theBUZZ Features
The Tudor – psychological thriller with a taunted and tormented educator
An in-demand tutor for the East Coast monied elite, Ethan (Garrett Hedlund) lands a high-paying assignment to instruct a billionaire’s son, Jackson (Noah Schnapp), at a remote New York waterfront estate. Almost immediately, Ethan realizes that his student’s interest in his life borders upon obsession. As tension grows, Jackson’s accusations threaten to expose Ethan’s perceived dark secrets to his girlfriend(Victoria Justice) and the authorities. As sentiment turns against Ethan, it is up tohim, and only him, to unearth Jackson’s accusations and prove his innocence.
Available from Vertical Entertainment
DIRECTED BY :Jordan Ross WRITTEN BY: Ryan King
STARRING: Garrett Hedlund, Victoria Justice, Jonny Weston, and Noah Schnapp
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT – Jordan Ross
I grew up in LA and New York where film production was omnipresent and screen icons, like Jimmy Stewart, were neighbours. I would watch movies to see his familiar face yet instantly connected to the dramatic material that Hitchcock brilliantly crafted in each of the four films they made together; a mix between drama, thriller, noir. There was a psychological component conveyed visually. Every frame had unspoken tension, nothing was as it seemed and there was ambiguity for who was hero and villain. Having spent a post high school Summer on a studio lot, I witnessed this intense craft modernized and elevated by watching David Fincher direct Fight Club. I was inspired to tell stories of my own, like these, where the filmmaker could place an indelible mark on a project thru his or her unique style, layered texture, rich tone and grounded performance. Great actors make movies great. As someone who prides himself on giving a performer creative freedom to find own expression, I made this film to collaborate with passionate, talented actors. The depths Garrett Hedlund went thru to embody the titular role was inspiring. It started months in advance when he transformed physically, aesthetically, and mentally to make his screen presence read true. Nofalsities. Total immersion into character. In fact, each member of cast was stepping outside a familiar zone and came prepared for dramatic moments beyond what was written on page, intended or expected. For these reasons the student/teacher dynamic between Ethan and Jackson(Noah Schnapp)peels back layers effectively and methodically to reveals items once shrouded in mystery–where the story goes is completely novel and unexpected which is what excited me about this particular project. While it feels familiar, it is inevitably its own entertaining, exciting piece of cinema. Ultimately, it brought me back to childhood and fulfilled dreams of being able to make movies that I love to watch!-
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.