In this captivating interview, we delve into the making of the beloved film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, through the eyes of its talented cast. Sam Neill, an iconic actor, shares his experience portraying the iconic Hec Faulkner, a character deeply rooted in New Zealand's cultural fabric. Neill's connection to the role is personal, drawing from his own university days spent working with the archetypal 'Hec' figures of New Zealand's rural landscape.
The film, based on Barry Crump's novel Wild Pork and Watercress, is a comedic masterpiece brought to life by the visionary Taika Waititi. Neill's admiration for Waititi's previous work, particularly Boy, sets the tone for his enthusiastic involvement in Wilderpeople. The complexity of the film extends beyond its humor, thanks in part to the exceptional performance of Rima Te Wiata as Hec's wife, Bella. Te Wiata's portrayal adds a layer of emotional depth, transforming the film into a powerful exploration of grief and its impact on the characters.
One of the most memorable scenes, the Ricky Baker birthday song, was born out of necessity. The traditional Happy Birthday song being unavailable led to a creative solution, with Te Wiata, Waititi, and Neill collaborating to write a new song in just ten minutes. This moment highlights the improvisational nature of filmmaking and the potential for unexpected brilliance under pressure.
Neill also shares a humorous anecdote about working with a canine actor, Zag, who played Hec's hunting dog. The scene where Zag is wounded by a wild boar was a challenge, with Neill and the crew reacting to a pair of puppeteers operating a 'puppet pig.' Despite the challenges, the finished scene is intense, often requiring comfort for young viewers.
The film's impact is evident in the way it resonates with audiences. People often approach Neill, expressing their love for the film and the characters. This connection is a testament to the film's ability to touch hearts and leave a lasting impression. However, Neill also addresses a point of contention, clarifying that Julian Dennison, who played Ricky Baker, never stole the film from him. He emphasizes that the film belonged to Dennison from the start, a testament to the young actor's talent and the dynamic relationship he shared with Neill on set.
In a separate interview, Julian Dennison, the talented young actor who played Ricky Baker, shares his own perspective. Dennison's connection to the role is personal, drawing from his own experiences and observations of his community. He speaks fondly of his time working with Taika Waititi, whom he had previously collaborated with on an anti-drugs advert. The character of Ricky Baker, a broken kid stuck in a failing foster care system, resonated with Dennison's own life, as he had cousins and friends who embodied similar traits.
Dennison's initial impression of Sam Neill was one of curiosity, wondering if Neill would be 'lame' given the extensive scenes they would share together. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find Neill to be 'very young at heart,' almost like an older cousin. The two actors formed a strong bond, often feeling like they were both 12 years old, a testament to their on-screen chemistry.
Dennison's religious background also posed an interesting challenge, as he was not accustomed to swearing like his character, Ricky. He recalls questioning whether he was allowed to say certain lines, a reflection of his character's transformation throughout the film.
Rachel House, who played the child welfare officer and also served as Dennison's acting coach, taught him valuable techniques, such as recording his lines and listening to them the night before shooting. This practice, which Dennison still employs today, highlights the dedication and professionalism of the young actor. The film's pop-culture references, which Dennison didn't fully grasp during production, now add to his understanding of the bigger picture.
Waititi's openness to ideas is also highlighted, with Dennison recalling how suggestions often emerged during hot tub sessions with the cast. One such idea, which ended up in the film, was Dennison's suggestion to have Psycho Sam realize he hadn't dug the tunnel yet when opening the door to the underground bunker.
The film's production also involved collaboration with the Ngāti Rangi tribe, who were incredibly welcoming and helpful, as well as the army, who provided access to their training grounds. Dennison recalls the army's caution about potential mines, a humorous detail that added an element of danger to the film's production.
Both interviews offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, highlighting the personal connections and creative processes that brought this beloved film to life.
