A Cure For Life: Dane DeHaan “Antichrist is the most disturbing movie I’ve seen,” our interview

Cinema 15 February, 2017

Before donning Valerian’s costume at the cinema, Dane DeHaan is now starring in the movie A Cure For Life. Discover our exclusive interview!
This summer, the name of Dane DeHaan will probably be on everyone’s lips. And for good reason, he will be the main hero of the new film of Luc Besson, Valérian, alongside Cara Delevingne . With its 197 million euros budget, it will be the most expensive French film of all time. As much to say that it will make speak about him and propel the actor to the front of the stage. At least, more than at present. But what we are interested in today is the film he is starring on this day, namely A Cure For Life , directed by Gore Verbinski ( The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean ). A film as disturbing as fascinating , in which he incarnates Lockhart, An ambitious young trader who sets out on the trail of his exiled boss in a mysterious wellness center in Switzerland. But what he did not know was that once you got there, you could not get out. Caught in the trap of the clinic, he will discover the sinister nature of the care offered to patients. Strange, is not it? And if you are curious to know more, you can discover our interview of Dane DeHaan below , who will surely speak better than us!
A Cure For Life is a really strange film. What did you think the first time you read the script?
I was very excited. I met the director Gore Verbinski before reading the script and he told me about this psychological thriller that would be inspired by the thrillers of the 70s. It seemed cool and ambitious. And when I read the script, I immediately thought: “I’m lucky to be part of it, a film that will be original”.
Your character goes through important changes during the movie. It’s almost like playing two different people. How did you prepare for this role?
It was delicate, because I’m almost in every shot of the film. I think my performance is for many in the viewer’s experience. So it was delicate, there was a balance to understand, how to go from the person I am at the beginning of the film to the one I am at the end. And most importantly, I managed to keep the viewers’ attention. Be both unsympathetic, but not too unsympathetic either. It was quite difficult.
Were you inspired by horror movies?
Yes, I looked at it a lot. Gore Verbinski made me watch The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, The Curse, The Tenant. Inspiration comes mainly from Gore. I tried to understand the tone he wanted.
Speaking of The Shining, the atmosphere in A Cure For Life is much like that of Stanley Kubrick’s film. Equally disturbing. What is the most disturbing film you have ever seen?
Maybe Antichrist by Lars Von Trier. Everything that happens there is disturbing.
And what makes you most afraid in life?
Roller coasters ! I hate that. When it rises, I am convinced that I will die and when it goes down, I make a panic attack.
What was the hardest thing to do on this movie?
The scene in the tank filled with water. It was really difficult. I had to turn in it for almost two weeks and most of the time I was tied to the bottom, with a compressed air hose in my mouth, but nothing to cover my nose or my eyes. It was two very difficult weeks.
This is your first collaboration with Gore Verbinski. How was it to work with him?
It was really good. I spent a lot of time with him. He is a very visual director, he has a very cinematic spirit. It was very slow, very methodical. It took five months to make this film, it is long for a film of this magnitude. But it allowed us to focus on details and make it a very aesthetic film.
The film also talks about those addicted people at work and the quest for “healthy”. Does that talk to you?
I do not feel addicted to work, I pay attention to balancing my private life and my acting life, but it is a real problem in our society, especially in the United States where people just work and work. And besides that, these people who exceed their limits for money also want to be treated quickly. They want a cure, a pill, or even a massage to feel better. I think society is always obsessed with that, and I’m not sure that this is a way to find happiness.