"I asked him for only one thing: not to break my nose"
The revenge thriller "Motor City" takes viewers back to the 70s with stylized violence, a hit-filled soundtrack, and an almost complete absence of dialogue. Stars Shailene Woodley and Ben Foster discuss the violent scenes, working in silence, and why music was their most important tool on set.
For the attention of Quentin Tarantino: not far from your residence in northern Tel Aviv, a new film is being released that is tailored for you: "Motor City". Unlike your works, the film is almost devoid of dialogue, but it is a revenge thriller full of stylized violence, a delightful soundtrack, and a love letter to 70s cinema, including grindhouse films—those trashy, violent, and sex-filled movies of the seventies. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli, "Motor City" premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is now hitting theaters worldwide.
The plot takes place in 70s Detroit. John Miller (Alan Ritchson, star of "Reacher"), a former soldier, falls in love with Sophia (Shailene Woodley), the girlfriend of gangster Reynolds (Ben Foster). In his rage, Reynolds frames Miller for a crime he didn't commit. Miller is sent to prison, where he dedicates his life to a revenge plan.
Seeking Complexity
When director Ponciroli offered Woodley the role, she didn't hesitate. "Potsy and I are friends," Woodley said in the garden of a villa on the Lido. "Alan Ritchson is huge—a giant, sweet person. His character is a rock in Sophia's life. He gives her a place to breathe and feel safe."
Ben Foster, who plays the ruthless gangster, was drawn to the dangerous emotional dynamics. "The characters in 'Motor City' fight for each other, which makes their role as 'villains' more complex. We are animals that are human beings. I enjoyed this roller coaster immensely." Foster notes that Woodley's involvement was a key reason he said yes: "I appreciate actors like Shai who look for complexity. Her acting is honest, dangerous, and open."
Nostalgia and Violence
Returning to the 70s was an immersive experience. "It's just a sexy style," Woodley says. Foster adds: "The disco of the 70s held a freedom and expressiveness. I loved celebrating that moment."
Regarding the violent scenes, Woodley says: "Our limits were soft. I asked Ben not to break my nose, and he asked not to be slapped on the ear to avoid tinnitus. We trusted each other completely. When you trust someone, even a violent scene becomes a way to express emotion."
The Power of Silence
Working without dialogue was a unique challenge. "Silence is a beautiful part of life," Woodley reflects. "In this film, the masks we wear become thinner because there is no dialogue to distract us. The silence was absolute freedom." Foster agrees: "We are like musicians looking to jam together. We agreed to listen to and protect each other in the dangerous moments."
Music was the key to the atmosphere. "You can't listen to 70s music without it evoking an emotional response," Woodley concludes. "Ben always had a tape player on set. It was a petri dish that summoned honesty and truth from us."
