Interview with ‘Riff Raff’ Director Dito Montiel: Collaborating with Stars and Hardcore Influence

Unconventional influences often shape remarkable art, and director Dito Montiel’s recent film, Riff Raff, is no exception. Surprisingly, the hardcore music scene has played a pivotal role in inspiring Montiel’s creative process.

A Multi-Talented Visionary

Montiel, who first captured cinematic attention in 2006 with his adaptation of his own memoir, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, starring the renowned Robert Downey Jr., exemplifies versatility in his artistic endeavors. Beyond filmmaking, his life experiences range from playing in hardcore bands to boxing and modeling for iconic fashion brands like Versace and Calvin Klein. This eclectic background lends him a unique perspective and a boundless ambition.

In an engaging interview with The Mary Sue from Rome, Montiel opened up about the upcoming film, his musical roots, and a delightful discovery of Jennifer Coolidge’s talent, reflecting his thoughtful yet adaptable approach to filmmaking.

The Making of Riff Raff

Montiel attributes much of the film’s realization to Ed Harris, who not only star in the film but also served as an advisor during Montiel’s time at Sundance Labs. Reluctant at first, Montiel described the project as seemingly insurmountable but felt a profound relief and fulfillment when the film unfolded as he envisioned.“They always seem impossible to make, ” he remarked, highlighting the challenges directors often face.

The film Riff Raff, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, revolves around the tumultuous life of Vincent, played by Ed Harris, a reformed criminal whose troubled past resurfaces with the reappearance of his former associates (portrayed by Bill Murray and Pete Davidson) and his ex-wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge).These conflicts threaten the stability of his current family, consisting of Sandy (Gabrielle Union), Rocco (Lewis Pullman), and DJ (Miles J. Harvey).

Montiel drew significant inspiration for the script from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, transforming its raw essence into a familial drama where, in his words, “Everybody’s Virginia Woolf.” A recurring theme of dysfunctionality provides a compelling backdrop to the film’s thrilling narrative.

Casting Changes and Discoveries

Initially, the cast of Riff Raff was to include notable figures like Dustin Hoffman and Brian Cox. Reflecting on how the final ensemble came together, Montiel expressed a sense of serendipity: “When you have, like, people who are originally supposed to be in the movie that then, you know, get replaced for whatever reason … somehow for this one, it did.”

Interestingly, Montiel revealed that he only recently became acquainted with Jennifer Coolidge’s work after watching her acclaimed performance in The White Lotus.“I was sitting watching White Lotus. I had never heard of Jennifer Coolidge, ” he humorously admitted. Yet, he quickly recognized her as the perfect fit for Ruth: “It’s gotta be her, ” he firmly stated, solidifying her role in the film.

The Soundtrack Inspiration

In a masterful blend of personal history and cinematic creation, Montiel tapped into his hardcore music roots for the film’s soundtrack, which was key to maintaining the project within its budget. He recounted how his friend Jesse Mallon, former member of the hardcore band Heart Attack, provided a song that resonated perfectly with the film’s tone.“This is only gonna work if we have a good song, ” Montiel recalled thinking. The alternative—a costly Bob Dylan track—would have derailed the budget entirely.

Although the potential inclusion of a Bob Dylan song would have been intriguing, Montiel’s reliance on Mallon’s work turned out to be a masterstroke.“I had hoped that that weird tone of this film would come through, and I think it did, ” he concluded proudly.

Riff Raff is currently gracing theaters, inviting audiences to dive deep into its complex characters and riveting narrative.