Monica chats with “Raymond & Ray” writer and director Rodrigo García to discuss the inspiration for this new film and talk about the journeys of some of the characters. 

“Raymond & Ray” follows half-brothers Raymond and Ray who have lived in the shadow of a terrible father. Somehow, they still each have a sense of humor, and his funeral is a chance for them to reinvent themselves. There’s anger, there’s pain, there’s folly, there might be love, and there’s definitely gravedigging. The film stars Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke and will be available on Friday, October 21, 2022, in select theaters and on Apple TV+.

Interview with Raymond & Ray” Director Rodrigo García

Rodrigo Garcíais best known for having developed, written, and produced the successful series “In  Treatment.”. He has worked in Hollywood as far back as being a cinematographer on the 1993 cult classic “Mi Vida Loca” and has worked on the biggest shows in the golden era of prestige television, including “The Sopranos” and “Big Love.”

During our virtual interview with Rodrigo García, he told us about how he had never intended to make the film feel like a comedy and the delivery of laughs was due to the performances of the actors on screen. “Raymond & Ray” began as a story about a son, Raymond (Ewan McGregor), who struggles to give a  proper memorial to a father who was by all accounts, not a great parent. And has in turn dragged his brother Ray (Ethan Hawke) into his mission to find closure and say goodbye to his father.

Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke in “Raymond & Ray,” premiering October 21, 2022 on Apple TV+.

García also told us about it was like bringing forth the characters Ray and Raymond. And what had captivated García was that originally it was a story of a son but when he added a second brother into the mix that the story came to life.

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