As fans around the world celebrate the heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure in Pete’s Dragon, much of the film’s magic comes from its stellar cast. In this article, we delve into the experience of Wes Bentley, who plays Jack in the movie, and explore the dynamics he shared with his fellow actors, both young and legendary. Bentley, a seasoned actor known for his diverse roles, offers a unique perspective on working on this beloved Disney film and collaborating with the talented Pete’s Dragon cast and crew.
Wes Bentley’s Diverse Career Path to “Pete’s Dragon”
Wes Bentley’s journey in Hollywood is anything but typical. From his early, lesser-known roles to his breakthrough performance in the critically acclaimed American Beauty, Bentley has consistently sought roles that challenge and define him. His career, spanning almost two decades, showcases a remarkable ability to navigate between independent films and big-budget blockbusters like Interstellar and The Hunger Games. This versatility is a testament to his dedication to the craft of acting and his willingness to explore a wide spectrum of characters.
In an exclusive interview, Bentley reflected on his career trajectory, acknowledging the initial chaos and uncertainty that comes with the acting profession. He openly discussed the challenges of balancing personal life with the unpredictable nature of film projects, especially after experiencing early fame. This honesty provides a glimpse into the realities of a working actor’s life and the continuous evolution required to stay grounded and passionate.
Bentley shared that after the success of American Beauty, he felt the pressure of expectations. However, this pressure propelled him to continuously seek diverse roles and experiences. This pursuit led him to projects ranging from smaller, character-driven films to large-scale productions, enriching his understanding of filmmaking as an art form. He appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with different directors and writers, immersing himself in their unique artistic visions and contributing his acting talents to their storytelling.
Finding Heart in “Pete’s Dragon”: Wes Bentley on His Role as Jack
What drew Wes Bentley to Pete’s Dragon was a desire to participate in a project that resonated with his family and offered a different kind of character from his usual darker, more intense roles. He was looking for a role that embodied positivity and genuine human connection – a father figure who loved his family and life. Jack, his character in Pete’s Dragon, provided just that opportunity.
Bentley’s portrayal of Jack brings a relatable and modern sensibility to the classic Disney narrative. Jack is not the stereotypical flawless father figure. He is a working parent juggling the demands of his job with his responsibilities at home. This nuanced portrayal reflects contemporary family dynamics and adds depth to the film’s emotional core. Bentley appreciated the subtle complexities of Jack’s character, particularly his internal conflict regarding environmental responsibility and the economic needs of his company. These layers made Jack a compelling and relevant character within the fantastical world of Pete’s Dragon.
He noted that the film subtly touches upon modern family structures, acknowledging that Oona Laurence’s character, Natalie, like Pete, comes from a home without a clearly defined traditional family unit. Bentley praised Disney for incorporating these elements, reflecting real-world experiences within a family-friendly context. He felt this modern approach, guided by director David Lowery, allowed Pete’s Dragon to resonate with contemporary audiences while retaining the timeless charm of a classic Disney story.
Working with the Young Talents: Oakes Fegley and Oona Laurence
A significant aspect of Pete’s Dragon‘s charm is the performance of its young cast, Oakes Fegley (Pete) and Oona Laurence (Natalie). Wes Bentley shared his positive experiences working with these child actors, noting how his own experience as a father enhanced his ability to connect with them on set. He found Oakes and Oona, along with their stand-ins and doubles, to be exceptionally professional, fun, and dedicated to their roles.
Bentley highlighted the natural spontaneity and imagination that child actors bring to a film set. He was impressed by Oakes and Oona’s ability to remain present and engaged in the filmmaking process, even amidst the complexities of a film production. He mentioned that unlike some child actors who might freeze up or become confused by the technical aspects of filming, Oakes and Oona seamlessly integrated their childlike wonder with professional focus.
He also commended Oona Laurence’s talent, having been encouraged to watch her previous work in the film Lamb. Bentley recognized her exceptional ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors like himself, Robert Redford, and Bryce Dallas Howard. This speaks to the remarkable talent of the young cast and their crucial contribution to the overall success and emotional impact of Pete’s Dragon.
Building On-Screen Chemistry with Bryce Dallas Howard
The authentic and warm relationship between Jack and Grace, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is another highlight of Pete’s Dragon. Wes Bentley discussed how he and Howard developed their on-screen chemistry, emphasizing their shared background and collaborative spirit. Despite having not met prior to filming, Bentley felt an immediate connection with Howard, which translated naturally into their characters’ dynamic.
Bentley credited their similar acting backgrounds, possibly including stage experience, as a foundation for their quick rapport. He also praised Howard’s energetic and engaging personality, describing her as one of the funniest people he’s worked with. He noted her infectious energy and her proactive approach to filmmaking, always seeking to enhance scenes and contribute creatively on set.
He further elaborated on Howard’s nurturing presence, particularly towards the young actors. She took on a “Mother Hen” role on set, ensuring the well-being of Oakes and Oona, and being mindful of the emotional demands of certain scenes on them. This caring environment fostered a positive and supportive atmosphere for the entire cast, contributing to the genuine warmth and believability of the relationships portrayed in Pete’s Dragon.
David Lowery’s Directorial Vision and the Stunning Visuals
Wes Bentley spoke highly of director David Lowery’s vision and the visually stunning outcome of Pete’s Dragon. He described Lowery as a thorough, soft-spoken, and kind director who created a warm and collaborative set environment. Despite his gentle demeanor, Lowery possessed a clear vision for the film, demonstrating expertise in lensing, shot composition, and the overall emotional tone of each scene.
Bentley emphasized the trust and respect Lowery engendered on set, inspiring the cast and crew to fully commit to his direction. He attributed the film’s breathtaking visuals to Lowery’s meticulous approach and the selection of stunning locations in New Zealand. He recounted anecdotes about the crew’s dedication to capturing the perfect natural light, even if it meant shifting entire setups to optimize shooting conditions.
He likened the film’s natural lighting aesthetic to the work of cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki on Knight of Cups, highlighting the organic and immersive visual style achieved in Pete’s Dragon. Bentley underscored Lowery’s “gift” for filmmaking, which transformed Pete’s Dragon into a visually captivating and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Sharing the Screen with a Legend: Robert Redford
For Wes Bentley, working alongside Robert Redford was a career highlight. He expressed his long-standing admiration for Redford, citing his natural acting style, deep understanding of film, and overall charismatic presence. Bentley described Redford as an actor he has always emulated, appreciating his ability to balance naturalism with captivating charm.
Bentley admitted to being somewhat awestruck by Redford’s presence on set, making it a bit challenging to engage in extensive conversations. However, he cherished the opportunity to observe and learn from a legendary figure in cinema. Working with Robert Redford added another layer of prestige and significance to Bentley’s experience on Pete’s Dragon, solidifying its place as a memorable and impactful project in his career.
In conclusion, the magic of Pete’s Dragon is significantly enhanced by its exceptional cast. Wes Bentley’s insights into his role, his experiences with the young actors, Bryce Dallas Howard, David Lowery, and Robert Redford, reveal the collaborative and passionate environment that brought this heartwarming story to life. The cast for Pete’s Dragon truly embodies the spirit of the film, delivering performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.
