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Conspiring
to Thrill continues...
Since
crewing is such an important aspect of the film, both Jackson and Harper
insisted on doing the rowing themselves. It may look easy, but crewing
is a demanding sport, and one which neither Harper nor Jackson had ever
attempted. But they met the challenge head on, training extensively.
"Our
rowing coach had us twice on Saturday and Sunday every weekend since
we arrived in town," states Jackson. "By getting on the water
and working with a rowing coach, I learned to be a real coxswain and
Josh learned to be a real rower," continues Harper. "Because
of this Rob was able to shoot us in both close-ups and long shots, enabling
the audience to see a real boat race. It makes for a very exciting scene."
Working
with such dedicated actors was a rewarding experience for Cohen. "The
rowing, the training, the commitment Josh made to that regatta meant
that when he did take the oar and the lead seat in the boat we didn't
have to cut to a double. That's Josh rowing that winning race! That's
Hill coxing! Actors' dedication to their roles is always an amazing
dimension to their craft," says Cohen. "As a director, all
I can feel is gratitude for that third dimension and the freedom it
allows me to tell the story. All these young actors stepped up and met
the challenges their roles entailed, physically, emotionally and intellectually.
They were a joy to work with."
The inspired
young cast is complemented by a core of experienced actors, including:
Craig T. Nelson, William Petersen, Steve Harris and Christopher McDonald.
This combination of youth and experience resulted in a believable and
highly-tense suspense drama.
"This
movie's first obligation is to entertain, to excite," says Cohen.
"If it can excite thought as well as the sense of a good ride,
then it's done a complete job. All of us set our sights on that goal,
and I think we've succeeded."
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