Collider's Perri Nemiroff recently sat down with Colin Farrell and Fala Chen, the stars of Edward Berger's latest film, 'Ballad of a Small Player,' to discuss their collaborative process, the director's unique approach, and Farrell's eagerly anticipated return to Gotham in 'The Batman: Part II.' The interview provided deep insights into the actors' experiences on set, emphasizing themes of trust, instinct, and the dynamic nature of their craft.

'Ballad of a Small Player' features Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle, a high-stakes British gambler whose life is spiraling amidst the chaotic glamour of Macau's casino circuit. His desperate quest for redemption takes an obsessive turn after encountering a mysterious compatriot, leading him into a dangerous exploration of a man's psyche when luck runs out. Directed by Edward Berger, the film delves into identity, risk, and reinvention, with characters constantly navigating the fine line between control and surrender.

For Farrell and Chen, collaboration was paramount. Farrell expressed his appreciation for Chen's openness as a scene partner, noting how her subtle adjustments in expression and environmental interaction profoundly influenced his own performance. Despite Chen's rigorous training at Juilliard and her meticulous research, she maintained a remarkable receptiveness to improvisation and new ideas. Farrell articulated that fellow actors often "write your performance" as much, if not more, than an actor can conceive alone, highlighting the vital role of on-set interaction.

Chen, in turn, commended Farrell for his meticulous articulation of his character while simultaneously embracing a "throw-things-on-the-wall" kind of energy, allowing for spontaneous discovery within scenes. She also lauded his infectious generosity and open heart, extending not just to her but to the entire crew, which she found to be a beautiful and moving aspect of working with him.

A significant part of their discussion revolved around Edward Berger's directorial style. Chen highlighted the immense trust Berger placed in her, inviting her to co-create the character rather than simply executing his vision. She recalled their initial Zoom meeting, where Berger focused on getting to know her as a human being before delving into the script or character, establishing a foundation of genuine connection. Farrell corroborated Berger's inclusive approach, describing him as incredibly generous and accessible. Despite Berger's clear vision, he actively sought input from collaborators, even going as far as being inclusive in the editing process, demonstrating a deep care for others' opinions without sacrificing his inner compass. A memorable anecdote involved a late-night text from Farrell to Berger about a "hand on the face" moment, which ultimately made it into the final film, illustrating the freedom and collaborative spirit Berger fostered.

Amidst these serious reflections, Farrell shared a lighter moment, recalling his favorite meal scene ever filmed: an interrogation scene from 'The Recruit' involving a Big Mac. He humorously recounted how McDonald's executives provided a pristine, picture-perfect Big Mac for the scene, superior even to the buffet spreads in 'Ballad of a Small Player,' admitting he consumed about four of them that day.

Concluding the interview, Farrell offered a brief but enthusiastic tease about his return as the Penguin in Matt Reeves' 'The Batman: Part II.' He expressed a profound love for the Batman universe, having grown up with it from 'Batman '66' (Burgess Meredith as his first Penguin) to Danny DeVito's portrayal and Christopher Nolan's films. For Farrell, the joy stems from simply being a part of Matt Reeves' re-envisioned Gotham, a world that respectfully honors the city's struggles and the psychological complexities of Bruce Wayne and Batman. He emphasized that his excitement is less about what new things he can "do" with the character after having eight hours to explore the role in the HBO series, and more about the sheer pleasure of returning to that world and working alongside Robert Pattinson and Jeffrey Wright again, under Reeves' direction. 'Ballad of a Small Player' is currently available to stream on Netflix.