Marvel Star Elizabeth Olsen Felt Intimidated by Taylor Sheridan After Being Cast in $45M Thriller With Jeremy Renner
The much-anticipated sequel to Taylor Sheridan’s riveting neo-Western thriller, Wind River, hit theaters in 2017. Director Kari Skogland took the helm, while Marvel Studios luminaries Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen reprised their roles from the original film. Renner deftly assumed the role of a seasoned U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker, while Olsen brought to life the unwavering determination of an FBI Special Agent.
In reflecting on the first installment of Wind River, the chemistry between its leading stars was palpable, and their admiration for the inaugural director, Taylor Sheridan, was resounding. Sheridan, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter renowned for his contributions to cinematic gems like Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario and the esteemed contender for the best picture title in the previous year, Hell or High Water, guided the original film with a deft hand, weaving a tapestry of intense emotions and gripping narrative.
Navigating the Depth of Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River Script
According to Jeremy Renner, Directing is a matter of perspective, and Taylor Sheridan’s perspective as a writer is evident within the first 10 pages. His approach is patient, raw, and unapologetic, and it grips the characters with its harrowing intensity. Reflecting on the initial encounter with Sheridan, Elizabeth Olsen shared her thoughts,
“When I met with him I was totally confused because his scripts are so poetic, but he comes across as this modern-day cowboy or Marlboro Man. He’s a very intense, intimidating character. Kind of direct and aggressive and no bull(crap), but with this highly intelligent, emotional side. It makes perfect sense with the experiences he’s had and the world he likes to write about.”
Wind River, which made its mark at various prestigious film festivals, including Sundance, SXSW, and Cannes where Sheridan earned the Un Certain Regard prize for directing. The culmination of Taylor Sheridan’s distinctive perspective, combined with the dedication of the cast and crew, brought this impactful narrative to life, leaving an indelible impression on audiences worldwide.
Elizabeth Olsen Reflects on Lessons Gained During the Making of Wind River
Elizabeth Olsen, known for her versatile roles, discussed filming Wind River in the rugged wilderness. She played an FBI agent investigating a complex sexual assault and murder case on an American Indian reservation. The ever-changing weather, from snowstorms to sunshine, posed challenges, mirroring the unpredictable wilderness. Her portrayal of a determined federal agent required resilience, mirroring the wilderness’s unpredictability.
Elizabeth Olsen underwent comprehensive training to prepare for her role as a federal agent in Wind River. Her dedication extended to learning the precise techniques used by real-life agents when they clear houses, engage suspects, and most critically, handle firearms. This meticulous training regimen included immersive martial arts and self-defense classes, as well as an intensive three-month period of gun training. Olsen recounted her experiences, sharing a particularly memorable moment,
“At one point I had to scream ‘FBI!’ That’s something you see in movies, but then you actually have to do it and believe it,” she said. “I didn’t even like raising my hand in college. It made me nervous and overheated.”
Thankfully, the arduous preparation paid off when the crucial scene arrived. This pivotal moment, a Mexican standoff that leads to a gripping climax, demanded a heightened level of intensity. This film, Wind River, fearlessly explored how modern American society can devour the identities of women. In this movie, Elizabeth Olsen’s character stands out as a source of warmth and connection. This is special because she usually doesn’t play soft and gentle roles. Talking about being in the movie, Olsen said, Even though the role wasn’t specifically written for her, it was clear that Taylor Sheridan didn’t consider other actors. He had a clear idea, and Oslen naturally fit into his creative plan.
Source: The Denver Post
