Leading Blood Behind Us as director, co-writer, and co-producer, Brendan Murphy reflects on shaping an action-thriller that aims to balance intensity, atmosphere, and emotional weight. In this interview, the filmmaker discusses the project’s long development, his meaningful collaboration with Michael Madsen in the actor’s final on-screen performance, and the excitement of taking the film from Dallas to the international marketplace in Cannes.
You directed, co-wrote, and co-produced Blood Behind Us. How did the project first come together, and what was the initial image or emotion that guided your vision for the film?
This started as a combination of a couple different films that unfortunately never came fruition – years ago. But Tanner Beard & I had just come off making my psychological thriller “Fluxx” and he had this idea to create a feature from those pieces. That’s when he came to me to direct. We pitched our idea to Michael Madsen at the Mammoth Film Festival in 2024. From that discussion, he agreed to do the project. I was a massive fan of Michael’s so this was a dream come true to work alongside the man the myth. My writing partner Keyaunte Mayfield & I got to work and wrote the feature script in a few months. Always a good time dreaming up wild scenarios and cool interesting characters.
The film marks Michael Madsen’s final on-screen performance, and he reportedly shared how meaningful this role was to him. What was it like working with Michael on a role that carried such personal significance?
The film has taken on a completely different feeling for me now. I was very proud of what we all created but now it means something much-much more. I loved working with Michael. He was such an interesting cat. He’s an open book and very funny. We discussed life, family, films and of course Quentin. I enjoyed our conversations deeply. I think that trust is why we worked so well together. Michael is fantastic in “Blood”. He gave it his all. And I say this because he told me this many times and I have the messages to prove it. He really was a force to be reckoned with.
As a director, what interested you most in exploring through Blood Behind Us beyond the classic elements of an action-thriller?
Character Development. I’m Irish. I always say the “meat & Potatoes”. Story and unique characters that make you want to go on this journey with them. Whether you like them or not. But as long as they’re compelling and interesting. The special sauce are the action elements. You know…the guns, explosions, blood, rain, thunder, lightning…cinema.
The film arrives at the Cannes Marketplace following its premiere in Dallas. How do you see this moment in the film’s journey, and what are you hoping for in this next stage?
It’s such a great feeling. The film was really well received at DIFF. We were fortunate to premiere there and get an encore screening. Now with us heading to Cannes, everything feels full circle. We can’t wait to screen at the Marché du film. It truly is an honor. We are looking forward to getting the word out internationally and finding a great distribution partner.
There is a promise of emotional depth within the genre framework. How did you build that balance between tension, atmosphere, and dramatic weight?
That’s what makes a good film. Finding the rhythm but also creating something that surprises you and can’t see coming. That’s the fun part. Keep the audience guessing and take them on a wild ride. That’s the job of the director. And as also the editor of the film, finding the ideal pacing. This is so important. It takes a lot of time and whole lotta patience. But I enjoy it all.
With such a striking cast, including Tanner Beard, Jaime King, Michael Aaron Milligan, and Katie Leclerc, how did you work to find the right chemistry between the characters and the overall tone of the film?
Well that’s why you hire talented actors. There job is to make my life easier. Not more difficult. The names you mentioned above are all seasoned vets. Tanner is incredible in this film and carries the weight of the picture on his shoulders, which was no small feat. I genuinely love working with actors. It’s such a powerful collaboration. I’ve studied acting half my life. In fact for a while there I thought I would focus on being in front of the camera but my passion became filmmaking. It’s such a high being in the trenches with your crew. I get to work alongside my cinematographer brother Kieran. So that is a special collaboration. We’ve been obsessed with movies are entire lives. Now we’re making them. Life is surreal.
Looking at Blood Behind Us now, what kind of experience do you hope audiences will carry with them after watching the film?
To be honest, I hope people really enjoy the film and go back and watch as many Michael Madsen movies as possible. That man is truly one of the greatest to ever grace the silver screen. RIP Legend.
