James Frecheville Tells All to BRM: More on 'Animal Kingdom' Straight from the Star

We had the privilege of speaking with Australian actor James Frecheville, the amazing lead of Sundance favorite 'Animal Kingdom.' Read more on why you should get excited for this highly-anticipated film from the star himself...

BRM: How are you most similar and different to the character of J? What were your greatest challenges in channeling that character, and how did you get past them?

JF: I share virtually no similarities with J, totally opposite upbringing and living situations. The one parallel we did share was being thrust into a new environment as a fledgling, and being forced to adapt to new surroundings. I’d never been on a set before, so it was ‘baptism by fire’ for J and I. I don’t recall any major challenges of channeling the character, as I knew if I put in the work beforehand, then the results would appear when you shoot the scene.

BRM: What was your relationship with David Michôd like, and what did you learn from working under his direction?

JF: It was great. David was really kind and calm, and he was very good at subtly influencing everyone around him. A lot of the things I’ve learnt, I have trouble verbalizing, but I know that I did learn a lot. Conduct, work ethic, acting, directing etc. [The film] had attracted a caliber of people in the film industry that were all there for the same reason, to help make a potentially good film, a good film.

photo courtesy of imdb.com 

BRM: You narrate at the beginning of the film that the brothers were all scared. Their roles, in particular Ben Mendelsohn’s role, are most haunting because of the raw reality of that fear. Did that fear ever apply to Jacki Weaver’s character? She comes off as pure evil, and we can’t think of a moment when she really even seemed insecure.

JF: I think she’s riddled with insecurities, but she’s so adroit at hiding them, we’d never know if they existed. I think Jacki’s character is a product of her environment and lifestyle, that when she needs to make hard choices, she makes the most curt, brutal decision that is necessary. 

BRM: Why should people go see this film?

JF: It’s so multifaceted that you could watch it different times and get different things from it. Either certain aspects of the story, or performances, or even just to make you appreciate what your family is like a little more, and be glad you don’t have this one.

BRM: You have bypassed the buildup to a lead role with an established cast at an early age. Now what! What are your personal goals for the future? What types of roles would you most like to pursue?

JF: I’ve now got representation in LA, so I’m auditioning pretty frequently and some screenwriting. I’d like to pursue any type of role really, although I’m not interested in developing a distinct character that I keep playing over and over. So mostly acting and a bit of screenwriting.

Look out for upcoming work from Mr. Frecheville and don't miss 'Animal Kingdom.'