The Oscar-winning Conclave director joins Colin Farrell in his new Netflix film

Edward Berger continues his impressive run of literary adaptations with The Ballad of the Little Player , available today on Netflix. After the Oscar success of Nothing New and Conclave in the West, the German director tackles Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel adapted by Rowan Yoffe (28 Weeks Later). And to deliver this atmospheric thriller, he called on Colin Farrell, an actor who has been in the midst of a renaissance since Inishrein’s Banshee and The Penguin.

Colin Farrell plays Lord Doyle, a high-flying gambler settled in Macau, China. As his past and his debts begin to drag him down, Doyle meets a kindred spirit who may hold the key to his salvation.

“Lord Doyle is a man trying to escape his past. I don’t think he really has any idea how deeply his past is embedded in every cell of his being.“, Farrell confides Tudum. “He, like most addicts, is somewhat narcissistic and can see the world only through the prism of his own needs and desires.“

A complex character and a prestigious actor

It was this difficulty that attracted Berger. “Colin has such an expressive face, such raw emotion– says the director.From the moment you meet Doyle, you notice that he wears a mask. Then, when you get to know the character, that mask comes off and you discover his soul, going from a pretentious and theatrical attitude at the beginning to a great sincerity and authenticity at the end.“

Alongside Farrell we find Fala Chen (Cancelled), Danny Yip (The Simple Life), Alex Jennings (The Crown) and Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, Okja), once again in disguise. The latter plays Cynthia, a woman sent by Doyle’s creditors to collect his debts.

“He is magical– Farrell is excited. – MeI worked with him on one of the first speaking roles I ever had on film, Tim Roth’s first film, War Zone (1999). I remember thinking very clearly that he was a force to be reckoned with. He is so direct, loving, funny, kind and talented. Our paths have crossed several times over the years, including once in Cannes, where we decided we should find something together.“

Filming in Macau casinos

To bring this thriller to life, Edward Berger reunited with his two Oscar-winning collaborators. There is nothing new in the West : cinematographer James Friend and composer Volker Bertelman. Filming took place in real casinos in Macau from 1 am to 4 am.

“The shots in the casino rooms were very lively. It was complete chaos– says Farrell to Tudum.You could hear people winning and then screaming. Sometimes, when someone gets lucky at the table and wins several hands in a row, people start to gather around that table. Those who are not playing place some chips on the table, right next to the person who is lucky. Then the crowd gets involved and the atmosphere can become exhilarating. It seemed very authentic.“

The Irish actor also had to immerse himself in the world of gambling, especially baccarat. “Baccarat is a really simple game. There is nothing there. No poker face, no bluff. You get two cards, flip them over, and the person closest to the nine without moving over is the winner.“, he explains.

Intensive collaboration with Edward Berger

Colin Farrell is full of praise for the director. “Edward has incredible energy. He’s got the drive and he’s got the team to back it up– he confides in Tudum.Ed is incredibly smart. He is an extraordinary visual storyteller. His shots and his choice of how the camera moves, his perspective as a filmmaker is extraordinary. I would say that Ed and James Friend, the cinematographers, created one of the most breathtaking films I have ever been a part of.“

The pressure in Macau was strong. “We could shoot in the casino rooms from 1 am to 4 am, but we had to leave the room by 4 am. In addition to the very tight shooting schedule, this production was under a lot of pressure, but Ed handled it like a champ.“- adds the actor.

A film with opera tones

For Colin Farrell, Rowan Joffe’s script was “extraordinary“.”Tonally, it’s weird. It’s funny sometimes. I am also incredibly heartbroken. It explores some pretty important themes: shame, the past, ambition, greed, sadness, and the ability or inability to feel and deal with these issues.“, he explains.

“It’s all like an opera in many ways. Macau feels like an opera house when Celine Dion blasts the speakers and the fountains are full. Emotions are at their peak. Casino craze is at its peak. And the losses are extreme.“

Therefore, The Ballad of the Little Player promises an intense journey through the twists and turns of addiction, a true selfless pursuit carried out by Colin Farrell in a graceful state and in the confident style of Edward Berger.

The Ballad of the Little Player by Edward Berger, with Colin Farrell, Tilda Swinton, Phala Chen. Available on Netflix.