Director Harry Lighton and stars Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling recently discussed their new film, Pillion, during an interview. The film, which has been released in limited theaters and will expand throughout March 2024, explores the complexities of a BDSM relationship, a theme not often portrayed on screen. The cast emphasized the importance of character development within the film’s explicit scenes, aiming to present a narrative that is both engaging and informative.
In Pillion, a timid man navigates a transformative experience as he becomes a submissive to a charismatic biker. The film’s official synopsis hints at deeper explorations of identity and connection, moving beyond mere provocation. Skarsgård expressed his enthusiasm for the character-driven nature of the sex scenes, stating, “They didn’t feel like Harry put them in the movie just to get attention or to shock.” He noted that these scenes are crucial for understanding the characters of Ray and Colin, revealing significant aspects of their development.
Lighton highlighted the film’s unique blend of humor and serious themes. He aimed to create a tone that would invite audiences into the world of BDSM without trivializing it. “Comedy can do really well is invite people into a character’s life,” he explained, emphasizing the need to balance humor with sensitivity to the subject matter.
Melling, who portrays Colin, discussed the adaptation of the film from the original novel, Box Hill. He acknowledged the differences between the book and the film, noting that while the novel provided valuable insights into Colin’s internal thoughts, the screenplay focused on a more optimistic ending. “It was a wonderful starting point, but I didn’t hold onto it too tightly through the making of it,” Melling remarked, indicating his desire to bring a fresh perspective to the character.
Addressing the film’s explicit content, Lighton clarified misconceptions about its nature. “There isn’t actually another cut,” he stated, dispelling ideas that a more restrained version of the film might exist. He added that the current version captures the essence of the story without resorting to unnecessary shock value.
Skarsgård humorously interjected, “People were laughing at my penis?” reflecting on the challenging balance between humor and seriousness that Lighton aimed to achieve.
The conversation shed light on the creative processes behind Pillion and its commitment to portraying BDSM relationships authentically. As the film continues its rollout, it aims to engage audiences with its blend of explicit scenes and character-driven storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a complex subject matter.
