Bruno Gunn – Officer Downe

By starrymag | February 25, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What upcoming projects are you working on?

A) I recently wrapped the feature film Officer Downe, then went immediately into production on HBO’s “Westworld” and followed that by some hilarious laughter on Disney X’s show “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.” It’s been busy working as three completely different characters. I’m excited for people to see that.

 

Q) Please tell us about the premise for your upcoming movie Officer Downe.

A) Officer Downe is a film adaptation of the graphic novel by the same name. The brilliant Kim Coates (“Sons of Anarchy”) plays Officer Downe, the ultimate L.A. policeman, who is brought back to life time and time again via cutting edge, telekinetic technology. It’s high octane, in-your-face, action with uniquely stylized, engrossing imagery. People will have A LOT of fun watching this movie. That said, I can’t put enough emphasis on the talent in the film.

 

Q) What can you tell us about your character Officer Fritch?

A) Officer Fritch is a smart-mouthed cop who is assigned to “look after” Officer Downe. He’s not thrilled (in the least) about the assignment.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) Hands down it was director Shawn Crahan and producer Mark Neveldine.  I knew if Mark (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengance and Crank 1 & 2) was attached that this had all the makings of something special and extremely exciting. Shawn directing made it even more compelling. I mean, he is a heavy metal God. I was like “F* YEAH! I want to work with that guy!” I knew his influence on the film would be something unique. I’m also a big fan of cinematographer Mateo Madrazo. That gave me complete confidence it would look amazing.

 

Q) Shawn “Clown” Crahan is co-founder of the Grammy-winning, heavy metal band Slipknot. Was it different having someone directing coming from the music world?

A) Everything about this movie is different, in the best way possible. I will say, he has a really interesting perspective and is certainly an artist. Officer Downe really lends itself to a sort of musical undertone. There’s a lot of feeling in it whether that be adrenaline, fun, etc.

 

Q) Were you familiar with the graphic novel before signing on?

A) I was not and, honestly, I didn’t know much about the graphic-novel world. I dug in. What a genre! There are so many great stories and illustrators out there. I was blown away by Joe Casey’s story and illustrator Chris Burnham’s work in Officer Downe. Learning about the fans has been fun as well. It opened up a whole world for me. I found myself going down the rabbit hole.  I’m DEFINITELY a fan now as well. Lastly, I loved that Joe Casey, who also wrote the script, really stayed true to the novel. That’s not always an easy task. I think fans will appreciate that loyalty.

 

Q) How is this different than other ‘comic-to-film’ movies?

A) You’re going to see next-level action ike nothing seen before. Officer Downe makes NO apologies.  It’s twisted. It’s fun. It’s a wild ride for sure.

 

Q) There are a number of well-known actors on the film. Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did you spend some time to bond?

A) Luckily, we had the good fortune of instant chemistry that just continued to grow each day. Every take we explored something new. (I’m a huge fan of cast mate Reno Wilson and recently visited him on the set of “Mike and Molly.”) The best kind of movie-making is collaboration and we had that. No egos, just a group of people excited to make the best film possible.

 

Q) What were some of the best parts about the movie-making collaboration between Shawn and Mark?

A) The key word there is “collaboration.” Shawn was always open to hearing new ideas.  He’s a real artist – as is the synergy of the two of them was contagious. They brought the best out of everyone. There were some really long days. I remember thinking, “I haven’t even looked at my watch today.” It was that much fun.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Officer Downe?

A) For me, day one really set the tone. I had something funny I wanted to try in a scene. I approached Shawn, and sure enough he said, “Go for it!” It worked and was hilarious. We were all laughing. Again, from the beginning Shawn made us feel like members of a team.

I remember showing up for a wardrobe fitting. I had an insane mustache I’d been growing for months. Shawn liked it and said, “Let’s keep it.” A few weeks later we had our table read. He approached me and said, “Did anyone break the news to you?” I knew instantly it was about the mustache and it had to go.

Shawn was on the fence though. He said something like, “I don’t know. Maybe we should keep it.” He called Mark over and the two of them had a totally serious conversation about my ginormous mustache. I felt like the mustache was getting cast and I was just along for the ride. [laughs] The mustache won and good thing because I shot “Westworld” next. (They don’t call my character THE WALRUS for nothing.)

 

Q) What have you taken away from your experiences working on the movie?

A) Good friends. I love that more than anything in this business. You meet incredibly talented people who inspire you, sometimes guide you and if you’re lucky you walk away with a good friend or two. On this film, I walked away with many friendships and am better for it.

 

Q) We will also be seeing you in the upcoming series “Westworld” on HBO. What can you tease about the show and your character Walrus? 

A) “Westworld” is my first period piece. I was in awe of the sets; how much detail went into them. You look around and forget you’re on a set. Walrus is a bad dude. As for the rest, you have to watch! I will say, I had a blast playing a gun-toting cowboy. Giddy up!

 

Q) You’ve worked the gantlet from a Woody Allen satire to blockbuster glory with The Hunger Games to horror with The Vatican Tapes and comedy in Bad Teacher. Do you have a character preference?

A) I love them all. I feel lucky I’ve been able to be challenged, even more so, that I’ve been given a chance to! A few of my upcoming projects show a comedic side that I’m excited to share.

 

Q) Tell us a little about “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.”

A) Gamer’s Guide is a super engaging, laugh-per-minute, family show. My nieces and nephew thought it was rad I was in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, but I got MAJOR brownie points for this. We rehearsed with a live audience – amazing. There is energy you don’t get in film. I did a lot of physical comedy with a stellar cast…and I got to play a Swedish art thief!  For inspiration, I turned to the great Tim Conway and his character Mr. Tudball on “The Carol Burnett Show.”

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive from your projects?

A) Getting to know the fans is tremendous. Look, I’m blessed to have a fandom like The Hunger Games rooting for me. They are extremely loyal and supportive. They’ve grown with me. They get excited about my work. It feels really special to have people take an interest and really MAINTAIN it. I appreciate that daily.

 

Q) Why is social media such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

A) It’s a great platform to engage with people you normally couldn’t, many on the other side of the globe. I’ve met incredible people through social media. It’s information, culture, a sort of connection at your fingertips. I’m a huge fan.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) For that you’ll have to follow me on social media:

Twitter: @brunogunn

IG: brunogunn

Facebook: BrunoGunn