EP07 - Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic)

Wonder Junkie Podcast - Pete Bailey

Welcome to episode 07 of The Wonder Junkie Podcast featuring film director of Captain Fantastic, Matt Ross.

In a time where it feels we're inundated with constant rehashes of old franchises and endless superhero spin-off movies, it was really refreshing to see a totally original film in Captain Fantastic. I went into the film thinking it would be a fairly light-hearted and short film but realized early on it was taking a completely different approach. What Matt has done in this film is hold up a mirror to modern society and question all the things we do every day without thinking.

The central theme of the story line is about how feasible it is for a family to live off the grid in a modern society, I think going off the grid is something we've all pondered at some point or another but Captain Fantastic reveals the harsh realities it would take to actually get off the grid. Clearly, this is something Matt has on his conscious and when we asked how far he could go off the grid, he said that he actually grew up in a similar fashion so it wouldn't be a huge obstacle but not practical in his current stage of life directing films.

The casting of Viggo Mortensen for the role of Ben Cash (the father) was a brilliant piece of casting as his wit, charm and brutal honesty come through in a way that is so authentic. Where the film could've tightened up is in the length which is just under two hours, there are moments towards the end you feel could've been streamlined to make it a snappier hour and a half release but I suppose when you're trying to convey a very serious message it's difficult to cut down on the content.

Overall, Captain Fantastic is a great film that will make you laugh, think, cry and question the everyday things you do in your life. I look forward to seeing what else Matt will be releasing in the future and hope he can at some point make a return to acting in American Horror Story as well.

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