After experiencing the unique blend of humor and horror in Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s indie film Villains from 2019, it’s easy to see why the duo might steer clear of traditional action genres. Their previous work featured a quirky romance woven through comic thrills, compelling them to approach their latest project, Novocaine, with a similar blend of tonal diversity. Drawing inspiration from Lars Jacobson’s initial script, Berk and Olsen transformed a straightforward narrative into a gripping action-comedy that embraces heartfelt moments amidst the chaos.
In Novocaine, Jack Quaid portrays Nathan Caine, an assistant bank manager with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP). His condition results in an isolated existence that changes when he receives attention from his long-time crush, Sherry, played by Amber Midthunder. Berk and Olsen aimed to ensure the audience felt deeply invested in Nate’s narrative, injecting approximately 25 minutes of romantic comedy into the storyline. This setup culminates in a thrilling rescue mission as Nate attempts to save Sherry from bank robbers who take her hostage.
Despite some pushback from producers concerned about attention spans, Berk and Olsen stood firm in their creative vision. Olsen mentions, “There were certainly voices saying, ‘Hey, can we tighten this up?’ We always encouraged them to trust the audience, emphasizing this isn’t just your typical streaming film.” Their journey sought to evoke a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of action films from the past that took their time developing characters.
Berk adds that the evolving nature of content consumption plays a role in shaping viewer expectations. “We recognize that consumption habits have changed immensely with platforms like TikTok gaining prominence, leaving executives feeling anxious. However, sacrificing character development for quicker action isn’t the solution to gaining market share.”
In a recent interview, Maika Monroe discussed her near exit from the entertainment industry following the exhausting production of seven films. However, her collaboration with Berk and Olsen on Villains reignited her passion for acting. She now enjoys a resurgence in her career akin to the momentum generated by her breakout roles in The Guest and It Follows.
“We were humbled to hear this, especially in an industry that’s notoriously harsh. The validation from Maika meant a lot to us,” Olsen reflects. “We strive to foster an enjoyable and inclusive work environment.” Monroe’s experience is a testament to their commitment to creating a positive atmosphere on set.
Berk and Olsen delved into the unintended significance of Quaid’s climactic confrontation with Ray Nicholson’s character, Simon. In their discussion, they shared insights into their fruitful partnership, which has generated five successful films.
Creating a Dynamic Collaboration
ROBERT OLSEN: “Our journey began as randomly assigned roommates at NYU. From friendship to forming our production company, we traversed the landscape of short films, music videos, and corporate content before embarking on our feature-length ventures.”
DAN BERK: “A micro-budget film called Body marked our directorial debut, paving the way for subsequent projects, including Villains. It was a significant turning point that pushed us toward bigger opportunities in Hollywood.”
In discussing their progress, they candidly reflected on the pivot to mainstream filmmaking. “Villains changed everything for us, enabling our move to Los Angeles,” Berk notes. However, the onset of COVID-19 shifted their trajectory, leading to the creation of their next film, Significant Other.
A Unique Directing Approach
Berk and Olsen considered the potential of adopting a collective moniker similar to other successful duos in filmmaking but quickly dismissed the idea. “We’ve never workshopped a directing name; it simply doesn’t fit our style,” Berk states. “We’re more about the individual dynamic rather than conforming to a trend.”
Regarding their adaptation of Jacobson’s script for Novocaine, Olsen explains how they sought to inject humor into the storyline, particularly through Caine’s ability to endure pain without reaction. “We envisioned playful scenarios like a booby-trap house, where the character’s peculiar situation serves as a comedic element.” Their bold revisions were welcomed, leading to exciting prospects for Quaid’s involvement, which significantly elevated the script.
Balancing Humor and Violence
Berk elaborates on the film’s balance of absurd violence and comedy, aligning with scenes that juxtapose brutality with lighthearted moments. This fusion creates a distinct viewing experience, one absent in typical action films. “The comedic nature softens violent scenes while still showing the reality of Caine’s condition,” he asserts.
The choice to pursue an R-rating further reflects their commitment to authentic storytelling. “We knew from the outset that our vision included intense sequences, allowing us to illustrate the gravity of Caine’s situation,” Berk states. This approach effectively engaged viewers who might otherwise shy away from graphic content, embracing the artistic freedom afforded by the film’s unique blend.
Character Development as the Core
Central to the narrative is the relationship between Nate and Sherry, grounded in a shared 25-minute buildup that captivates the audience’s emotions. Berk notes, “If the audience doesn’t believe Nate would risk everything to save Sherry, then the film collapses.” Achieving authentic chemistry between Quaid and Midthunder during rehearsals proved instrumental in solidifying their connection on-screen.
The directors underscored the importance of having ample character introduction before diving into high-stakes action. “We wanted to create a story that resonates long after viewing, and skipping character development would diminish that investment,” Olsen remarks, asserting that many classic films successfully took their time in establishing emotional stakes.
“Today’s audiences deserve depth in storytelling, and while studios often push for immediate action, we believe that well-developed characters enhance viewer engagement,” Berk adds, drawing parallels to the pacing of successful films from the past.
Future Aspirations
As the conversation wound down, Berk and Olsen reflected on their desire to continue evolving as filmmakers. “We would absolutely love to create a sequel to Novocaine,” Olsen expresses. “Collaborating with our team for another installment would be exciting.” They are also keen on tackling a variety of projects, including globe-trotting adventures reminiscent of classics like Indiana Jones and National Treasure.
In conclusion, Novocaine is now screening in theaters nationwide, blending humor and action while exploring the depths of character development. Berk and Olsen’s commitment to authenticity and audience engagement sets a precedent in modern filmmaking.