John Hillcoat’s "Lawless" is affected by “Once Upon a Time in America”

“Lawless” filmmakers held a press conference yesterday Saturday 19 May at the 65th Cannes International Film Festival where director John Hillcoat attended with writer Nick Cave and lead actors Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Shia LaBeouf, Mia Wasikowski, and Guy Pearce. Director Hillcoat was asked by journalists if he was affected by Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in America” or not while making “Lawless” in which he assured it and said he was one of the Leone’s biggest fans. He added that he was inspired by “Bonnie & Clyde” as well while shooting his film. Those two films where the reason he always wanted to make a film about the American West.Writer Nick Cave said that he was attracted to the story which is adapted from a novel written by Matt Bondurant. He commented that he had no fear from the obvious violence in it as he was sure that Hillcoat will be able to handle it well. “Lawless” screened yesterday at Cannes and is participating in The Competition.