Talking About Not Talking – The people behind “The Randomers” Part 2
Part 2: Joseph Lydon (Senan) and Sarah Jane Murphy (Dara),
In the second instalment of our in-depth interview with the director and stars of new Irish feature film The Randomers – available to stream free on YouTube now – we talked to the movie’s stars about having to act without words, taking the lead in a feature film, and what the movie has to say about relationships and romance in 2014.
First, Tell us a little about yourselves.
JOSEPH: My name is Joseph Lydon, and I’m an actor from Galway, grew up in a little place called Mervue. Also I have an unhealthy obsession with the Fallout games, I feel like I should mention that.
SARAH JANE: I am a musician and singer first and foremost. My main passion is performing and writing songs with my two sisters Katie Alice and Rachel Rose, and we have a band called The Murphy Sisters. We have our first tour this summer so keep a look out!:-) I studied music at the University of Limerick, completed my Masters in Galway where I am now based. I have a great support system around me, my parents Liam and Carmita are fantastic, as are my brother Stephen and my two sisters. I love working hard, being busy and doing different things, which is why I applied for a part in The Randomers.
What about the characters of Senan and Dara drew you taking the part?
JOSEPH: The director, Graham Jones, came up with this world that any actor would be lucky to inhabit. We would meet and talk for a couple of hours at a time and this synergy would just take off, I used to get obsessed (still do!) with character pieces from the 50’s like Brando in The Fugitive Kind or [James] Dean in Giant so I always wanted to go into myself for a role and I guess a film without words was perfect. So with Graham’s guidance I did just that.
SARAH JANE: Dara does things her own way .She is unusual in her approach to the whole dating situation, and she is not afraid to take a chance. I was drawn to Dara’s attitude and slight vulnerability. She finds silence richer and a deeper way of expressing herself naturally, and I found this concept very intriguing. Furthermore she is completely frustrated with the male race from the outset, and what woman isn’t! Dara’s situation with men makes her character more relatable to women these days.
Given the format of the film, what did you have to do in terms of auditions to get the part?
JOSEPH: I found out about the open audition from Maeve Berry PR a day or two before it came out in the papers and the internet. So a big thank you to Maeve. I met with Graham in his office/studio and we talked for a few minutes. I think I started rambling on about a scene with Lee Van Cleef in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. He asked me to express an emotion without words and then we parted ways. I think two weeks or so went by before I heard from him again. He brought me back to his office, offered me the part and through my man-tears I muffled yes immediately.
SARAH JANE: I am naturally talkative, a definite chatterbox so to attend an interview where my main confidence stream is taken away from me is pretty daunting, and I was very anxious before my first interview. However when I first met the director Graham Jones I felt at ease straight away. In terms of auditions, the approach was different as this role was based on no dialogue. I had to meet with individual male actors in a room with Graham present, and use expressions and actions with each individual that was across the room. I really enjoyed the audition process. It really took me outside my comfort zone, and with no talking, and relying on other forms of expression, it was a fun process indeed.
How do you prepare for a role that relies so heavily on expressions and action and has so little dialogue?
JOSEPH: Senan is a really interesting character because he’s going through this change throughout the film. He is at the age, late teens/early twenties, where he has a certain perception of himself that he should look a certain way and act a certain way. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it, he does. It’s a constant fight within him. Every day is so draining for him being so caught up with being this other person. Then he falls in love for the first time and notices all these things he never did before. Finally the real person comes out and its because of her. So there was a lot delving into my past trying to remember what it felt to be so confused in my teens. I revisited some of my more angsty journal entries, and from there tried to give a really honest understanding of how he felt.
About two weeks before the film I started to feel a bit withdrawn from everybody, I looked quite dishevelled (swamp-thing esque if I do say so myself) and I met with Graham. He said said “your’re right where you need to be” and I knew then I was getting very close to tapping into it . I think some of the most important moments for an actor is when they have to rely on instinct and sometimes dialogue can’t help you with that. I love to see actors think. When you watch an actor on screen and you can see them embody the role instead of faking the characters progression, it’s quite enjoyable. A casting director once said to me acting is in the eyes.
SARAH JANE: I couldn’t imagine how I would do in real life if I met a guy and couldn’t talk to him at all! Preparation for this role began with me thinking I AM Dara, and from what I was told about the character and with the outline of the storyline, I began feeling different emotions and practising those facial expressions. This was difficult at first as I was not used to this type of acting at all, but as time went on, it became natural. Really, I just ‘felt’ the moment, imagined it was real and went from there!
Were you nervous at all about taking the lead role in a feature film like this?
JOSEPH: No are you kidding me?! I got to be in a movie, I was super excited! No matter what happens, whether I go out in a blaze of glory or end up working on a oil rig in the middle of the ocean, I can go “hey see that silent guy up on screen, that’s me”. All jokes aside I believed in this movie from the start and what we could do and what this movie could do. Graham gave me a lot of confidence, as did Sarah-Jane and I am very grateful for that. I will be forever indebted to them both.
SARAH JANE: Oh of course! My nerves were all over the place in the beginning as this is the first proper acting experience I have had, and I didn’t really know what to expect so I suppose I was more anxious than nervous. When we began filming, I was so well prepped by Graham that I fell into it quicker than I expected I would. Also having an actor like Joe with you, is such an asset and he put me at ease also during the process. You want to do your best, portray your character in the best way possible, so some nerves are good.
How hard is it to put together a performance when working with a low budget like you had on this film?
JOSEPH: I was very lucky because this film was very much a character piece. I had to focus on Senan and Sarah-Jane [has to focus ] on Dara and nothing else. We came in did what we had to do and that was all for film. I think anything you have to do to make a film better you do.
SARAH JANE: When you are surrounded by a fantastic film crew, a low budget isn’t a major factor, as some people may think. When working on a low budget film like this, it is important that all the crew are on the same page and know exactly what is going on. I was so lucky to have worked with Graham, who looked after both myself and Joe so well. If you are passionate and excited about a project, and making the film the best it can possibly be, the performance takes over, and having a low budget is just a small factor that you roll with.
Do you find the Irish film industry to be a tough place for actors, especially with the country’s financial situation?
JOSEPH: I think the film industry in general can be a tough place, there are so many actors out there, but if you truly love what you do then you don’t notice it. The Irish film industry is doing great, there are a lot of writers, directors, actors and casting directors who are pushing the industry forward. When there’s people like that elevating the industry, well the sky’s the limit.
SARAH JANE: I find being in the music industry especially tough, in finding the right people to help you achieve your dreams so I can’t imagine the film industry being any different. The arts have always been a huge part of our Irish culture, and International filmmakers and directors always want a piece of Ireland in their films, whether that be scenery or Irish actors. However I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough how tough this industry really is!
What do you think the message of The Randomers is, and why should people see this film?
JOSEPH: For me, the message is that you don’t need words to express how much you love someone. These two characters go through the whole film knowing how the other feels and being content in just knowing without verbally expressing it. Why should people see this film? Well if they don’t I will be shot and no one will ever hear from me again! Kidding of course. I think there’s something really special about seeing two people find each other at the right time and I guess fall for each other. Its a unique film made by unique director, something like this hasn’t really being seen here on the emerald isle or anywhere in a long time. G’wan the Mrs will love it!
SARAH JANE: Not everything is as it seems. Be willing to take a chance and you never know what might happen! People should see this film, as it is different, captivating and shows the West Coast at its best. It’s a unique and quirky love story that anyone can fall in love with. Also any women that have been frustrated with men in the past can relate to the character Dara and see how her unusual approach to a relationship is working, and any men that have frustrated us girls can take some advice from the film!
What’s next for you in terms of acting?
JOSEPH: AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS! Keep plugging away. Acting is what I love, now I feel like I am placing the ad (geddit?). I just want to find great film makers to work with and to be a part of great stories. Even if I didn’t have anything or I did it would be very hard to say goodbye to it as a job. I’m in this for the long haul.
SARAH JANE: I really enjoyed being part of The Randomers and it is an experience I will never forget and is a major stepping stone in pursuing more acting opportunities that may come my way. I am just going to keep looking out for more acting opportunities, wherever I can and work as hard as possible. I would love to look into presenting and commercials and even if I never make an appearance in a commercial, I could perhaps write a catchy song for one! There’s always ways around it
Finally, What would be your perfect Valentine’s Day?
JOSEPH: I think i have been soppy enough so far. My perfect Valentine’s Day would be people finding The Randomers and getting something from it. I don’t think you need a day to show someone how much you care about them, but if you do, make sure they know it.
SARAH JANE: My perfect Valentine’s Day? Hmmmmm. I don’t think there is such a thing as a perfect Valentine’s day!! But I wouldn’t say no to a lovely bunch of flowers and a big box of chocolates! I don’t think any girl would object to that!
