The film 'Tam ing the boss at work,' set to be released on Jan. 28, held a successful virtual press conference attended by director Sam Raimi, producer Zainab Ajjizi, and actors Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, who established the singular genre of a 'power-reversal thriller.'
Sam Raimi, producer Zainab, Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, the leads of 'Tam ing the boss at work' (director Sam Raimi, distributed by Walt Disney Company Korea), successfully completed a virtual press conference with Korean reporters today (the 26th).
At the two-session conference, director Sam Raimi and producer Zainab Ajjizi shared colorful stories born of their affection for the project, from the genesis of the film to viewing points Korean audiences should not miss. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien completed a rich session with interesting stories ranging from how it felt to take on characters unlike anything in their filmographies to behind-the-scenes shooting anecdotes that showcased their perfect chemistry. First, director Sam Raimi opened warmly with a Korean greeting, saying "annyeonghaseyo," creating a cordial atmosphere. Returning to his signature genre after 15 years with 'Tam ing the boss at work,' he was asked about the special beginning of his love for horror films and replied, "Through horror films, audiences confront fear and dread. That can be an existential threat or a fear imagined in the mind, and in the process of overcoming it, audiences can feel a great sense of accomplishment," adding, "I think that is meaningful as a cinematic experience."
Producer Zainab Ajjizi, who was involved in every phase of 'Tam ing the boss at work' from scenario planning to production, said, "From pre-production to post-production, the most important thing was to ensure Sam Raimi's thoughts and vision could be realized," emphasizing Raimi's central presence in the project and expressing her unwavering trust in him.
Discussion continued about the film's viewing points. Sam Raimi said, "The biggest appeal is that you don't know which character you should fully invest in and root for from the start," and selected as the core point that "it makes the audience swing back and forth like a tightrope between sympathizing with the protagonist 'Linda' or cheering for 'Bradley,' who seems villainous but is compelling." He added that the unpredictability of the plot, the tension unique to the horror genre and several jump scares maximize immersion and promise audiences a vivid experience as if stranded on an uninhabited island.
Praise for Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, who carry the story, continued unabated. Sam Raimi cited the actors as the greatest force that allowed him to overcome the limits of a confined setting—a deserted island—as the main stage where visual variation is not easy. "The focus of the film is the characters. I was lucky to have excellent casting that could well portray the characters," he said, adding, "Rachel McAdams proposed new ideas throughout the shoot, and Dylan O'Brien also accepted many ideas. It was a pleasure to watch the chemistry between those two," raising expectations for the two actors' performances.
Producer Zainab Ajjizi also said she was certain about the casting, noting, "With 'Bradley,' we had to portray him three-dimensionally and multilayered, and only Dylan could express all of that." She also said the deserted island and the office were spaces of opposite character that they treated as a single character, hinting at the film's varied visual attractions.
Finally, producer Zainab Ajjizi urged audiences to expect special screenings, saying, "Korea has well-established 4DX. It will be an optimal way to enjoy the film." Director Sam Raimi offered a heartfelt message, "I am grateful to the Korean audiences who have loved my films. 'Tam ing the boss at work' is a work into which I poured everything I have, so please be sure to watch it in theaters."
Then the press conference with Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, unlike the on-screen relationship between 'Linda' and 'Bradley,' who want to kill each other, was filled with warm chemistry.
First, the two actors who underwent the most radical transformations in their filmographies introduced the appeal of the characters they play. Known for the lovable charm she showed in beloved films such as The Notebook and About Time, Rachel McAdams hinted at a completely opposite image in this film. About this challenge she said, "'Linda' is a multifaceted, deep character. It was a challenging role I really wanted to try," adding, "I also enjoy adventure and am interested in learning new things as much as 'Linda' is," expressing a special rapport with the character.
Dylan O'Brien, who had established himself as a leading man through series such as The Maze Runner, returned with a completely new face, saying, "When I read the script I was captivated by its originality and adventurous aspects, and because it is a character different from my past work, I thought it was a rare opportunity," explaining why he joined. He added, "'Bradley' is complex, human and humorous, so I had fun performing him," raising expectations for the character's surprising sync with the actor.
Both actors also cited director Sam Raimi as another reason they had to participate in 'Tam ing the boss at work.' Dylan O'Brien said, "Our chemistry together was perfect, and the three-way chemistry with the director was also very good. We learned about each other, aligned our sense of humor and generated many ideas while spending time together; you could say we made the film that way. I think those elements will come through well in the movie," expressing confidence in the project.
Rachel McAdams also revealed a behind-the-scenes story, saying, "Sam Raimi trusted us completely. There is an episode in the film involving sushi, and we shot a long take of about 10 to 11 minutes together. I thought it would be edited out, but it remained in the film. It seems to be a scene that helps control the film's pace," confirming how much they trusted and relied on each other during filming.
Finally, the two actors sent warm messages of support for Korean office workers who will relate to the film more deeply than anyone. Dylan O'Brien offered heartfelt encouragement, saying, "If you work under an abusive boss like in the film, it might help to cultivate a strong mentality that won't be swept up by the oppressive atmosphere. Saving good energy to use in good places could be one way to cope."
Rachel McAdams said with a playful remedy, "If 'Linda' were to give advice, she would tell you to go to karaoke with friends after work and belt out songs to relieve stress. Even just singing at karaoke can relieve a lot of stress and might even save the world." Dylan O'Brien, meanwhile, expressed affection for Korea, saying, "I visited Seoul before and it was the best experience of my overseas travels," and Rachel McAdams closed the conference by saying, "If the opportunity arises, I definitely want to visit Korea with Dylan." Power-reversal survival thriller After a plane crash strands them, the detestable boss 'Bradley' (Dylan O'Brien), whom you would hate enough to kill, and 'Linda' (Rachel McAdams), stranded on an uninhabited island, wage a savage power-reversal survival battle without regard to rank in the survival thriller 'Tam ing the boss at work,' which opens in theaters on the 28th.
[Photo] Walt Disney Company Korea
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