As the protagonists try to fight their way out of an unlikely cell in some of their highest-rated films.
For cinephiles, Green Room poses several questions. Audiences might wonder how the potpourri of performers came together for the film, or how some of its startling sequences were filmed. Behind-the-scenes facts from the movie's development reveal some interesting answers.
The Director Made A Short Version First
Green Room is one of Jeremy Saulnier's highest-rated movies. The director's plans for the film came before its development began to take shape. Saulnier told Slash Film that he made a short film taking place in a green room over six years before the full-length feature was released.
However the short movie used a metal band and Saulnier said it was much more "hammy," and closer to a dark comedy. With Green Room, he wanted to do the project "the right way."
The Violence Was Meticulously Curated
It isn't for the faint of heart, and some viewers call Green Room one of the goriest horror-thrillers of the 21st century. However, fans might be surprised to know that this violence was not taken lightly by the people behind the film.
Saulnier told interviewers that each moment of violence in the film was looked at with scrutiny. He said the moments of gore are "about these kids, these band , transition into killers."
The Director Used To Play In A Punk Band
Audiences familiar with the punk subculture present in Green Room might say it is showcased realistically. Viewers might wonder how an authentic feel was created by the story's filmmakers.
As such, it is perhaps unsurprising that Saulnier played in a punk band before becoming a filmmaker. He told NPR he used to play in a hardcore punk band called No Turn On Fred based in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Thermals Taught The Actors How To Play Instruments
is one of the highest-rated punk movies, and fans might say this accolade comes from punk and its peripheral genres' authentic inclusion in the film's development. In the first half of the film, audiences see The Ain't Rights perform on stage at their soon-to-be prison compound.
Talkhouse reported that celebrated indie band The Thermals taught the actors who make up The Ain't Rights how to play their instruments to make them seem authentic during their performances.
A Dog Puppet Was Built And Barely Used
Fans of Green Room might say vicious dogs at the compound give the movie some of its scariest moments. Fans might wonder how some of the dog scenes were shot.
The movie's DVD commentary reveals that a complicated dog puppet was created for the movie. However, the puppet was barely used, and filmmakers were able to accomplish the sequences with trainers, real dogs, stuntmen, and camera trickery.
The Actors Performed Songs
The actors who make up The Ain't Rights were taught how to appear like a punk band in Green Room. However, they also ended up actually learning how to play instruments and perform songs in the movie.
Hutch Harris of the Thermals told interviewers some actors like Anton Yelchin had some experience playing in bands, while drummer Joe Cole didn't need much help from him. The other actors practiced with Harris and each other until they could pull off their numbers for the performance scenes.
It's Anton Yelchin's Last Theatrical Release
is one of Anton Yelchin's highest-rated movies. He stars as Pat, the bassist of the Ain't Rights. Upon the movie's release, viewers who hadn't seen him before perhaps thought he had quite the career ahead of him.
Tragically, Yelchin ed away the year following Green Room's premiere. It was the last feature he acts in before his death, although several projects were released posthumously.
The Poster Is Meant To Mimic London Calling
Music fans know The Clash as one of the most important bands in punk history. Their iconic album London Calling presents cover art mimicking an Elvis Presley album, but the image of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass became legendary in its own right.
If fans look closely, they'll notice the poster for Green Room shows Yelchin's Pat wielding a machete in the same motion, paying homage to the punk legends.
The Script Starts And Ends With A Swear
The Ain't Rights are introduced to audiences on the road, waking up to another day of challenges as Pat addresses the audience with a frustrated "sh*t." The audience is then lulled into the story with pleasant imagery, leaving them unprepared for harrowing moments to come.
After the events of the film unfold, Pat is one of few survivors remaining after the Ain't Rights have tried their best to fight their way to freedom. Pat reveals he knows what his "desert island band" is, and Amber replies, "tell someone who gives a sh*t."
