In Lorcan Finnegan’s The Surfer, Julian McMahon portrays the character of Scally, the leader of a group of young men who uphold the notion of “locals only” at an Australian surf beach. McMahon acknowledges the depth of his character and how Scally stands as a barrier between Nicolas Cage’s character, ‘the surfer,’ and his aspirations to live and surf in the area with his son. McMahon was drawn to Thomas Martin’s script, particularly the dialogue, which captivated him and made him realize the terrifying journey that Cage’s character undergoes.
According to McMahon, he made a conscious decision to allow his character, Scally, to evolve as the shooting progressed. He believed that both Nicolas Cage and director Lorcan Finnegan would be open to exploring their characters creatively on set. This choice enabled McMahon to delve deeper into understanding who Scally truly was within the context of the film.
McMahon praises Nicolas Cage for bringing a high level of energy to his work, which resonated with McMahon’s own approach to acting. The dynamic between the two actors on set allowed for a collaborative and energetic atmosphere where they could bounce ideas off each other and truly immerse themselves in their respective characters. McMahon’s portrayal of Scally benefited greatly from his interactions with Cage and the shared commitment to delivering impactful performances.
Overall, Julian McMahon’s portrayal of Scally in The Surfer sheds light on the toxic masculinity and simmering violence that permeates the narrative. Through his understanding of the character and collaborative efforts with Nicolas Cage, McMahon was able to breathe life into Scally and showcase the complexities of his role within the film. The evolution of Scally on set further demonstrates McMahon’s dedication to his craft and willingness to explore different facets of his character to enhance the overall storytelling experience.