John Patton Ford: From Sundance to Thrilling Success with ‘How to Make a Killing’

Following the critical acclaim of his 2022 film, Emily the Criminal, filmmaker John Patton Ford quickly sought to capitalize on the momentum. His journey to the director’s chair, however, was far from overnight, marked by years of perseverance and numerous projects that fell through before finally finding his footing.

Early Struggles and Breakthrough with ‘Emily the Criminal’

Ford, a South Carolina native, began his career writing scripts in the late 2000s. He faced repeated setbacks, with four projects collapsing before reaching completion. It was the combination of his directorial vision and Aubrey Plaza’s performance in Emily the Criminal that ultimately propelled him into the spotlight. The film garnered four Independent Spirit Award nominations, with Ford winning Best First Screenplay in 2023. [Film Independent]

From ‘Rothchild’ to ‘How to Make a Killing’

The success of Emily the Criminal opened doors, and Ford revisited a script he had previously shelved – a project originally titled “Rothchild,” recognized by The Black List in 2014. Inspired by the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets, the dark comedy thriller, ultimately titled How to Make a Killing, centers on a character seeking an inheritance unjustly denied to his mother. [Collider] Like Emily the Criminal, the film explores the desperate measures people take when driven by financial hardship.

Navigating the Industry and Creative Choices

Ford reflects on the challenges he faced early in his career, acknowledging the privilege that comes with being a white, educated man while as well recognizing the prolonged struggle to get his operate produced. [The Hollywood Reporter] He draws parallels between his own experiences and the motivations of his characters, noting a willingness to do “whatever it took” to succeed.

Casting and Character Development

The path to assembling the cast of How to Make a Killing was not without its hurdles. A previous iteration of the project involved Shia LaBeouf and Mel Gibson, but controversy surrounding the title and Gibson’s past derailed the production. [The Hollywood Reporter] Glen Powell and Ed Harris took on the lead roles. Ford described Powell as resembling “Captain America” initially, prompting the actor to lose 15 pounds and alter his appearance to better fit the character. [The Hollywood Reporter]

Themes and Influences

Ford’s work often delves into complex moral questions, particularly regarding wealth and ambition. He intentionally avoids simplistic portrayals of the wealthy, instead exploring the justifications and consequences of their actions. He credits filmmakers Jacques Audiard and Michael Mann as key influences. [Wikipedia] He also drew inspiration from a sales pitch he once encountered, which espoused the idea that “your only enemy is your own conscience.” [The Hollywood Reporter]

Future Projects and Collaboration with Aubrey Plaza

Looking ahead, Ford expresses a desire to return to character-driven thrillers grounded in reality. He also remains open to collaborating with Aubrey Plaza again, suggesting a potential project that would showcase her sharp intellect and argumentative skills. [The Hollywood Reporter]