Barry Ward on "Everybody Digs Bill Evans," "The Flying Mountain," and Netflix's "Grown Ups"
Barry Ward, the accomplished Irish actor celebrated for his performances in projects such as 'Bad Sisters' and 'The End of the F***ing World,' has a full professional calendar. Recently, he attended the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) to present one of his latest cinematic endeavors. This article delves into Ward's experiences at KVIFF, his approach to portraying complex characters in 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans,' and offers a glimpse into his future projects, 'The Flying Mountain' and the Netflix series 'Grown Ups.'
Ward's connection to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival runs deep. He recounted his memorable experience in 2023, where he served as a jury member for the main competition. It was during this time that Slovenian director Olmo Omerzu cast him in his subsequent film, 'Ungrateful Beings.' A mere few months later, filming concluded, and the movie premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, bringing Ward back to Karlovy Vary for a celebratory return. This year, Ward returned to the festival with 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans,' a fiction feature debut by British documentary director Grant Gee. The film, which first premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, features a talented cast including Norwegian actor Anders Danielsen Lie, Laurie Metcalf, Bill Pullman, and Ward himself, who plays Harry, the older brother of jazz icon Bill Evans.
Despite taking on a supporting role, Ward was immediately captivated by the script of 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans.' He appreciated the writing by Mark O’Halloran and the distinctive world the story created. Ward's dedication to the role was evident in his rigorous audition process, which he approached with more intensity than many of his previous auditions, ultimately securing the part.
In his portrayal of Harry Evans, Ward explores a character grappling with a profound internal conflict. Harry finds himself in the difficult position of caring for his beloved younger brother while also striving to protect his own family. The clash between these two loyalties forces Harry to make an agonizing decision: to send his brother away, acknowledging his inability to provide the necessary support. This heartbreaking choice leaves Harry to contend with the lifelong consequences, marked by a complex mix of love, competition, and perhaps even jealousy within their brotherly bond.
Ward thoroughly enjoyed delving into the intricacies of this challenging relationship, especially considering the differing mental health struggles faced by both brothers, which were not as understood or openly discussed in their time. He highlighted the difficulty of avoiding contemporary knowledge of mental health when portraying historical characters. Instead, he aimed to channel the prevailing ignorance and unawareness of the era, showcasing well-intentioned individuals navigating difficult circumstances. Ward noted the scarcity of video footage of Harry Evans, which allowed him greater creative freedom compared to the film's lead, Anders Danielsen Lie, who portrayed the more iconic Bill Evans. This freedom enabled Ward to create a character that transcended strict biographical accuracy, incorporating certain elements while developing his own interpretation.
Beyond 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans,' Ward has been actively involved in other compelling projects. He recently completed filming for 'The Flying Mountain,' directed by Nicolas Steiner and co-written by Steiner and Christoph Ransmayr. The film, which also stars Moe Dunford, tells the story of two Irish brothers embarking on a journey to the Himalayas in Tibet in search of a "white spot"—the last unmapped place on Earth. Ward described it as an adventure with brilliant creatives and stunning visuals, with filming locations including Nepal and upcoming shoots in Switzerland. Additionally, Ward will appear in the upcoming Netflix series 'Grown Ups,' a family drama based on Marian Keyes' best-selling novel, adapted by Samantha Strauss. Filmed in and around Dublin, the series explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional Irish family, with Ward portraying one of the brothers. The cast includes Robert Sheehan, Aisling Bea, and Sarah Greene.
Ward also reflected on the flourishing film and television industry in Ireland, describing it as a "golden age." He observed a significant increase in international breakout stars both in front of and behind the camera, attributing this success to the expanding production infrastructure. He recalled a time when Ireland had only one film studio, which often sat empty for extended periods. Now, the country boasts multiple studios, with more under development, transforming the landscape into a thriving hub for film and television production.
