Harley Flanagan – Between Wars

By starrymag | February 25, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on? 

 

A) Well, I just had two singles come out and I have a new album coming out within the next few months; a music video that just came out for the song “No One’s Victim” and another one coming out for “From the Grave” featuring Phil Campbell of Motorhead.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Between Wars. 

 

A) I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s about a combat veteran trying to readjust to being home after deployment.  He starts getting caught up with his old friends who are not exactly the greatest bunch, fight clubs, drug dealing neighborhood gang, crime and drama. It’s an urban story about PTSD, life and death.

 

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

 

A) Three things: the actors involved in it, the story and the part they wanted me to play.

 

Q) How was McManus originally described to you? 

 

A) An Irish thug who runs a fight club for a drug dealer. I know a lot of thugs (I might have been one in my youth) and I used to fight in underground fight clubs so it was a no brainer.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about portraying him?

 

A) Sadly nothing. I knew a lot of people like him growing up and I have a little bit of that in me, so it was just a matter of digging in. I didn’t even have to dig too deep; it was climbing back out of the role that was difficult for me. It took me back to bad place and a crazy time in my life. It actually took me a few weeks to come down off of that level of intensity and rage. I was supposed to be high on coke in some of the scenes which I haven’t done in many, many years. So, I drank a bunch of Red Bull and got completely wired and just got crazy and reacted like I did when I was young.

 

Q) What kind of advice did director Tom Phillips offer during shooting that you took to heart? 

 

A) After the two first scenes I started freestyling. After the first scene I freestyled the director told me to disregard the script and make the part my own. That’s when I got comfortable and when it really got crazy.

 

Q) You got to work with iconic actors Michael Imperioli and Dominic Chianese. What did that mean to you? 

 

A) More than you can imagine. I knew Dominic growing up, so it was a blast. And, well Michael, it was an honor to meet and work with him. Both of them are such talented and seasoned actors this was a truly amazing experience to start off my acting career next to these guys. I am not just honored I am completely blown away.

 

Q) What were some of the most difficult scenes for you to film? 

 

A) The ones where I tried to stick to the script. It’s not easy to do what you think they want you to do. But once I made the part my own it was easy. Then, I just knew what to do. I just had to flip out a lot and I have done that in real life so it was easy.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming? 

 

A) THC and Vodka 

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching Between Wars? 

 

A) To get help if they need it, it’s hard to do it all on your own.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan reaction you’ll be receiving to the movie? 

 

A) Yes, very much so. This whole experience has been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what comes of it.

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

 

A) Thank you or the support. I hope you enjoy this film and I hope to be giving you what you want and need in the future.