Richard Hunter Talks Locarno’s ‘Foul Evil Deeds’: “Exploring Themes from Daily Chores to Extreme Violence”

Richard Hunter’s debut feature, “Foul Evil Deeds,” diverges from the typical British cinema landscape by drawing inspiration from European art house traditions rather than the British social realism often associated with filmmakers like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh.

The film presents a series of interconnected tales of daily malice, ranging from minor to extreme. “My influences include Ulrich Seidel and Michael Haneke, with Roy Andersson being particularly. Ruben Östlund’s early work also played a role,” Hunter shared with Variety. “My British identity naturally influences the film, but my approach leans more towards these continental styles.”

Hunter’s path to filmmaking began in advertising, transitioning from university documentaries to music videos, and eventually commercials. Inspired by directors like Michel Gondry, Chris Cunningham, and Spike Jonze, Hunter found his niche in the industry.

The film’s narratives are rooted in real-life events. “Each story is based on something real that has been adapted for the screen,” he explained. This approach allowed for a fragmented storytelling style. “I’ve always been fascinated by anthology formats and ensemble casts, similar to ‘Short Cuts’ or Haneke’s ‘71 Fragments.’ This style focuses less on plot and more on capturing human behavior, from minor infractions to severe crimes, blending elements of both playfulness and darkness.”

The production spanned a year, with separate filming of vignettes and a protracted editing phase. “It felt like a luxury,” Hunter noted. “We used a 1993 mini-DV camera, creating a home-video aesthetic that enhances the voyeuristic feel of the film.”

Hunter aimed to present these moments in a detached manner. “Whether it’s mundane tasks or extreme actions, I wanted to offer a neutral documentation, showing everything as part of the same reality,” he added.

He praised casting director Ilenka Jelowicki and editor Matthew J Brady as essential to the film’s success. Produced by Wayes Production and Federica Schiavello, “Foul Evil Deeds” is yet to secure a sales agent.

Looking ahead, Hunter plans to build on “Foul Evil Deeds” with future projects. “I have several scripts ready, and my next two films will continue exploring themes related to this one,” he said.