Redefining Press Tours: A Unique Take on Life and Death
In today’s world, it has become increasingly common for actors to showcase their personalities during press tours through unconventional activities, such as indulging in spicy buffalo wings or navigating awkward dates at local eateries. Yet, one production takes this trend to an unexpected level: Grave Conversations. This innovative series is helmed by David Dastmalchian, an actor celebrated for his fascination with the darker aspects of life.
Exploring Weighty Themes in an Unlikely Setting
While it may be surprising to see actors like Kumail Nanjiani and Jack Quaid discussing profound topics such as mortality while reclining in a casket, this series encourages candid discussions rarely seen in mainstream media. Dastmalchian articulates his vision: “My dream is for the audience to have a bird’s eye view of watching two people, almost like two kids laying on a hill, staring at the clouds and just shooting the breeze.” This personal touch is rooted in Dastmalchian’s own experiences with loss, having recently lost both parents.
Balancing Humor and Heartbreak
Grave Conversations masterfully intertwines humor with poignant reflections. Viewers witness Nanjiani candidly share his emotions while visiting his grandparents’ graves, while the ever-animated Matthew Lillard speaks earnestly about his parents and in-laws growing older. Dastmalchian summarizes the show’s core message: “It’s the one thing we can all 100 percent guarantee is going to happen to each of us at some point, and it’s going to happen to every person we love. And it is sad… There’s also so much joy and beauty in that process.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8Y_Im9LcQ
A Season of Insightful Discussions
Now entering its second season, Grave Conversations is filmed in the San Fernando Valley. Dastmalchian invites friends and contacts to partake in these meaningful talks, with plans to extend invitations to new acquaintances in the future. The show has earned a sponsor, Titan Caskets, which supplies the caskets used in each episode, establishing a unique synergy between advertisement and content.
Crafted Conversations
Dastmalchian emphasizes the collaborative effort behind the show, relying on a skilled team of writers to help shape discussions. These writers possess a profound understanding of his voice and vision, contributing to the intentionality behind every episode. “There’s a lot of thought that goes into each of these, including how we set up the caskets, which urns we put on the little table in between them,” he explains.
A Surprising Impact
Known for his roles in significant films like The Dark Knight and The Suicide Squad, it was a pleasant surprise for Dastmalchian when a stranger approached him at the airport recently. Rather than inquiring about his extensive filmography, the individual expressed heartfelt gratitude for the impact of Grave Conversations. “She was so emotionally telling me how much Grave Conversations means to them, and I’m like, ‘That’s why we do this,'” he recalls.
For more insights and updates about this intriguing series, check out the full details on the Hollywood Reporter.