Malcolm & Marie director Sam Levinson on giving crew financial stake in film

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Malcolm & Marie made its Netflix debut last Friday and while the film has received a bit of a polarizing reaction due to its subject matter, the film has received many high notices for its powerhouse performances, cinematography, and the self-assured direction by helmer Sam Levinson. Malcolm & Marie isn't going to be for everyone because viewers may not want to spend nearly two hours watching a couple argue but Levinson brings an intimacy to the film that draws you in and you're compelled by the toxicity of the relationship conveyed by the two leads played by John David Washington and Zendaya. Malcolm & Marie was clearly a group effort of intricate filmmaking that saw its minimalist cast and crew shooting during the early months of quarantine. Since the film was was the first Hollywood feature to be entirely written, financed, and produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Levinson revealed during an interview with "Collider" that they created a unique financial structure for the movie so the entire crew could be given financial co-ownership on the film. 

Levinson was asked by "Collider" if it was ever an option to shop Malcolm & Marie to major studios, Levinson revealed that this wasn't considered because they wanted to maintain control of the film and they wanted to, most importantly, make sure that everyone that worked so hard on the film was adequately compensated. Levinson revealed that he, Zendaya, and others on the production put up their own money to get the film made and by getting it to an entity like Netflix, he was able to secured backend deals for everyone involved with the production. Considering Netflix purchased the film for $30 million based solely on a promo reel at the Toronto Film Festival, it would appear that all involved with bringing the film to life were eventually compensated quite well for their efforts. Levinson wanted this financial model because beyond him writing and directing the film, much of the movie is owed to people like his cinematographer Marcell Rév and his editor Julio C. Perez IV.  Levinson also said that some of the profits made from the acquisition went to Feeding America and other charities.

Levinson also revealed that the film was shot over a period of 14 days in secret between June and July of 2020 but the director admits that he threw out the first two days of filming because they couldn't quite figure out the exact visual look for the film. The first day they shot on a dolly track and when they looked at the footage at the end of the day, they realized that wasn't the right approach. The actors were told the day was scrapped and day two was shot hand-held, thinking it would give the film a bit of intense intimacy. When they looked at the footage from day two, they realized this wasn't the proper visual approach as well. By day three, Levinson found by starting the film outside looking in before moving into the action gave the film the signature punch it needed because it was also like watching a stage play on film. Levinson also revealed that the film was shot with one camera and no coverage because the COVID-19 restrictions made it necessary. They wanted to make the film as barebones as possible with very little resources and it's something Levinson is prone to because he typically shoots HBO's Euphoria with one camera and no coverage as well. He also stated that having multiple locations was also never considered because they approached the film like a play with one long scene which made the one location perfect for the production. 

In Malcolm & Marie, John David Washington plays a filmmaker who returns home with his girlfriend (Zendaya) following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be an imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love. 

Have YOU checked out Malcolm & Marie?