The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival saw its fair share of first time filmmakers as well as returning and well experienced actors and directors. In an eclectic ensemble of actors, writers and directors, The Phenom stars Ethan Hawke and Paul Giamatti as they play the father and psychiatrist respectively of a rookie pitcher who loses his A game. Johnny Simmons stars as that pitcher, while Yul Vazquez plays his coach.
Performance anxiety, a pretty bad father, and relationship issues. What can go wrong, especially if you’re playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people who aren’t quiet about their boos? They demote you, and that’s exactly what happens to Hopper Gibson (Simmons), a rookie pitcher who gets demoted to the Little Leagues after completely losing his game.
The film was written and directed by Noah Buschel, who also wrote and directed Glass Chin, nominated for 2014 Tribeca’s Best Narrative Feature. This also is a big year for Simmons who is at Tribeca for two films, this one along with Dreamland, Robert Schwartzman’s latest film.
We got the chance to talk with several of the cast members of the film, including Sophie Kennedy Clark (Philomena, Nymphomaniac) who spoke about her role in the film as well as playing a wide range of various roles. You can view the interviews below as well as check out the film’s trailer before its June 24 debut.
Johnny Simmons, Hopper Gibson:
Yul Vazquez, Eddie Soler:
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Sophie Kennedy Clark, Dorothy Boyer:
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