Reynaldo Pacheco – Our Brand Is Crisis

By: Jamie Steinberg

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

A) Currently, I’m promoting the film Our Brand Is Crisis. We had the American premiere and we’ll be doing the international releases as well. I’m also launching my music. Inspired by the film, I created the song “The Fall (La Caida).” It reminds us that at this very moment there are people fighting for our rights in the streets. The idea is to give a voice to them and linked to a non-profit I began called Changing Stories. After you see the material that informs of a social issue, you have a plan to sign petitions and give yourself in time and your voice.

Q) Please tell us about the premise of your film Our Brand Is Crisis and about your character Eddie.

A) Our Brand Is Crisis is based on a documentary that came out in 2006. It’s about political consultants going to South America to do a political campaign for a President. It’s something funny and entertaining, but definitely has a social message. My character, Eduardo “Eddie” Camacho, is connected to the heart of the film. I represent the people who believe in politics that are innocent, naive and full of hope. My closest relationship in the film is with Jane, who is played by Sandra Bullock. We have an interesting arc of narration.

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

A) First, for me, it’s a dream come true. To be able to tell a story about Bolivia with the biggest icons like George Clooney and Billy Bob Thornton next to me is a dream come true. Also, I think it is a story that is not only important for my country, but also for the world in general because it talks about politics and really, really explores the power and responsibility of the vote. In the film, you get to experience this through my character – how much impact politics and the vote have on the every day life of the characters.

Q) How was Eddie originally described to you?

A) Eddie, when I read the script, I realized how clean, pure and innocent he was. He represented almost that pure state of openness and trust we have all experienced when we were young. For me, as an actor, that was a challenge because I had to really do a lot of cleansing, forgiving myself, forgiving others and learning to be present to get back to that pure state of Eddie. At first, it was tough because I didn’t realize how many blocks I had built to protect myself. We all get hurt and we all get betrayed. That’s actually the arc of Eddie. He starts in that pure state and something happens in that movie that makes him change in front of the camera. It makes him lose his innocent.

Q) What does Eddie see in Castillo that makes him such a believer?

A) Eddie sees Castillo (Joaquim de Almedia) as his father. He really believes that people have good intentions. He believes they are going to change the country and deliver what they promised in the campaign.

Q) You worked with some incredible actors. What did you learn from working alongside of them?

A) What I learned the most is that you always have to be present in this reality so you can be present in an imaginary world because people are very, very connected to other people and very aware of feelings. Their acting instruments are very sharp. I also learned how humble and down to earth they are and that translates on the screen.

Q) What was one of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Honestly, I thought I was going to get fired because we were shooting a scene by a big fountain with Castillo and all of them told me not to jump into the water because of insurance and that there were people watching for Castillo in the water. I got taken away by the scene and I ended up in the fountain. I ruined the microphone and freaked everybody. Honestly, it’s been such a wonderful experience. There was a lot of improv and letting us explore our truth. There was a lot of bringing our own experience on screen.

Q) What do you think it is about the film that resonates with viewers?

A) I believe that we forget how important it is to choose a candidate – the right one. Right now, we’re getting close to the elections and we have so many clowns delivering negative messages and trying to separate us. They are trying to split us instead of helping us to celebrate our diversity in race, sexuality, history and culture. I think the film touches on that theme because it is important that we choose wisely and that we do our research and we vote for the right person.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying that instant fan feedback you receive from people who have seen the film?

A) Yeah, it is really interesting. It’s very personal and very direct. Every time I get a message from anywhere in the world it comes directly to my phone. So, it’s wonderful to be able to share a little bit of myself with the fans. I have to admit it has been intimidating as well. I didn’t realize how much work and energy it requires, but I can say that I am blessed and happy to be getting so much love and recognition from the news and fans.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about Eddie and Our Brand Is Crisis?

A) I want them to know this is a very important film. It’s a film that has a message that needs to be heard. It’s a story from South America, but at the same time is a universal story. I think Eddie becomes an iconic character that represents that side of all of us – that pure, innocent person that hasn’t been betrayed. Or if they have been betrayed, he found a way to pass the anger and the negativity and has entered a place of forgiveness.