Ben Lewin?s The Surrogate emerged as the undisputed hit of Sundance 2012, landing the biggest sale thus far (a $6 million sale to Fox Searchlight) with the unlikeliest of subjects: A paralyzed man?s quest to lose his virginity, based on the life and writings of Bay Area poet Mark O?Brien. Thanks to Lewin?s sensitive and honest script and an impressive turn by indie favorite John Hawkes -- who shines with wit and grace in a physically demanding performance as O?Brien, who has no use of his limbs due to polio but begins to explore his sexuality with the help of a hands-on sex therapist (Helen Hunt) ? The Surrogate earned consecutive standing ovations and got critics buzzing with the possibilities for next year?s Academy Awards.
Movieline sat down with Hawkes in Park City to discuss the indie labor of love, why O?Brien?s story resonates so powerfully, and how opportunities have expanded for him since breaking out two years ago at Sundance with his Oscar-nominated turn in Winter?s Bone.
You folks got two standing ovations here at Sundance, and made the biggest sale of the festival ? how are you feeling right now, in this moment?
It?s surreal, it really is! I?m trying to process it. I don?t concern myself too much with that but I?m really glad Fox Searchlight bought the movie; they did a wonderful job with Martha Marcy May Marlene and they?re great people, so hopefully our little movie is in good hands.
I grew up close to Berkeley and was a little familiar with Mark O?Brien before seeing the film, but it captured that sense of place for me ? especially with little touches like Pink Man to set the atmosphere.
Yes, of course! That?s good, because…
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