Actor Adam Morse Discusses His Character “Max” In Julia Varvara’s Suppression

Director Julia Varvara and Actor Adam Morse felt the subject of mental health to be extremely timely and wanted to share a story that we knew was socially relevant.  

indieactivity: How did you prepare for the film and approach playing the role?
Adam Morse (AM): I took a lot of inspiration from Heath Ledger’s performance in ‘THE DARK KNIGHT’ when building the character of Max. I used the method technique and stayed in character on set to dive as deep as possible into the headspace required.

What was it like playing such an intense character of Max?
Adam Morse (AM): Max was a fun character to play, I enjoyed messing with some of the crew who didn’t know whether to call me “Max” or “Adam”. It’s a strange ask to relate to someone who has committed disgraceful acts but the satisfaction comes when you find truth in the most unfamiliar of perspectives. The cat and mouse dance with Gary Beadle’s character was an intriguing dynamic to explore.

Watch the Official Trailer for SUPPRESSION starring Adam Morse

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How did you find collaborating with first time director Julia Varvara?
Adam Morse (AM): Working with Julia Varvara was a great pleasure and I look forward to many more with her. She challenged me in the best possible way and was very smart to guide the performances with an informed looseness that I think every actor appreciates. She respects the process dearly being a fellow actor herself. I also really enjoyed watching how Julia organically directed the camerawork with improvised ideas on the day, there was a confident purpose and creative flexibility in how she tackled every moment in the script.

What drove you to want to tell this particular story?
Adam Morse (AM): Personally I had an itch to exercise demons of suppression in my own life around the same time we were talking about making the film and it was clear that this was a theme that resonated with everybody we spoke to at the time and is still as relevant today as it was when we shot the film. We all know what it’s like to harbor negative emotions and this short shows the damage that it can do to your mental health and the ripple effect it can have on others around you. Communication is key to good mental health and this message is illustrated very poignantly in the film. I always feel motivated to tell human stories that can have a social impact

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Were the any specific moments on set that you reflect on as special?
Adam Morse (AM): One of the last scenes we shot was the climatic final session between Max and the Doctor. My co-star Gary and I both knew this was the big moment, as did our director Julia. I remember Julia having a series of camera angles listed to cover the scene but then throwing the pre-existing plan out of the window when she told Gary and me she wanted to cover the entire scene in a single shot. Her intention was for the camera to mirror John and the bubbling tension. Looking at the finished film, it’s clear to see that Julia’s idea was a genius instinct as the sequence is immensely gripping without the camera cutting away not once.

What is next for you?
AM: I’m preparing to act in a murder mystery movie that starts shooting next month and getting ready to launch my new non-profit foundation to help blind artists. Also working on some new music with my brother Jake and our band MORSE BROTHERS.

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What advice do you give aspiring actors?
AM: Produce projects for yourself as an actor and make your own work. Find yourself a script or write yourself one and tell the story you want to tell. Filmmaking in the digital era makes it possible for almost anyone to create cinema and it seems there are more people hungry to make films and collaborate with one another than ever before! So, what are you waiting for?

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