Sam Rockwell describes his new film,Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, as “Black Mirror on steroids.” It’s a bold claim, but one that quickly makes sense when you picture the scene: Rockwell, sporting a plastic raincoat and a suicide vest, surrounded by a chaotic menagerie of rats, robots, and even a menacing kitten.
The film plunges into a desperate, darkly comedic mission to save humanity from the twin threats of artificial intelligence and our relentless obsession with our phones. Rockwell plays the “Man From The Future,” a character who’s delivered the same urgent warning 117 times, arriving at a Los Angeles diner to find the right people to help.
Director Gore Verbinski believes a critical reassessment of our digital lives is long overdue. He bluntly states that every interaction on social media is, in essence, a branding exercise – a chilling thought in an increasingly connected world.
Rockwell himself admits to being mindful of his phone use, consciously stepping aside from busy sidewalks to avoid texting while walking. He’s a self-proclaimed “strong Gif game” player, but avoids the constant pull of platforms like Instagram.
Despite past roles in action films likeIron Man 2, Rockwell isn’t convinced audiences are eager to see him as a traditional action hero. He jokes that they prefer him in “a goofy suit with a beard,” andGood Luck…delivers exactly that.
He characterizes the film as “talkie action,” emphasizing the rapid-fire dialogue and the frantic energy of his character, a modern-day prophet desperately trying to rally a team – including Asim Chaudhry, Zazie Beetz, and Juno Temple – to avert disaster.
Rockwell approaches the lead role with characteristic humility, viewing it as an ensemble piece. He sees himself as the “wrangler” guiding a talented cast, where everyone has a crucial moment to shine.
The physical demands of the role were considerable. Rockwell endured the entire shoot in Cape Town wearing a punishing 40-pound suit, often finding himself too exhausted to stand for long periods. It was, he admits, a deeply uncomfortable experience.
The set wasn’t without its other challenges. A mysterious illness swept through the cast and crew, leading to a running joke: “Good luck. Have fun. Don’t diarrhoea.” Medics distributed pills, but Rockwell preferred to brave the discomfort rather than risk a week of debilitating side effects.
Beneath the outlandish premise, the film tackles unsettlingly relevant themes. It dares to explore the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, even depicting a tech company cloning children lost to school shootings – a stark and provocative statement.
Rockwell acknowledges the film’s political undertones, stating simply that “one school shooting is too many.” He expresses a deep concern about the escalating violence in the United States.
Verbinski warns of the looming potential of AI to effortlessly replicate and remix existing art, potentially stifling originality. He fears a future where anyone can request “The Godfather directed by Chris Nolan with talking frogs,” and AI will deliver, flawlessly.
Even Rockwell, typically optimistic, admits the future is uncertain. He acknowledges the possibility that things “could go south,” a sentiment that lingers long after the conversation ends.
He remains hopeful about the future of cinema, encouraged by the strong turnout for films likeTop GunandNo Time To Dieafter the pandemic closures. He cherishes the experience of watching a film in a dark theater, surrounded by the aroma of popcorn, even if the audience is small.
Despite his success with independent films likeThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and his upcoming collaboration with Martin McDonagh, Rockwell hopes audiences will embrace the unique energy ofGood Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die– a film brimming with imagination and a willingness to take risks.
