From the moment that actor-producer Alex Castillo read Chinonye Chukwu’s award-winning script for Clemency, he knew he had to be part of the production. The timely and important film tells the story of Bernadine Williams (Alfre Woodard), a prison warden who has spent years carrying out death row executions. As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must come to terms with the psychological and emotional toll her job has taken on her.
One of the inmates she encounters along the way is Alex Castillo’s character Victor Jimenez. The role is a dream come true for Alex, who underwent a drastic physical and mental transformation for the project. Pop Culturalist spoke with Alex about Clemency.
PC: You’re an actor and producer. How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Alex: I discovered the arts early in life; however, I didn’t pursue it as a career until many years later. I worked in marketing and brand management in the consumer products industry for some of the biggest companies managing some of the biggest brands in the world, but something was always missing. Eventually, I had the courage to admit to myself that I needed to make a change. I left that career the following year and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and shortly after founded my production company, Castle2000 Films.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alex: There are too many people that have helped me along the way to be able to mention just one. I have had many mentors in my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I will say that I strongly believe in the power of mentoring and can only hope that I am as effective as a mentor as my mentors were and continue to be with me.
PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Alex: When I first started my career, a well-known working actor told me, “Welcome to Hollywood, Alex. The first fifteen years are the hardest.” Shortly after that meeting, I found myself in Park City, Utah, attending a screening of Ellie Parker, that year’s Sundance Film Festival’s Opening Night film. I was sitting in the middle seat of the last row of the upper section—the farthest possible seat from the stage. After the Q&A, I told myself, “I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but someday I will be back in this theater, with a significant role in a film, in competition.” Exactly fifteen Sundance Film Festivals later, I was back with Clemency in the same theater, with a significant role in a film, in competition. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a powerful and thought-provoking film.
PC: Tell us about Clemency, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Alex: Clemency is writer-director Chinonye Chukwu’s award-winning death row drama. It’s about prison warden Bernadine Williams [Alfre Woodard] and the toll that years of carrying out death row executions have taken on her. As she prepares to execute another inmate, she must confront the psychological and emotional toll her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill. I play Victor Jimenez, an inmate on death row facing execution and whose story opens the film. Chinonye’s exceptionally well-crafted script is what drew me to this film. After I auditioned, I knew I had to be part of this film. I needed to help her, and the filmmakers, tell this important, timely story. I will forever be grateful to her for granting me this incredible opportunity.
PC: How did you prepare to step into Victor’s shoes?
Alex: Chinonye provided me with a blueprint for the character, and it was my responsibility to find Victor’s humanity and make him come alive. I also spent time with formerly incarcerated men to learn the specifics of what happens between prison walls. Physically, I lost twenty pounds, got tatted up, shaved my head and got ripped for the role. To have the opportunity to play an inmate on death row and to transform myself into the character of Victor Jimenez was a dream.
PC: What are you most excited for your fans to see?
Alex: I would like for audiences to see my character as a human being and not focus on his reprehensible acts. Yes, Victor Jimenez committed a heinous crime, but in the end, he is still a human being.
PC: The film has been well received on the festival circuit. What do you think it is about this story that is resonating with audiences?
Alex: I believe the relatable humanity and the very high toll it takes on those who are tasked with carrying out state-ordered executions is what is resonating with audiences.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alex: Suits
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alex: John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles
PC: Favorite book?
Alex: Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alex: Hadestown
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alex: Shakira
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Alex: Oscar Isaac
To keep up with Alex, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Clemency in theaters on December 27.
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