First, lets talk about the title.Freak Showis not about a traveling carnival or people living under the stairs.
The title speaks to what a freak really is, Styler tells EW.
All teenagers are freaks inside.
Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Indeed, all of us have an inner freak flag to fly.
If we cant be ourselves on the outside, we are being ourselves somewhere inside.
And thats what the film focuses on.
Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Billys innate kindness was something I was really struck with, Styler says.
He is never a victim of his circumstance.
No matter how bad things get and they get pretty bad hes always upbeat.
Andrew Cooper
Its this sense of forgiveness thats so winning in Billy.
Hes got a bon mot for everything.
Hes very Oscar Wilde in his attitude and his quick wit drives his peer group mad.
Andrew Cooper
For Styler,Freak Showis not actually her first time behind the camera.
you’re free to see a low-res version of the filmhere.
Alex is just extraordinary, says Styler.
Not only is he the central character but he literallyisthe movie.
I owe so much to him.
It was just a great happy relationship.
Billy has created something of a scandal at his school, Styler explains.
She adds, I called Laverne and asked if she would consider playing a cameo role.
She said yes and I couldnt be happier that shes a part of this.
Shes just great in the role.
This making of this movie is really a story of peoples kindness, Styler says.
I know Bette Midler because of the work she does for community gardens and Central Park in New York.
Sting and I enjoy living on Central Park.
And shes reciprocated by supporting our Rainforest Foundation.
Shes such a wonderful, fun person.
Styler continues, So I called her and said, Would you ever consider being in this movie?
And then we were on holiday a little while later when the phone rings and its Bette.
And she just said, Im gonna do it, OK!
She said she loved the script and it underlined a lot of things she believes in.
And so she joined to play Muv, our storys very indulgent mother.
Billy has rose-tinted his mother all of his life.
The story is about him getting a clearer picture of her.
