The making of Shia LaBeouf's intense new drama 'The Rooster Prince' has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for all involved. Director Josh Penn Soskin was left feeling "scared and hurt" by the actor's gut-wrenching portrayal of Eli, a character inspired by his late brother David, who struggled with bipolar disorder.
On set, LaBeouf's performance reached boiling point during a pivotal scene where he exploded into a frenzied outburst in a car park. Soskin was so caught up in the moment that he didn't immediately cut the scene – a testament to just how immersive and raw LaBeouf's performance had become. It was as if the line between reality and drama had blurred, leaving everyone within earshot stunned.
The incident sent shockwaves through the production team, with some crew members visibly shaken and producers on edge. Soskin himself was reportedly close to a panic attack, and it wasn't long before the whole set felt like a powder keg, ready to erupt at any moment. Yet despite the chaos, Soskin praised LaBeouf's unwavering commitment to his craft – a dedication that bordered on fanatical.
But what's truly remarkable is the bond between LaBeouf and Soskin, forged in the fire of their shared experience. They went from intense arguments one day to tearful hugs the next, a dynamic eerily reminiscent of the sibling relationship that inspired 'The Rooster Prince'.
Facing the very real possibility of the film's collapse due to the traumatised crew members and producers, Soskin made a passionate plea for "maximum empathy" – not just for those hurt by LaBeouf's performance but also for those responsible. He tore into society's selective approach to mental health, pointing out how conditions like anxiety and depression get more sympathy than others like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
LaBeouf's been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late – from his Mardi Gras arrest to his stint in rehab. But 'The Rooster Prince' is a testament to his raw talent and Soskin's masterful direction. With no release date confirmed, fans will have to wait and see if this film truly lives up to its promise.