Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton are currently in Macau, filming their new drama, “Ballad of a Small Player.” Directed by Edward Berger, the film is inspired by Lawrence Osborne’s novel released in 2014. The story revolves around themes of ghosts, guilt, and gambling.
Filming in a Unique Setting
The backdrop for this collaboration is the luxurious Wynn Palace hotel. Farrell takes on the role of Brendan Reilly, an Irish thief hiding out at the casino after fleeing with stolen wealth. Swinton portrays a quirky investigator, navigating her dual identities while pursuing Reilly to recover the lost money.
Macau, known for its gambling culture, presents a fascinating contrast to Vegas. With its unique atmosphere, the city has evolved from being a Portuguese colony to a special administrative region of China since 1999. Farrell describes the experience of filming here as “living inside that giant Fabergé egg.”
Character Dynamics
- Colin Farrell as Brendan Reilly: An Irish thief adopting an English persona.
- Tilda Swinton as Betty/Cynthia: The eccentric investigator tracking Reilly.
- Fala Chen as Dao Ming: Reimagined from a sex worker to a loan shark, she embodies themes of redemption.
The film explores Reilly’s struggles. He is beset by his vices while trying to find meaning in a chaotic life. Swinton’s character, Betty, is depicted as another ghost—perhaps a reflection of Reilly’s internal struggles.
Cinematic Risks and Insights
Edward Berger, the director, draws parallels between filmmaking and gambling. He notes that producing a film can often feel like a “huge gamble,” with no guarantees even when the best talent is involved. The film aims to depict a modern fable centered on the pursuit of individuality at the expense of community.
“Ballad of a Small Player” promises a mixture of comedic chaos and serious narrative. It will release in theaters on October 15 and stream on Netflix starting October 29. This collaboration between Farrell and Swinton marks a significant moment, as they have not worked together since “The War Zone” in 1999.
