(Episode 175) "Burden" Director: Andrew Heckler.
Monday Morning Critic Podcast
Why did Andrew Heckler decide to make the film 'Burden'?
Heckler was drawn to the story of a Klansman opening a KKK museum in a small South Carolina town and its subsequent transformation by a black Baptist ministry. He felt an obligation to tell the story after spending time with the real-life people involved.
How did Andrew Heckler prepare to write and direct 'Burden'?
Heckler spent a month in South Carolina, immersing himself in the community and even posing as a white supremacist to understand the Klansmen's perspective. This experience helped him humanize the characters and inform the film's narrative.
How many revisions did the script for 'Burden' go through?
The script underwent approximately 80 rewrites over the years, with input from actors like Forest Whitaker, who stayed with the project for over a decade.
What challenges did Andrew Heckler face in casting the film 'Burden'?
Several American actors declined to play the Klan leader due to the current political climate and stigma. Tom Wilkinson, a British actor, agreed to take the role after reading the script, as he saw it as a powerful story about tolerance.
What was the significance of the five-minute standing ovation at Sundance for 'Burden'?
The standing ovation at Sundance indicated the film's powerful impact and the need for more stories that address hate and promote tolerance, resonating deeply with the audience.
Why was 'Burden' released two years after it was completed in 2018?
The release was delayed due to the film's tumultuous journey from inception to distribution. Despite challenges, the producers and director remained committed to bringing the story to light.
What was the most significant compliment Andrew Heckler received for 'Burden'?
The real Mike Burden, after watching the film, realized that the Klansmen he interacted with did not respect him, only feared him. This realization about his own journey was the ultimate compliment for Heckler.
How did the community react to the KKK museum set during the filming of 'Burden'?
Even after hours, people continued to shop at the recreated KKK museum set, highlighting the ongoing presence of bigotry and the need for the film to shed light on such issues.
- The director was inspired by a true story of a KKK museum opened by a Klansman.
- The director spent time with both the reverend and the Klansmen to understand their perspectives.
- The director aimed to show how to change people by seeing them as individuals, not just labels.
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