Director Dito Montiel began filming Riff Raff knowing the project would be unconventional, but even he was caught off guard by the chemistry between Bill Murray and Pete Davidson. The film’s unusual cast created an unpredictable energy that shaped the shoot in remarkable ways, highlighting Montiel’s experience with eclectic ensembles including his work on projects featuring Channing Tatum and Robin Williams.
Montiel described the film’s blend of personalities as unique:
“But it’s got so many people in it that you’d never think would be together. You know, Bill Murray, Ed Harris, Pete Davidson, Jennifer Coolidge — and somehow it all made sense.”
How Pete Davidson and Bill Murray Transformed the Film’s Atmosphere
When Pete Davidson joined the cast, Montiel was initially uncertain about how his presence would influence the film. However, Davidson quickly became essential to the movie’s flow. Montiel said,
“Pete was surprising. You think you know what you’re going to get, and then he hits you with this totally different energy. He’s hilarious, but he’s also vulnerable in ways people don’t give him credit for.”
He further expressed admiration for Davidson’s acting, stating,
“What a good actor he is, you know? I’m always surprised. I know it sounds corny to have a director talk about how much they love actors, but I do. And when it’s good, I’m kind of amazed.”
Montiel noted a special rapport between Davidson and Murray:
“They (Davidson and Murray) probably have that weird connection because of maybe ‘Saturday Night Live’ or something like that. But I don’t know, great stuff just seems to blend. If you’re special, you’re special, you know? And both those guys seem pretty special. They seemed to have their own strange connection, aside from whatever they need to have with me.”
Montiel highlighted Bill Murray’s unique presence on screen as well:
“He can just sit there and it’s funny. But at the same time, he’ll do something that suddenly breaks your heart. That’s what he does — he can make you laugh and cry in the same beat.”
The integration of their distinct energies surprised Montiel with its spontaneity:
“You throw Pete in there, and you’ve got Bill doing his thing, and suddenly the scene takes on this life you couldn’t plan. That’s what I love — it’s not in the script, it’s just them. It’s real.”
The Diverse Ensemble Cast That Defined ‘Riff Raff’
The movie’s ensemble extended beyond Davidson and Murray, featuring Ed Harris, Jennifer Coolidge, and Gabrielle Union, each contributing to the unpredictable tone. Montiel praised Jennifer Coolidge’s range:
“She can do something where you don’t know whether to laugh or cry, because she flips it on you in a second. And Ed Harris just grounds everything. He walks in and suddenly it feels heavy and real.”
This combination made Riff Raff stand out as one of Montiel’s most unconventional films. He explained,
“The title says it all. It’s about people who don’t belong, or maybe they do, but they’re a mess. And when you throw them together, you get this crazy story that’s funny, sad, and kind of beautiful.”
Montiel described the production atmosphere as chaotic but invigorating:
“You can’t storyboard that. You just let them go and you try to catch the moment. With this cast, there was always a moment worth catching.”
Why ‘Riff Raff’ Holds a Unique Place in Montiel’s Career
The unpredictable nature of the film, amplified by the intense chemistry between Bill Murray and Pete Davidson, helped create something authentic and raw, challenging conventional filmmaking processes. Montiel’s reflection reveals the importance of allowing actors the freedom to bring their individuality to the story, resulting in a film that resonates through its honesty and the genuine connection among the cast.
With its mix of humor, vulnerability, and emotional depth, fueled largely by the contrasting yet complementary performances of Murray and Davidson, Riff Raff promises to be a distinctive addition to contemporary cinema. The dynamic between these two actors is likely to captivate audiences and generate discussion about the power of unexpected collaborations in film.
