When Henry, a seasoned outlaw, leads his gang of killers and bandits into a high stakes bank heist, he expects it to bring financial freedom to them all, and a chance at a new life south of the Mexican border. Unfortunately, things get bloody, and they are forced to kill a U.S. Marshall in the process. With one of the largest bounties in the history of the American West on their heads, they make their way south, through dangerous terrain. Half dead and without horses, food, or water, they finally stumble upon the remote frontier home of George Tildon, his wife, and two daughters. With no other options, the gang holes up for the night before crossing the border, accosting the family. A frightening sequence of events follows. Family secrets are revealed, unlikely bonds are formed and Henry is faced with a strange and unexpected chance at Redemption. JT Mollner’s intensely violent and provocative Outlaws and Angels features the wonderful Frances Fisher, Chad Michael Murray, Ben Browder, Teri Polo, and, in a star-making performance, Frances Fisher’s real-life daughter with Clint Eastwood, Francesca Eastwood. I spoke to Fisher about the film.
Danny Miller: I thought you were so great in this role but I have to admit I was totally shocked by what happens to your character…and when!
Frances Fisher: (Laughs.) I know! Short and sweet, that’s for sure.
Of course, I thought your daughter looked so much like you in some scenes that it felt like you were in nearly every frame of the movie!
Aw, that’s sweet, thank you!
It has to be a lot of fun playing such an intense, gritty character.
It really is. And I felt I had to step up the plate and really explore the film’s themes of violence and how reckless people were back then. We think we’ve got it so bad today with all the gun violence that is happening and it is terrible but when you remember that back then it was ALL “open carry” and you could shoot somebody and never get caught for it. This was a truly lawless time in our country’s history.
Yeah. “Make America Great Again,” my foot!
Oh my God, right? Yeah, let’s go back to the Wild West! Ugh.
I know you don’t have any scenes with your daughter in this film, but was this the first time you’ve worked in a movie with Francesca since she was a little girl?
Yes, it was! Hopefully we’re going to be able to actually work together some day. But this was the first time since True Crime when she was six, and, of course, she played my baby in The Stars Fell on Henrietta.
Did you get a chance to watch her on set for this film?
Oh yes, and it was so great watching her. I got to see her do that last scene with Chad and a couple of other ones and I was so proud of her. She carried herself so professionally and was able to create a really believable character.
I thought it was kind of amazing how she was able to make us care for her character so much even though she does a few really shocking and appalling things. And for that matter, you really made us care about Esther despite how much time you were on the screen and what you were doing.
Thank you. It’s true that when you see somebody mistreated, your sympathies go to them. That’s what I loved so much about JT Mollner’s script. He really explores these themes of violence against women. I think that shocking thing Francesca does to get retribution for what had happened to her as a child was very well constructed. We can all identify with that desire even if most of us would never do anything like what she does, thank God.
When Francesca was young, did you or her dad ever have any reservations about her going into acting?
You know, I don’t think either of us ever did. She’s been around this culture all her life. And especially with me, she’s seen me have some really successful years and she’s seen me have very fallow years. She’s been able to witness my frustration when I couldn’t find a good role and how I traversed that rocky part of an acting career. She saw that when I wasn’t working I’d either go back to the Actor’s Studio to do scenes or I’d learn something new or travel or get more involved with the various causes I care about. There are always places where you can put your energy, it’s not about pining over “When is my next acting job coming?” You have to be patient and trusting.
I wanted to mention how much I loved you in the TV series Resurrection. I was bummed when that was cancelled. Would you like to get involved in another series?
Oh, absolutely! I’ve got a big audition tomorrow for a series so please cross your fingers. Hopefully it will go in my direction.
I’m guessing that you’re approached more for your role as Kate Winslet’s mother in Titanic than anything else you’ve done, but to me you’ll always be the definitive Lucille Ball, I loved your performance in that movie! How do you feel about the upcoming Lucy movie starring Cate Blanchett?
I think she’s going to be amazing! Cate Blanchett is one of the best actresses of our generation, she’s just incredible and can do anything. I can’t wait to see her as Lucy, I just can’t wait!
Ooh, I just had this vision of you, Cate Blanchett, and Jessica Chastain playing sisters in a movie. The three redheads. Make it happen!
Okay, I’m in! You know, Jessie and I did a movie together years ago called Jolene. Did you ever see that?
No! How did I miss it?
Oh, you’ve got to rent it! It’s Jessica’s very first movie. It was directed by Dan Ireland, who just passed away a few months ago, unfortunately, way too young. He did an amazing job with that film and it’s a real tour-de-force for Jessica Chastain, it’s the movie that really put her on the map and got her on her path, she’s just astounding in the role. The film is based on an E.L. Doctorow short story and Jessica goes from 15 to 25 in five different scenes from her life. I’m in one of those five scenes. It’s a very different role for me — if you liked my part in Outlaws and Angels, you’re going to love my character.
Oh, another gritty woman like Esther?
No, I’m not going to tell you, I don’t want to spoil it, but let’s just say I’ve never played a part like that before!