Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in Gladiator IIMaterialists and The Mandalorian has taken on a new challenge in the film Behemoth!. Directed by Tony Gilroy, the movie follows the story of Alex, a prodigal cellist who returns to Hollywood film scoring after decades of performing symphonic work.
The journey to bring this character to life was not an easy one for Pascal. In an interview with Vanity Fair he shared that learning to play the cello was literally the hardest, hardest, hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn to do. This challenge was unlike any other he had faced, even surpassing the physical demands of his previous roles.
From Gladiator to Cello Prodigy
Pascal’s son once accused him of writing competency porn as he often takes on roles that require him to master new skills. However, the actor was drawn to the story of Alex, a character who is not a rock star but someone whose first language is Music. The film is described as a love letter to music; it’s a love letter to movies exploring themes of family, legacy, and healing.
Gilroy, the filmmaker behind Behemoth! initially had reservations about Pascal. He thought the actor might be somehow superficial or flighty. However, during a three-hour meeting, Pascal’s passion and intelligence convinced Gilroy that he was the right choice for the role. The actor’s willingness to engage in honest conversations and his eagerness to learn made him a perfect fit for the character of Alex.
The Music of Behemoth!
Music plays a crucial role in Behemoth! helping to communicate the passage of time onscreen. The film’s unique approach to scoring involved enlisting nine different composers to create separate orchestrations for the fake movies within the story. This innovative method allowed each piece of music to have a different function and voice in the film.
Despite the creative approach, the film’s music may not be eligible for Oscar recognition due to the current rules dictating that up to three composers can be credited. However, Gilroy has bigger ambitions for the film, hoping to reinvigorate an industry that is under siege. The harsh economic realities faced by working musicians inspired Gilroy to create a film that highlights the importance of this endangered art form.
The Cast and Crew of Behemoth!
The supporting cast of Behemoth! includes Hank Azaria as Alex’s fellow musician father and Will Arnett as his brother. Eva Victor plays Nadia, a cellist whom Alex romances, while Olivia Wilde portrays Carol, Alex’s leopard-print-wearing ex with an axe to grind. The film also features a cameo by Gayle Levant, a renowned harpist with hundreds of screen credits.
For Pascal, the role of Alex was a first in many ways. He appears in every scene, portraying 25 years of the character’s journey. This was a departure from his previous roles, where he shared the spotlight with other characters. The actor described the experience as naked requiring him to draw from his own emotions and experiences.
Gilroy praised Pascal’s performance, stating that it was his adventure and his moment. The filmmaker believes that the audience will see how right they were to invest in Pascal as a movie star. For Pascal, the film holds a special place in his heart, as it allowed him to confront loss and gain a stronger perspective on his own personal understanding of healing.
