ENTROPIC - Interview with Stephen Huszar

Stephen Huszar is a Canadian film and television actor from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, based out of Toronto, Ontario. His many credits include recurring roles on Paradise Falls and Corner Gas, and appearances in Fringe and Supernatural. He is most well known for his recurring role in Letterkenney and his portrayal of Plunder in The Flash. Recently, he has starred in numerous holidays films, such as Return to Christmas Creek and Mistletoe Magic. He plays M in Entropic. (courtesy: IMDB)

How did you get involved with the project?

I auditioned for the movie in Toronto.  It was a great experience because Robert Gray (the director) was in the room and it gave us a chance to talk about the character and try out some different things with the scenes. I guess it went pretty well because I was offered the role soon after!

What drew you to the character of M?

I guess initially it was the complexity of the character and the reality that people are identified and objectified by the way they look. I was interested to explore the psychology behind the objectified and the objectifier.

Were there other characters you identified with in the script?     

M was the one I identified with the most.

These themes of beauty, unrequited passion... How do they resonate with you?

Beauty surrounds us in many different ways. It’s fascinating how we put emphasis on it and how it motivates and fuels our desires and passions. These themes are a driving force in the human experience and I ponder them often.

What, for you, is the film about?

I feel the film is about the essence of human behaviour when given the opportunity to unconditionally express feelings and emotions towards someone. It’s also about how we so strongly identify with the idea of beauty and the power it has to connect us and at the same time isolate us.

How did you prepare to play M or did you prepare? What was it like to be the focus of all these other characters’ desires?

Since I was going to be spending a lot of time as an “unconscious vessel” for the other character’s desires, I practiced meditation to help me be equanimous as possible during the scenes. I feel this energetically helped me stay ‘unaffected’ by what was being done to my character while creating a safe place for the other actors to work from.

What was it like working with Khalid (Aaron)?

Khalid is brotha from a different mother! He’s such a talented actor and enormously kind and generous. We had a blast working together. I learned a lot from him and cherish our friendship very much.

How did you go about getting into character?

Well, aside from the meditation practice, I created this character by connecting to what it would be like to be objectified only by the way you looked. It helped to talk to models and understand what it felt like to be constantly objectified, and also to explore the emptiness (and potential freedom) that exists within that.

What do you think was most important for the audience to see about M?

Well, without influencing the experience of the audience, it’s my hope that people will see that we can act as mirrors for each other and also the freedom that exists in expressing ourselves unconditionally. 

I understand there were other possible endings but you particularly were connected with the one in the final film. What does this ending mean to you?

With separation of identity comes freedom, but freedom does not have to mean separation.

What was it like to work with the director?

I really enjoyed working with Rob. He gave us a lot of freedom to explore, which allowed us to find the truth in his story on a very personal level. It was a very creative and collaborative experience. 

How was it working with Jon Dewar (producer / editor) and Matt Rogers (producer / cinematographer), Frictive Pictures? 

Jon and Matt are two of the most loving and kind people on the planet! From day 1 I felt so welcomed and part of their family. 

What was it like to make a film in New Brunswick? You were in Fredericton for a month.

I loved every minute of it! It’s such a majestic part of the world. I spend a lot of time hiking and paddle-boarding. The people are also so welcoming and kind. 

What was it like for you to see a project like this up on the screen and how does it feel for it to be going out into the world now?

I’m so proud of everyone who made this film happen! It takes an incredible amount of drive and passion to make an independent film and I love supporting them. I’m so very happy and excited this film is now being released and for everyone involved.

Who do you most want to see this film?

Anyone who enjoys a psychological, thought provoking film that touches on the deepest of human desires.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Please stay safe and support our independent film community.

Entropic is now available to rent or own on Apple, Amazon (USA, UK), Roku, Vimeo on Demand, and NFB (Canada). •