Actor Chris Santos best known for his role in ‘The Girlfriend Experience’ can be seen once again on the big screen in his second Steven Soderbergh feature film, ‘Perfect.’ Santos actually brought the psychological thriller to the Academy award winning filmmaker/producer, which was written and directed by Eddie Alcazar.
‘Perfect,’ which was recently released, tells the story of a young man with a violent past as he enters a mysterious clinic where the patients transform their bodies and minds using genetic engineering. Santos also recently wrapped filming of the beautifully shot short film “Someday,” which follows two strangers who meet on a 14-hr flight from Sydney to Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Anderson Group PRWe caught up recently with Santos to find out what it is like working with Steven Soderbergh, his roles in ‘Someday’ and ‘Perfect,’ and how he really feels about Boston.
Tell us about the movie ‘Perfect’ and how the opportunity came about to bring it to Steven Soderbergh’s attention.
It centers around a young man (Garrett Wareing) with a violent past that enters a mysterious clinic where the patients wildly transform their bodies and minds using genetic engineering. My character’s name is STRIPS (Stanford Research Institute Problem Solver) which is a type of problem-solving A.I. (artificial intelligence). The director Eddie Alcazar, who is my friend, asked me if I would reach out to Steven to watch a very rough cut and give him creative notes. I believed in the film so much that I ultimately did send it to Steven whom had a very favorable reaction to it. So much, in fact, he joined on to help edit and produce the film. That was unexpected and a very pleasant surprise for Eddie and myself.
What was it like working with one of the best known producers and directors in the business?
Well, this was my second time working with Steven. We remained friends since I worked with him on ‘The Girlfriend Experience.’ I guess what has stuck with me the most concerning Steven, is how both singularly minded towards work he is and at the same time how easygoing and down to earth he is about all of it. I have never seen him stressed or lose his cool and does everything on his terms. He is someone I am glad to call my friend.
Why did you want to be a part of this psychological thriller?
The impetus to do this film was to be able to work with the director Eddie Alcazar, who is not only a friend but is super talented. We met through mutual friends and hit it off right away. We wanted to work together since before ‘Perfect’ was even born. When the film was coming together, he told me all about it and asked what type of character I wanted to play. I told him whatever it is, just make it challenging. Well, he delivered me just that in my character – STRIPS (Stanford Research Institute Problem Solver) which is a problem-solving A.I. (Artificial Intelligence). This film is something super unique and you will have to see it to fully appreciate that.
Tell us about your role in the upcoming short film ‘Someday.’
I really like interesting characters and in this film, I played a very successful classical composer and conductor. I truly loved spending hours listening to classical music and working on perfecting idiosyncratic behaviors specific to conductors. I said to myself I really want to hear and feel music the way they do and move like them. I hope this comes across in the film.
What’s up next for you?
‘Perfect’ and ‘Someday’ are my focus right now. However, as we all know, one audition can change anything and everything when it comes to acting.
Have you been to Boston recently? What do you enjoy most about the city when visiting?
Being from New York, I spent a lot of time at odds with Boston for obvious reasons (laughs). However, I have been to Boston a few times and love it. I love the people; it’s a very lively yet laid back city. Plus, it has a great food scene, especially the seafood. I always go for a good lobster roll whenever I’m there. Anything at Fenway Park is always a great experience as well as the Seaport.
Photo Credit: Anderson Group PR
