The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

About The Art of Self-Defense

"The Art of Self-Defense" is a dark comedy-drama directed by Riley Stearns. The story revolves around a timid bookkeeper named Casey who, after being brutally attacked by a motorcycle gang, decides to take up karate as a means to defend himself. The dojo is led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei, and Casey soon finds his life spiraling into a world of hyper-masculinity, violence, and surprising revelations.

Making / Production

The film is written and directed by Riley Stearns. From production to the shooting process, everything was carried out carefully, keeping in mind the tone and essence of the film. The overall aesthetic, the use of light, and the color schemes were designed to reflect the internal journey of the protagonist Casey.

Actors

• Jesse Eisenberg as Casey: Eisenberg plays the meek and mild-mannered accountant scary well who has to learn to stand up for himself after a terrifying assault.
• Imogen Poots as Anna: Poots plays the only female character in the male-dominated dojo, delivering a compelling performance filled with nuance and strength.
• Alessandro Nivola as Sensei: Nivola plays the karate master Sensei with a layer of an intimidating figure expertly balancing humor and menace.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Jesse Eisenberg practiced karate for several months in preparation for his role as Casey.
• The production team constructed an authentic dojo for the movie’s shoot, complete with traditional symbols and equipment.
• The scenes in the film are largely dim, echoing the dark comedy genre.

Quotes

• "I need to become a new man. A stronger man."
• "Karate is a way of communicating... ask me a question."
• "Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future."

Music, Soundtrack

• Music in the film was composed by Heather McIntosh, who nailed crucial aspects of film score like amplifying the tension and underscoring the humor.
• The film utilized music as an important storytelling mechanism, enhancing the emotional pull of pivotal scenes.