In order to find suitable actors, Lewin met with many disabled actors, but he felt that these actors were not suitable for this role. Later, John Hawkes walked into Lewin's sight. To prepare for this role, Hacks read all the articles written by O'Brien, every poem, watched documentaries, and studied the script in depth. Hacks said: "These words are the true expressions of O'Brien. Whenever he writes about emotional places, he chokes and pauses. I think this is the best entry point to portray this character. Moreover, The director has also suffered from polio, and feels the same for his experience. I can appreciate this in the script, because the content written by the director is also full of emotions. Although there are elements of humor, these emotions But it won’t die because of this.” For the starring role of Hacks, Lewin said: “I originally wanted to find a disabled actor to play this role, but then I found out that a healthy actor played the disabled. More meaningful. Because in the process of acting, he will compare and contrast the two states of health and disability, so as to show a more level of performance."
The Sessions filming process
2022-01-06 08:02
Extended Reading
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Mark O'Brien: Why go to Germany? It's the only place in the world where humor is forbidden.
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Susan: Would you like me to visit you?
Mark O'Brien: Are you married?
Susan: No.
Mark O'Brien: Do you have a steady boyfriend?
Susan: No.
Mark O'Brien: Then please visit as often as you can.