Exploring the Enchantment of “Death of a Unicorn”: A Conversation with Alex Scharfman
Director Alex Scharfman is riding a wave of excitement as he marks his feature film debut with “Death of a Unicorn,”an A24 production featuring actors Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. Having spent over 15 years crafting his skills as a producer and screenwriter, Scharfman’s journey to this point is a testament to his dedication and resilience in the film industry. The partnership with Rudd began when the actor, through a mutual manager, discovered Scharfman’s script titled “The Cats of Baxley,”which was under the purview of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Point Grey. This connection encouraged Scharfman to create “Death of a Unicorn”specifically for Rudd.
The Storyline Unveiled
“Death of a Unicorn”tells the unique tale of Elliot (Paul Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) as they venture to a remote mountain lodge owned by Elliot’s employer, who bears a resemblance to the notorious Sackler family. During their journey to the company retreat, the father-daughter duo has an unexpected encounter with a baby unicorn. The Leopolds, Elliot’s employers, soon discover the creature’s potential medical benefits, leading to the realization of a lucrative opportunity.
Jenna Ortega’s Timing
Scharfman’s timely casting of Ortega occurred just prior to the explosive success of her Netflix series “Wednesday.”He recalls, “We sent [Death of a Unicorn] to her the weekend before Wednesday premiered [in November 2022].” Scharfman was acutely aware of the significance of Ortega’s role in the film, acknowledging the challenges it posed and her remarkable performance in bringing the character to life.
The Influence of Robert Eggers
Throughout his career, Scharfman has refined his filmmaking skills while working under producer Lars Knudsen at Parts & Labor Films. This experience provided him with an inside look at the creative processes of directors like Robert Eggers during the making of “The Witch”and the development of “Nosferatu.”Scharfman credits Eggers’ meticulous research methods as a major influence on his own approach, emphasizing the importance of detailed world-building and lore in “Death of a Unicorn.”He aimed to create a modern monster movie that draws from classical unicorn mythology.
Timely Themes and Industry Insights
In an insightful discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Scharfman reflects on the film’s themes and shares his vision for its creative direction. He acknowledges the tension between greed and morality represented in the story and considers whether figures like Ridley can catalyze change. “There’s part of me that wants to be an optimist and say yes,”he muses, “but then there’s the reality we face with climate change and corruption.”
“If we are able to do anything like that, it has to be a generational shift.”
The Production Journey
In discussing the challenge of depicting unicorns on a limited budget, Scharfman highlights the essential role of cinematographer Larry Fong in visualizing the film’s mystical elements. Pre-planning through shot lists and storyboarding became crucial, considering the intricate visual effects required. “Larry was instrumental in the actual execution,”Scharfman states, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in achieving the film’s visual goals.
A Musical Element: John Carpenter’s Involvement
Originally, there were plans for John Carpenter to compose the score for “Death of a Unicorn,”a prospect that excited Scharfman, given Carpenter’s influence on his filmmaking style. However, as production progressed, it became clear that a different sound was necessary. “The movie was asking for a more organic sound and a varied soundscape,”Scharfman explains, ultimately leading to a score that captures Carpenter’s essence while fitting the film’s unique atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
“Death of a Unicorn”is now captivating audiences in theaters, inviting viewers to experience its blend of fantasy and commentary on societal issues. With this film, Scharfman hopes to spark discussions about greed, morality, and the potential for change.