ENTROPIC- Interview with Khalid Karim

Khalid Karimzadeh (or Karim) is an Iranian-Canadian film and television actor, based in Toronto, Ontario. His credits include appearances in Heroes Reborn, Killjoys and a supporting role in Becoming Burlesque. Most recently, he appeared in Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut Molly’s Game and the sci-fi film Kin. Khalid plays Aaron in Entropic, in his first leading role. (courtesy: IMDB)

How did you get involved with the project?

I got involved through the audition process. Originally, I was reading for Luke. But as soon as I got my hands on the script, I was drawn to Aaron. I loved the way he’s written and how he comes across. When I auditioned, (director) Robert Gray and I had a discussion, and this just clicked.

What drew you to the character of Aaron?

I loved Aaron’s tolerance, his level of understanding, vulnerability, sensitivity, and his intelligence as a man. As a protagonist, he’s original and relatable. He is willing to accept the challenge in front of him, and do this task out of love.

Were there other characters you identified with in the script?     

I was really taken by Aaron, in terms of identifying emotionally with the character. I had many differently feelings when I was reading the script. I loved all the characters, but Aaron was definitely who I was most drawn to.

What, for you, is the film about?

This is a film about the desire to have one’s passion reciprocated. It goes deeply into how far someone will go for it – or to rid themselves of it. It’s an incredible plot with great characters.

I see it as an artistic view on objectification in our society. The audience bears witness to this experimental journey, and it challenges the audience’s perspective on beauty. It asks them how far they’d be willing to go to get something. Or give something.

This is a unique, intense film. How does it feel to be in a project with weighty material?

Rob is the actor’s director. He is constantly in discussions with his actors, sharing every moment, every scene, and we spent time talking for hours about the direction and emotion behind this film. He has such an amazing vision, and it made this a totally different, artistic endeavour.

This role is everything I wanted as an actor. The subject matter just pushes boundaries. It all feels so real, organic, and we have complicated three-dimensional characters of importance and relevance. Rob, Jon, Matt, and Stephen helped carry through this process. When I was actually in it, I knew the gravity of what we were putting out.

How did you go about getting into character?

It all starts with a script. After I read it, I jumped into the development of Aaron from a physical perspective. I looked at weight, posture, how he stands and walks, where he keeps his eyes. I looked at his inner dialogue, and what he really thinks about what’s going on. I had discussions with Rob about where I stood with this character, and about his beliefs on it, and I cultivated from there.

What did you most want the audience to see about Aaron? 

I love that Aaron is so real. He was willing to accept experiences as they come without judgement. He’s not a typical protagonist, and he doesn’t need to experience XYZ before the end of the film. He’s grounded and undergoes huge changes internally. They are life-altering, and I wanted the audience to feel what he went through and see the changes as authentic.

What was it like to work with the director?

Working with Robert Gray was amazing. The script was so well written. I lost sleep over it. I woke up and had to finish reading it. I kept asking, “who wrote these incredible characters?” Rob firmly believes in working things out, discussing scenes, and we always got on the same page. He was so dialed in for every scene and every moment. 

How was it working with Jon Dewar (producer) and Matt Rogers (producer / co-cinematographer), Frictive Pictures?

Jon was the go-to producer, but both he and Matt wore so many hats. Jon gets it all handled, and even handles things you didn’t know you need. Matt is a visionary, and he was uncompromising for his shot list. He literally made the most out of everything. When you’re making an indie like this, it makes a colossal difference when the people involved care like they do.

What was it like to make a film in New Brunswick? You were in Fredericton for a month.

Shooting in Fredericton was amazing. I love New Brunswick, and the community was so welcoming. All of them knew I was there for the production, and I always got to make the most of my days off. I’d go to the market and the local restaurants. I’d be so happy to go there again.

What was it like for you to see a project like this up on the screen?

With Aaron’s character, I’m hoping this is as pleasurable viewing as filmmaking. I hope it resonates, especially in this climate. The entire LGBTQ community has to see this, and I’d love as wide demographic as possible. I understand the nudity can be difficult, but if you like artistic films and something with real, grounded characters, this is so worth it.

 Who do you most want to see this film?

I really hope Entropic sparks open discussion about objectification. This is such an important topic, and I hope the audiences’ pre-conceptions are challenged. I just want to thank Rob, the cast and crew for every amazing day on this movie.

Entropic is now available to rent or own on Apple, Amazon (USA, UK), Roku, Vimeo on Demand, and NFB (Canada). •