Director Michael Shannon and Star Judy Greer Talk ‘Eric LaRue’

Michael Shannon and Judy Greer have a long history of collaboration, starting with their work in the film “Pottersville” in 2017. They later reunited in an episode of the Duplass brothers’ anthology series “Room 104,” but now Shannon is taking on a new role as a director in his feature film debut, “Eric LaRue,” with Greer as the lead.

Adapted from Brett Neveu’s 2002 stage play, “Eric LaRue” tells the story of Janice (played by Greer), the mother of a school shooter, as she navigates the aftermath of her son’s actions. Greer delivers a powerful performance, showcasing her dramatic range in a departure from her usual comedic roles. Shannon, who once swore he would never direct a film, found himself drawn to the script and made the decision to step behind the camera for this project.

The film also features a talented ensemble cast including Alexander Skarsgård and Tracy Letts, and is set to open in limited release on April 4th. In a recent interview with Variety, Shannon and Greer discussed the film, their initial meeting, and their shared sense of humor.

When asked about their first meeting, Greer recalled their time on the set of “Pottersville” and how Shannon was initially nervous to work with her. Shannon jokingly admitted that he wasn’t very familiar with Greer’s romantic comedies before working with her, but has since gained a new appreciation for her work.

Shannon also reflected on his journey to directing “Eric LaRue,” noting that he had previously been hesitant to take on a directorial role for a film. However, after reading the script and feeling a deep connection to the material, he knew he had to make this film. Greer praised Shannon for his brilliance and insight, emphasizing the importance of telling meaningful stories in the current climate.

The duo also touched on the casting process for the film, with Shannon revealing that he had specific actors in mind for each role as he read the script. He highlighted Nation Sage Henrickson’s performance as Eric, noting that he knew Henrickson was perfect for the role from the start.

As for Greer’s portrayal of Janice, Shannon explained that he wanted someone who would bring depth and dimension to the character, rather than just a typical dramatic performance. Greer expressed her own challenges in finding herself in the role of a mother of a school shooter, but emphasized the importance of telling diverse stories and exploring complex characters.

Overall, “Eric LaRue” delves into themes of accountability, loneliness, and societal issues, prompting viewers to consider the root causes of tragedy and how to address them. Shannon and Greer’s collaboration in this film showcases their talents and depth as actors, making “Eric LaRue” a must-see for audiences looking for a thought-provoking and powerful cinematic experience.