INTERVIEW: New thriller delves into phenomenon of ‘waking dreams’
Amariah Olson and Obin Olson, the filmmaking team behind Operator and Unknown Caller, are digging deep into psychology and gene regeneration in their least film, The Shadow Effect, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Cam Gigandet, Brit Shaw and Michael Biehn. The movie is now available on video on demand, digital HD and DVD.
The Shadow Effect tells the story of a doctor (Rhys Meyers) obsessed with gene regeneration and the psyche of his newest patient (Gigandet). This young man suffers from violent dreams that alter his perceived reality, and eventually the patient struggles to survive and save his family. For this young man, it’s difficult to tell what’s real and what’s a waking dream.
The script is the brainchild of Chad Law, Evan Law and Tony Feole.
“It began for us because we have a production pipeline in our studio,” Amariah Olson said recently in a phone interview. “We really liked the script. It had a lot of the elements that we were looking for. … It was interesting and had a lot of depth and layers, and the science-fiction angle we liked.”
The Olsons also brought in a scientist to help with some of the dialogue and to add some believability to the proceedings. Although the movie deals with fantastical parts, they were after authenticity when it came to the psychological elements. “I think that definitely helped sell some of it,” Amariah Olson said.
Rhys Meyers joined the production, the director said, because of a mutual acquaintance. The actor read the script and liked it enough to sign up for the project. “So I think we were kind of lucky with him coming on board,” Amariah Olson said. “I think he has a great intensity and intelligence and articulation that adds something extra special to that character.”
The film delves into some conspiracy theories about the government, science and gene regeneration. Amariah Olson said some of the theories “may or may not be real,” but it’s fun to have the audience question the plot and consider “this matrix that we live in and are controlled by.” The director hopes the narrative “sparks some questions in some people so they can seek answers.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Shadow Effect, directed by Amariah Olson and Obin Olson, is currently available on video on demand, digital HD and DVD. Click here for the trailer.
