BTL Radio Show – 04/13/2026 with guests BEN WHEATLEY talking NORMAL and ANEIL KARIA discussing HAMLET

This week on BEHIND THE LENS it’s all about “To See or Not To See”, and after hearing today’s exclusive interviews with BEN WHEATLEY discussing NORMAL and ANEIL KARIA talking all things HAMLET, I think you’ll agree that the answer will easily be – Must See.  Both of these films are fresh and fantastic, from story to performances to production values.

First up today is director ANEIL KARIA talking about HAMLET starring Riz Ahmed.

It takes guts to handle Shakespeare and adapt and reimagine, but director Aneil Karia did an amazing job with HAMLET.  One of the most interesting aspects of the film comes courtesy of Michael Lesslie’s screenplay.  Michael did a wonderful job adapting “Macbeth” for director Justin Kurzel, and once again delivers a Shakespearean adaptation that is relatable and attainable for today’s audience with HAMLET.

Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London’s elite South Asian community. When Hamlet returns home for his father’s funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is poised to marry his newly widowed mother. Visited by his father’s ghost, Hamlet learns of a brutal murder at Claudius’s hands—and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family’s empire while threatening his own sanity.

HAMLET boasts a standout cast that includes Riz Ahmed in the title role, along with Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Art Malik, Sheeba Chadha, and Timothy Spall.

In this exclusive interview with Aneil, we highlight the visual and emotional impact of the film. The script, stripped down by Michael Lesslie maintains Hamlet’s POV throughout, enhancing immersion. Stuart Bentley’s cinematography reflects Hamlet’s mental state, from rigid formalism to turbulent handheld shots. The film’s contemporary setting, including a vibrant wedding scene at the Meridian Grand, contrasts with the sterile environments of the crematorium and the family home. The score by Maxwell Sterling blends classical and contemporary elements, adding to the film’s emotional depth. Working with editor Mikkel Eg Nelson, the editing process was challenging but successful in maintaining pace and depth.

HAMLET is now in theatres.

Switching gears and genres, we head to the small town of NORMAL with director BEN WHEATLEY. I love Ben Wheatley’s work, be it High Rise, Free Fire, Rebecca, Meg 2, or now, NORMAL.  Ben can tackle any genre and always delivers first-rate films with high production values, excellent performances, and, in many cases, go-for-broke action and intensity.  I have to put NORMAL in the latter category.

Directed by Ben Wheatley and written by the brilliant Derek Kolstad, and starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL is the latest collaboration from this powerhouse team.  Described as a kinetic neo-Western action film with Odenkirk as an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a quaint Midwestern town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.

In addition to Odenkirk, NORMAL stars, among others, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey, Jess McLeod, Ryan Allen, and more.

NORMAL is weird, wacky, and wonderful, brimming with originality, spurting blood, fantastic action, great deadpan humor, and first-rate performances.  It is an absolute blast.  When was the last time you watched folks covering up dead bodies and bright red blood with snow, and be thankful for having had a blizzard??

In this exclusive interview, director BEN WHEATLEY discusses NORMAL, highlighting the work of DP Armando Salles and in-camera practical effects, originality, and the importance of visual storytelling. He emphasizes the use of practical effects over CGI, the character development, and the metaphorical blizzard symbolizing the town’s chaos.  Harry Gregson-Williams’ score, a mix of electronic and folk elements, complements the narrative.  We also dive into Bob Odenkirk’s performance and the stunt team’s dynamic work.   And who would have thought Odenkirk did most of his own stunts!  Working again with editor Jonathan Amos, Ben talks about focusing on maintaining pace and tension.   And of course, how can you not talk about casting The Fonz himself, Henry Winkler.

NORMAL opens in theatres nationwide on April 17th!

FOLLOW US ON X (formerly Twitter):