The central cast of A Man Apart is enriched by veteran character actors such as Geno Silva, who plays imprisoned drug cartel boss Memo Lucero. "Since Scarface is one of my favorite films, and Geno Silva is the guy that shot Al Pacino at the end, it’s actually pretty ironic that he took this in my film," says Gray, who also notes that the acting veteran brought layers of depth to the role. "He’s a cartel leader, but we’re supposed to have feelings for the guy. It’s like Anthony Hopkins playing Hannibal Lecter. It’s very hard to play the ruthless bad guy, and at the same time have the audience on your side."
F. Gary Gray’s visual flair is enhanced by renowned cinematographer Jack N. Green, ASC, a veteran of over 30 films, including director Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. Green’s dynamic and dramatic lighting reflects the intense action and dark themes of A Man Apart.
Gray’s mandate for production designer Ida Random was to give the film its own unique visual style. "I used punchy, bold, strong colors to enhance the dramatic effect of this drug cartel world we created," she explains.
Technical advisor Sergeant Richard B. Valdemar, a veteran police officer with the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles, where he works the Major Crimes Bureau and specializes in gangs and drug trafficking, met with the writers during their research period. The filmmakers then brought him on board to help them portray this world with as much realism as possible. "Anything that has to do with police work I look at and make suggestions," he explains. "Especially with some of the larger scenes that involve a lot of police activity." Like the character of Vetter, Valdemar also grew up on the streets of L.A. and watched drugs infect his community before becoming an officer.
Gray explains that on a film such as A Man Apart, he wouldn’t think of walking onto the set without a consultant such as Valdemar. "With this movie, I wanted to go with someone who not only had experience in the drug world and the DEA, but also someone who had street experience," Gray says. "Richard grew up on the streets so he understands the drug world and has a link to Mexico. I could ask him questions about anything, from the specifics about a top drug cartel lord, to a gang-banger and everything in between. He has some great anecdotes and was instrumental in helping shape the story."
Gray hopes the film will resonate with audiences from across the spectrum. "In America, I don’t think there is one household that hasn’t been affected by a friend, family member or someone they know that has come into contact with drugs, and that’s why the film is so relevant," Gray points out. "You can relate to it, but it’s not so heavy-handed that you feel like you’re watching a documentary. First and foremost you’re going to be entertained. You’re going to enjoy the journey that our main characters go through because we take you into a lot of different worlds."
Movie Database
In Theaters
