We've got a special edition of ranting for you this week. I had the opportunity to interview Marc Senter, star of the recently released Brawler. If you have not seen any of Mr. Senter's performances you are doing yourself a disservice. His early performances in The Lost, and Red, White & Blue are the type that deserve awards. With the recent release of Brawler he has added yet another memorable role that only strengthens his resume. If you are looking for an actor whose work is a throwback to true method acting and carefully crafted characterization then look no further than Marc Senter.
Based on true events, Brawler is the gripping tale of two brothers caught in the web of a vicious, bone-breaking underground “fight club” set on mob-run New Orleans riverboats. After a devastating personal betrayal, the once-inseparable brothers go head-to-head in a fight to the death.
Brawler is in theaters now. Film stars Nathan Grubbs, Marc Senter and Bryan Batt (Mad Men).
With the release of Brawler not only does it produce another great collaboration between director Chris Siverston and Marc but it is also Marc's first foray into producing through his GFY Films banner that he and fellow friend and co-star Nathan Grubbs founded. Having found his first producing job enjoyable Marc and Nathan have a slew of other projects in waiting via their GFY films banner one of which will be done next year. Going into Brawler with a black belt Marc also trained with a jiu jitsu academy in New Orleans to work on the ground based fighting style of his character. The shooting style of the fight scenes is also a standout in the film and Marc discussed this with me saying that discussions were held with the director and him agreeing that they did not want the cheesy over choreographed fighting style instead going for the realistic chaotic style of a real fight. When discussing his character in Red, White & Blue, as well as his characters memorable death scene Marc made mention of the original idea for his death scene and how he suggested a change from the original gorier layout to the memorable scene that is in the film today. When asked of the similarity of his character from both The Lost and Red, White & Blue being in a band he revealed that he has played guitar in bands and that the song in Red, White, & Blue was one that he wrote. Singing on the other hand was something that he had not done until his role of the scorpion in The Devil's Carnival. While he found it a challenge at first it came much easier once he loosened up and went for it he also noted that he will reprise his role in the next two installments.
With a ton of projects in the future for Marc one that stood out is another collaboration with director, Simon Rumley titled The Greed Marc describes it as The Warriors meets 28 Days Later with the story revolving around a botched bank robbery in New Orleans. In regards to the stunt work in Brawler all of the in the ring work was done by the actor's which adds to the realism of the film. In regards to injures that occurred on set Marc suffered through a popped rib and broken toe and he accidentally split co-star Nathan Grubbs head open during a scene. When the topic of his method acting came up Marc informed me that he studies with Eric Morris saying that Eric is one of the last old school method acting teachers and that when he takes roles he wants to get into the character and bring something new not wanting to show up with the same haircut and same performance.
In closing, I urge everyone to see Brawler. It's a superbly acted drama/action hybrid with depth and kick ass fight scenes. If you would like to know more about Marc Senter check out his website marcsenter.net/. I also urge you to check out his other films as this is an actor who truly loves his art and is not in it for just the money and fame (which in this day is something that is truly great to see). Also, as a quick shameless plug and to hear the full interview with Marc which contains some longer and more elaborate answers to questions that my remedial typing could not keep up with check out my podcast here. Thanks again to Marc Senter for the interview and here's to hoping that he continues to succeed with all of his ventures.
Brad Slaton aka Night Of The Ranting Brad is a Cinemit contributor and member. Brad also writes for best-horror-movies.com and runs The Picking Brains Podcast. Like on Facebook
