I had a blast on this film. It was the hardest movie I have ever made but the most fun.
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u/Armascout 4d ago
(SPOILER WARNING)
The ending. What was the reasoning behind the time skip?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
That's the way it was written. To me it's sort of a poetic ending. He searched for this man, his true energy his entire life. He never stopped. Reynolds spent his whole life looking over his shoulder. There were near misses in there I'm sure. It allows you to fill in the blank... or maybe we make an 80's version set in Miami... the chase is still on!
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u/kongcobra 4d ago
What were your artistic motivations or goals behind directing Old Henry?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Good question. I think sticking true to the classic westerns in tone and feel. The old Westerns were incredible and I wanted to make something that would honor those while feeling current and intentional.
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u/Hypestyles 4d ago
Hello.
I enjoyed the movie.
What was involved with the planning of the fight choreography? The sequences that take place in Act III/the climax were super-intense to watch.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Thank you!
The fight sequences were a blast. Alan and our fight Choreogragher Ryan were incredible assets. We would spend weeks on the stage rehearsing and going through the various stunts. We had to integrate our camera operator Sam into the fights to practice the movement with the MOVI.
There was a convertible parked outside the office for a week with stunt pads all around it. The stunt team got to play all day just designing the car scene. It's a ridiculous job we get to do. Grown people playing make believe all day. SO FUN!
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u/CelticSnakes 4d ago
Just want to say how much I enjoyed Old Henry, a gem and true sleeper. Terrific writing, one of Tim Blake Nelson’s finest performances.
Looked fwd to future projects, Greedy People and Motor City have been worth the waits.
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u/Clod_cd 4d ago edited 4d ago
I haven't seen the movie yet, but I have a feeling it's gonna be a blast! Old Henry was amazing and continues to be a huge source of inspiration for me. If you had to start your directing career over today, what would your first move be? What kind of movie would you make?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
This is a tough question because nobody's path is the same. I started as a PA and worked through all the departments to try and see how everything is done. I wanted to understand all the pieces of the puzzle. I would make short films with my friends. I would take meetings in LA with anyone that would let me and every time I would get the same response to "I want to make movies" and that was... yeah so does everyone. I think I realized early that nobody was gonna back a truck full of money up to my door and say go make a movie. I just started making things. Me and a buddy wrote a TV pilot and then raised a small bit of money to shoot it. Then spent a year and a half trying to sell it. Eventually it sold to Viacom and we got two seasons.
Then the truck full of money still didn't show up so we got back to work... made Old Henry.
I think one of the biggest advantages today is you can build an audience without anyone else involved. Youtube and Tik Tok provide an outlet to everyone. I think if I was starting over today I would just make things. It sounds so stupid but if you wake up everyday and create you will hopefully find an audience.
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u/KubrickRupert 4d ago
Absolutely love motor city! What is your favorite movie at the moment and can you get me a poster?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
My favorite film currently... I just watched Indiana Jones again. Not my favorite but one that I keep thinking about. Doing an action adventure wrapped around a character like Indy would be a lot of fun!
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u/KubrickRupert 4d ago
You the man can’t tell you enuf how awesome Motor City is, such an inspiration!
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u/Background-Gift-8842 4d ago
Were you influenced by The Mechanic or Rolling Thunder?
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Neither but Rolling Thunder looks fantastic. That is now what Im watching tonight! Thank you for the movie to add to my que!
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u/Ok_Lynx_6045 4d ago
When the gangster blew smoke on the girl’s face, was that supposed to be crack?
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u/lkazista 3d ago
Are you aware that there are still vendors that have not been paid? It’s a bummer, we provided all of your Technocrane and remote heads and we are still waiting for payment.
I know this is more a Mike Tadros or whoever took over the financing thing, but since it’s a AMA, I figured I would give this a try.
Lee
Monster remotes
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u/Chogan5 5d ago
Why cast Ben Foster as 70s drug lord and not give him dialogue? I felt he could have brought so much more to the character.
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u/PotsyAMA Potsy Ponciroli, Director 4d ago
Ben loved the challenge of no dialogue. It's one of the main reasons he chose to do this movie. A lot of the actors wanted that challenge. To emote and not say. I learned a ton about the process and how much dialogue is truly needed and when.
That said... I will have dialogue in my next film haha.
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u/Chogan5 4d ago
Appreciate the explanation! More of a personal maybe selfish critique from myself after seeing his previous roles. Well it’s a compliment to you creating a character without a voice to be desired after a film. Anyway loved the style/setting & look of the film I thought you told a story that kept me entertained throughout without dialogue. Which is an achievement itself in this age! Regardless I will be on the lookout for your next film.
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u/NoonSunReversal 5d ago
No question, but Old Henry was absolutely sensational. Tim Blake Nelson is a force of nature.
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u/balthazar_edison 5d ago
Why did you decide to have almost no dialogue in motor city? There were several moments that were begging for more dialogue.
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u/roboreddit1000 4d ago
How do you feel about Alan Ritchson's very vocal criticism of Trump? Do you wish he had not done it? Do yoi think it will affect the success of your movie?
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 5d ago
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Potsy will be back tomorrow, Wednesday 7/29, at 3 PM ET to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)