Why filmmaker Mary Harron is drawn to 'psychological extremes'

Q16:42Why filmmaker Mary Harron is drawn to 'psychological extremes'

Looking at Mary Harron's filmography, you might conclude that the Canadian director has a thing for psychopaths.

Her first feature, I Shot Andy Warhol, dramatizes the true story of Valerie Solanas, the radical feminist writer who attempted to murder Andy Warhol in 1968. Her best-known film, American Psycho, is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, which follows a New York City investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. And her 2018 film Charlie Says is a biopic about the notorious cult leader Charles Manson.

In an interview with Q's Tom Power at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, Harron reflected on being labeled "the psychopath auteur" by the media.

"Oh, wow, I mean … American Psycho and Charles Manson were my psychopaths," she said. "I guess, in some ways, some people would say Valerie was, [but] I would sort of think it was a little bit different."

"I think I am interested in psychological extremes and people in extreme states, that's all I can say."

With that in mind, Harron's latest project, Dalíland, isn't really a huge departure for her. Starring Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dali, the film depicts the famed surrealist artist in his later years as he struggles with the vulnerability of aging and a fear of death.

The director said her choice to focus on the end of Dali's life and his tempestuous relationship with his wife, Gala, was driven by an interest in his complex inner life. "I was more fascinated with what happens to a great artist and a legendary marriage in its last years when all is falling apart," she told Power.

WATCH | Mary Harron's interview with Tom Power:

As for whether she thinks Dali shares anything in common with the characters in her other films, Harron pointed to her husband, with whom she collaborated on the film.

"My husband wrote the script and he originally did romantic comedies, so it's probably a somewhat warmer and gentler film than I normally do," said Harron. "I have no idea why I make the films I do…. You just have to be true to yourself. If you find it interesting, other people will find it interesting. You know, you can't fake it. You can't try and be someone you're not."

The full interview with Mary Harron is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Interview with Mary Harron produced by Ben Edwards.