"Take Shelter" Q&A With Jeff Nichols

by thelostboy
January 27, 2011 1:20 AM
0 Comments

Definitely one of the frontrunners for the U.S. Dramatic Competition, Jeff Nichols' "Take Shelter" had its second screening in Park City last night and continued to win over audience members. Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics just prior to the fest, Nichols' psychological drama depicts Curtis, a thirtysomething family man who encounters a sudden struggle with mental illness. Starring Michael Shannon (who also starred in Nichols' previous film, "Shotgun Stories") as Curtis and Jessica Chastain (likely one of 2011's big breakouts between this and "The Tree of Life) as his wife, "Shelter" is a haunting and tense portrait of a family unravelling.

"I think there is a general sense of anxiety and stress out in the world," Nichols said upon introducing the film. "And I think it's palpable. I wanted to make a film that touched that. However, I do think the film has a possible answer to that stress and that anxiety. My one hope is that answer somewhat translates for you guys tonight."

Judging from an enthusiastic round of applause afterwards, it's likely that was often the case. Watch the full Q&A from the screening below. The last question revolves around the ending of the film (though doesn't necessarily spoil it), so do stop watching at that point.