TIFF 2019: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Last Porno Show’s Victoria Dunsmore

Actress Victoria Dunsmore is no stranger to taking risks. When she initially read the script for The Last Porno Show, it was unlike anything she had ever encountered. She knew in her gut that she had to be involved with the project and that the director-writer, Kire Paputts, had created a character that was topical and relatable. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Last Porno Show Questions

PC: Tell us about The Last Porno Show, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Victoria: The Last Porno Show follows aspiring actor Wayne, who inherits a seedy, run-down porn cinema from his estranged father. He initially wants nothing to do with the building and attempts to sell it, but has a change of heart after auditioning for an art film. On a whim, he bases his character on the persona of his late father, which is what ultimately wins him the lead role in the film. He then falls down a method actor rabbit hole, reenacting memories from his childhood (all set in the old porno cinema), and it all gets pretty crazy from there.

My character Ashley’s story line comes in during the audition process. She is an aspiring actress herself—young and naïve, looking for her big break. She is cast opposite Wayne as the female leading this art film, where the expectation is for them to perform non-simulated sex on camera. We watch her become progressively less and less secure with her commitment to her role, torn between maintaining her integrity and forfeiting her opportunity as a leading lady.

I was drawn to the project simply because of the risk involved. The potential the script had, as it was so well-written, made it very appealing from the get-go. It also didn’t feel “normal”. It was a departure from any of the scripts that I had come across. The bottom line is that I took a gamble and came out of this experience having surpassed any expectations I initially had. I am a very grateful woman.

PC: Kire Paputts, the writer and director, made the entire script available for everyone auditioning. How helpful was that in your preparation? What does that say about him as the creative mastermind behind the film?
Victoria: It was helpful in my mental preparation more than anything. Kire was not married to the script. He was making adjustments here and there as he went on, but overall, it instilled confidence. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into from a contextual standpoint, which is not common with auditioning. That confidence also extended to many other facets: his script work and skilled narrative, his compassion and generosity, his understanding of others’ processes, and his grasp on his own process. It came down to work ethic for me. He felt it was important to give his potential actors as much information as possible, and I appreciated that.

PC: Were you able to draw any parallels between Ashley’s journey and your own?
Victoria: Many! I would even say there are more similarities than differences between Ashley’s story and my own. Minus the whole non-simulated sex thing. I have never, and will never, concede to doing anything like that. The content very much could’ve gone into dangerous territory, but my gut told me that was not the kind of movie that Kire was making, and I’m very glad I was right. Unfortunately, Ashley isn’t so lucky in her story. As far as her inexperience and blind optimism, however, that’s right where I was at when I auditioned for Porno Show.

PC: This is your second feature. What was the biggest takeaway from the experience?
Victoria: The overarching fact I get such a kick out of is just how varied the spectrum of work is in this industry. One day, you can be on set for some short film or proof of concept that you’re not sure will ever see the light of day to some commercial that makes you question whether you’re an actor or a trained monkey to the next day making an indie feature that you think is actually super special that might really go somewhere. The set for Porno Show is still, by far, the most professional set I’ve ever been on. It’s very cool how the right group of people can make some pretty incredible things happen. I was happy just to be there and see some of that go down.

PC: The Last Porno Show will premiere at the TIFF. What does it mean to have its debut at this festival? What do you hope audiences walk away with?
Victoria: It’s really incredible to be premiering at TIFF. The festival has always been such a special space for Canadian content, and for Porno Show to have been given that consideration and opportunity this year is really, really cool. I hope people take away a reinforced sense of family and community; where we come from impacts us so heavily, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize, as Wayne discovers.

As for Ashley’s part in the film, the character arc is very topical, falling under the #metoo umbrella. She is cast to serve the male protagonists, and to an extent, director Chad’s sexual and romantic gratification. Ashley grapples quite heavily with her fear to speak up, a realistic and honest portrayal of how difficult it is to fight for what you deserve. Women are still having to choose between opportunity and self-preservation, and I truly believe Ashley’s story reflects that.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Victoria: I just happened to start attending a fine arts school in order to participate in their French immersion program, where everyone would audition for the school musical each year. I could sing pretty well, so I did what everyone else was doing and auditioned…pretty sure I sang an Avril Lavigne song. I got really hooked on singing, dancing, playing pretend, and being on stage after that. It was a passion that carried me all the way through high school, community theatre, university productions, right up until I decided I wanted to pursue this professionally. I moved to Toronto six years ago for theatre school and really dove into film shortly after that…and now I’m here!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Victoria: My peers, more than anything. I enjoy taking class consistently for the community as much as the training. It keeps me focused, and exchanging experiences with those I study with helps me see different aspects of this career with new and/or fresh eyes. I’ve recently redefined what this career path means to me, and I constantly have to remind myself of the things that are truly important because I am so easily distracted. So, to see others going through those same things, working towards similar goals really inspires and motivates me even further.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Victoria: Friends

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Victoria: Phantom of the Opera

PC: Favorite book?
Victoria: The Harry Potter series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Victoria: My favorite play is Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire and my favorite musical is a three-way tie between Anything Goes, Gypsy, and Funny Girl.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Victoria: I just scrolled through my library and was surprised I still had Ke$ha kicking around in there. I should delete that.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Victoria: The Boys

PC: Hidden talent?
Victoria: I do a pretty top-notch Smeagol/Gollum impression.

To keep up with Victoria, follow her on Instagram, and catch The Last Porno Show premiering at TIFF.