Dacre Montgomery Finds Personal Connection to 'Faces of Death' Villain Through OCD
Australian actor Dacre Montgomery is opening up about his role in the upcoming horror film 'Faces of Death,' revealing that his personal experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was the most relatable aspect of playing the villain Arthur. Montgomery, known for his role in 'Stranger Things,' stars opposite 'Euphoria' actress Barbie Ferreira in this new movie, where his character re-creates and uploads videos of kills from the titular 1978 film.
Montgomery's OCD Informs His Portrayal of Arthur
In a recent interview, Montgomery shared that he deeply connected with Arthur's fastidious and methodical nature, attributing it to his own life with OCD. "Definitely what was relatable to me about Arthur was just, honestly, the OCD," he stated. "That's just definitely my thing. I live with that and I manage it." He elaborated that this overlap allowed him to bring a unique attention to detail to the character, which he applies to all his roles but found particularly fitting for Arthur's calculated plot.
Montgomery explained, "There was a lot of that kind of fastidiousness and attention to detail that I put into all characters that I play, but he's so methodical. From the time that you see him in the movie, he's halfway to enacting his plan and he's put a lot of thought into that." He clarified that while he doesn't relate to the murderous aspects, the meticulous planning resonated with him, saying, "I think I could definitely relate not to working toward a murderous plot in my life, but definitely just the attention to detail thing, I felt that I connected with, yeah, huge."
Director Daniel Goldhaber Praises Montgomery's Unique Approach
Director Daniel Goldhaber, who co-wrote 'Faces of Death' with Isa Mazzei, emphasized that Montgomery's personal connection to the role was crucial in shaping the final character. Goldhaber noted that after meeting with several actors, Montgomery stood out because he brought a genuine, personal perspective rather than a stereotypical interpretation.
"I met with a handful of people for this movie," Goldhaber said. "As soon as I met with Dacre, I felt like it kind of just had to be him because everybody else... they approached this character they were talking about like somebody else, like this guy that they'd seen in the media. Dacre showed up and it was like, 'Here's all the ways that I relate to Arthur personally.'" This insight helped carve out a more nuanced and authentic portrayal, with Goldhaber suggesting that Arthur would have been very different with another actor.
Film Details and Release Information
'Faces of Death' features a diverse cast including Charli XCX, Josie Totah, Aaron Holliday, and Jermaine Fowler, alongside Montgomery and Ferreira. The film is set to release on April 10, offering a fresh take on horror with its psychological depth. Montgomery's reflections highlight how personal experiences can enrich cinematic performances, bringing a layer of realism to even the most villainous roles.
This project marks another step in Montgomery's career, blending his background in popular series with challenging new material. As audiences anticipate the release, his candid discussion about OCD sheds light on the intersection of mental health and artistry in the entertainment industry.
