Actor, producer, and entrepreneur Adam Ambruso is set to captivate audiences in Eyes in the Trees, a fresh adaptation of The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. Starring alongside industry heavyweights such as Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Ashley Greene, Ambruso takes on the role of Isaac, a pivotal character in a story filled with mystery and danger. Directed by Timothy Woodward Jr., the film blends science fiction, drama, and action, showcasing Ambruso’s commitment to performing his own stunts.
Eyes in the Trees follows a film crew led by Vince Henway (Meyers) and Channing Arneau (Greene) on an expedition to Monkey Ko, the infamous “Island of Death” off the coast of Thailand. Upon discovering genetic experiments conducted by Dr. Addis (Hopkins), the group finds themselves in a battle for survival against dangerous plans to “regress humanity.”
In addition to this new project, Ambruso is producing Maseratti and has previously stood out in films such as Trafficked, alongside Ashley Judd, and Butterfly Caught, which won Best Feature at the San Diego International Film Festival in 2017. Originally from Texas, the actor now resides in Los Angeles, where he balances his entertainment career with ventures in real estate and a fitness passion inspired by Bruce Lee.
In Eyes in the Trees, you play Isaac, a character immersed in a world of mystery and extreme survival. How did you prepare physically and emotionally to bring this role to life in such an intense universe?
Fortunately, mental and physical preparation is a high priority in my every day life. This allows me to stay ready rather than having to get ready, the latter being far more demanding. Oftentimes, the reason I am chosen for certain roles is because of my physicality and the overall intensity seen in prior roles. Emotionally, it’s is a different ball of wax altogether though. For this particular style of movie and role, I transport myself into the script and act as if it was me in that specific world living in those specific circumstances. I then ask myself how I would react and how I would be if I was thrown into that. Once I have made those choices and am in that space, having done the personal work of building through that world, I am able to go there at will much more easily. The closer I get to the film date, the more I stay in that mindset. When I arrive on set, I work to stay in that character and mindset until the filming of that role has ended.
Acting alongside iconic actors like Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is certainly a transformative experience. What did you learn from sharing scenes with these great names, and how has it impacted your approach as an actor?
Being in a movie with a heavyweight actor like Anthony Hopkins and working opposite talented and extremely accomplished actors like Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ashley Greene definitely impacts you in a multitude of ways. Mostly, it is the continued inspiration and reminder to be prepared as much as you can be. You also must balance being able to just forget it all and be flexible with your choices while allowing yourself to live in the moment and just play. Simply just forget where and how you think the scene should go. Also, I loved how generous they were with the other talent in the room. They really were just committed to the best outcome of the scene. That level of excellence, focus, and selflessness was what I will remember most.
The film explores themes such as genetic manipulation and the dangers of tampering with human nature. Did these issues spark any personal reflections for you? Do you believe that science fiction plays an important role in provoking debates about the future of humanity?
These issues did actually spark some reflection for me. What I love most about this movie, and the novel it was based on, is that this story reflects the timeless theme of humanity tampering with biological science leaving our basic humanity and fragile existence exposed to extinction. Science fiction, I believe, is integral in spurring debate about our future on this planet and possibly others. After all, whatever a man can conceive, he can achieve. We seem to keep proving this time and time again. I also think that, in many cases, science fiction is merely documenting and exposing what has already occurred or been discovered.
In addition to acting, you also stand out as a producer. In Maserati, for example, you take on a significant creative role. What fascinates you most about transitioning between being in front of and behind the camera?
I enjoy being a producer for several different reasons. It affords me the ability to get projects made, choose my own roles, and add additional value to make projects better. I am also able to help others get their own projects made. Having said that, there are many ways that someone can help a project come to life in a producorial role. Oftentimes, helping to get the project funded by assisting on the financing side of things is one of the most important aspects; without financing, there is no movie. In the case of “Maserati: The Brothers”, I was fortunate enough to assist with the financing, which was so important to production at the time.
You have worked on projects with powerful messages, such as Trafficked, which addresses human trafficking. What drives you to choose roles and stories that go beyond entertainment and have a social impact?
I have always primarily wanted to work on projects that better the world. I made a statement and commitment early on in my career that I wanted to make movies that move, touch, and inspire people and on a larger scale, the world. I am still driven by this purpose because I believe it is our duty as well as our honor to work toward a larger cause and something more important than merely ourselves. I feel I am here to help humanity in some way.
Beyond cinema, you are also involved in real estate investments and maintain a lifestyle focused on health and wellness. How do you balance these different passions, and how do they influence your career in entertainment?
I balance all these areas as best as I can, but I have given up the notion that all of these passions need to be perfectly balanced. I definitely strive to have impact in all of these areas; that is what drives me. I view life as a river with ebbs and flows. Sometimes, one area will be taking off, so I will double down on that one while I might be taking my foot off the proverbial gas in another, and I am at peace with this. I also realize there are times where I need to just drill down and get obsessed about something for it to get done at the level of excellence that is needed to make the greatest impact. This causes a huge imbalance in my life at times, which can be exciting, rather than stressful, when kept in the proper perspective.
Throughout your journey, you have played various characters and produced impactful projects. When you think about the future, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for the industry and the audience that follows your work?
I hope to continue to make projects that impact the world in a positive way for the remainder of my career. However, I’d love to do this on a larger scale than I have up to this point. I aim to work with the most talented and passionate people in this industry as I have noticed that it elevates me and my efforts as well who I am being. I always liked the analogy that if you want to elevate your tennis game, play with better tennis players. My goal going forward is to create projects that impact the most people possible. This will require me to continue to scale my efforts and who I am in every area of my life.
Adam Ambruso on IMDB