Born and raised in Los Angeles, Clea DuVall began working as an actor at 18 and quickly became a fixture in television and film. Some of her credits include the Academy Award–winning film “Argo,” “21 Grams,” “Girl Interrupted,” HBO’s “Carnivale,” AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” and FX’s “American Horror Story: Asylum.” In 2012, DuVall began working behind the camera, directing a series of videos for Warner Brothers.
“The Intervention” will premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival: London on June 3.
W&H: Please give us your description of the film playing.
CD: A weekend getaway for four couples takes a sharp turn when one of the couples discovers the entire trip was orchestrated to host an intervention on their marriage.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
CD: I am endlessly fascinated by human behavior and relationships of all kinds. I wanted to tell a character-driven story that explored the complexities of many different types of relationships, especially those that are generally underrepresented in film today.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
CD: The biggest challenge was always making sure the story was being serviced, and not allowing the obstacles of each day to compromise the big picture.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
CD: In the writing and making of this movie, I was always very conscious of the audience. I want audiences to leave the theater feeling as though they have been included in the story, found at least one character to connect with, and seen an honest portrayal of what relationships can be like.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
CD: Tell your stories. We need you.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
CD: I was connected with Burn Later Productions through one of my agents at Gersh, and they signed on as the sole financier. I decided to work with them because they supported my creative vision and were willing to collaborate.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
CD: “The Kids Are All Right” by Lisa Cholodenko. The performances, script, and cinematography are all flawless. I loved the sensitivity and humor used to portray these relationships. I also loved seeing an alternative family represented in a mainstream film.
