Director Duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Return with Freaky Tales
Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are making a comeback with their latest project, Freaky Tales, marking a bold narrative shift for the acclaimed pair.
From Marvel Success to Personal Storytelling
After achieving astonishing success with Captain Marvel, which grossed over $1.1 billion in 2019, Boden and Fleck took a creative pause. Following this blockbuster, they directed several episodes of the FX miniseries Mrs. America, which aired in April 2020 amid the global pandemic. This unprecedented time allowed them to refocus on a long-desired project—Fleck’s childhood-driven narrative set in Oakland circa 1987.
Inspiration from Too $hort’s Music
The film’s title draws inspiration from the song “Freaky Tales”by the iconic Oakland rapper Too $hort, who plays a significant role in the film’s production and soundtrack. Bordern, while originally unfamiliar with Oakland’s hip-hop scene, came to appreciate Too $hort’s musical nuances, particularly his collaboration with the female rap duo Danger Zone in the song “Don’t Fight the Feeling.”
“These women [from Danger Zone] really take him down in the song. There was something inspiring about that, and it felt like there was more to this guy if he was willing to put this song on his album,” Boden shares with The Hollywood Reporter.
A Unique Narrative Structure
Freaky Tales unfolds as a four-chapter narrative with a diverse ensemble cast—including punk rockers, upcoming rappers, and more—intersecting in a backdrop of 1987 Oakland. The film adopts a non-linear storytelling style reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, blending moments of drama, humor, and intense action.
Challenges in Production
Despite the financial backing from their previous Marvel success, securing funding for Freaky Tales presented its unique challenges. Boden notes that the film’s unconventional format, featuring an ensemble cast and various narrative threads, complicated the process.
“No matter what, a movie as ambitious and unconventional as Freaky Tales is hard to get off the ground,” states Boden, highlighting the difficulty of shooting in the costly Bay Area.
Historical References and Cameos
In an interesting twist, Boden and Fleck incorporated a story shared by Tom Hanks during a guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live—his experience as a teenage vendor at Oakland Athletics games. Their collaboration with Hanks deepened when they developed his cameo role while working on the series Masters of the Air.
Future Directions for Boden and Fleck
While Freaky Tales contains some elements reminiscent of their superhero past, Boden and Fleck are now slated to explore new thematic territories. They express a desire to create more grounded character-driven stories in their upcoming projects.
“I just know what we’re thinking about next, which is definitely more of a grounded character piece,” says Boden.
A Nod to Oakland’s Culture
The film deliberately pays homage to Oakland’s roots, showcasing a variety of local characters, including a fictionalized representation of an event where a player from the Golden State Warriors takes on a superhero persona. Boden and Fleck have crafted Freaky Tales to portray the underdog spirit synonymous with the city and its history.
Too $hort’s Influence on the Film
Too $hort’s direct involvement was pivotal. From providing music to cameo appearances, his presence enriches the narrative. Fleck emphasizes that without Too $hort’s music, the film’s core would not exist.
Upcoming Projects and Trends
As the film industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, Boden and Fleck are committed to storytelling that reflects real emotional experiences, stepping away from the superhero genre for the near future. Their upcoming projects are set to maintain a more authentic and grounded narrative style.
Final Thoughts
This unique blend of cultural references, personal storytelling, and eclectic influences makes Freaky Tales an exciting release in cinema. The film opens in theaters on April 4, 2023, promising to deliver an engaging experience that resonates deeply with audiences.