Watch it now on Vudu, iTune, Google Play, FandagoNOW, or Amazon.
The film adaptation stars Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer. Other cast members are Hayley Law, Piper Perabo, Rob Huebel, and Yvonne Orji. Brian Duffield directed and wrote the film. So, chill and take this time to get to know Aaron Starmer's thoughts on the visual format of his written material.
1.From our previous interview you stated that you would take a slim chance over no chance for your book Spontaneous to be made into a film. Well, it seems like things turned out fantastic. Spontaneous is indeed a film. How does it feel to finally watch the movie version of your book?
It feels great. And it’s always a delight to watch the movie, even though I’ve seen it so many times already, including early cuts. The first time I saw it, there was still a lot of work left to be done, but I could tell it was a special movie. It juggled the tricky tone of the book, while introducing its own unique style and point of view. And the performances were wonderful, especially Katherine’s.
2.List 3 adjective to describe Spontaneous.
For the movie I’d say: sweet, vibrant and bloody.
3.What was your favorite scene to watch on the screen?
The first time I saw it I really loved Bye Bye Love montage in the middle. And any scene where Katherine and Charlie are together really stand out to me because of how charming they both are.
4.What are your thoughts on the director Brian Duffield’s vision of your book Spontaneous?
Brian’s voice and style were perfectly suited to this adaptation, because his writing and direction are smart and funny, but he also knows how to tap into the emotions of a scene. So many of the great moments in the movie are entirely his creation and so I think the book and movie work well together. They’re not carbon copies. They’re different takes on the same story and themes. Which is something I prefer as a reader and movie lover. I don’t want to experience the same thing twice.
5.Which of your other books would you like to see made into a film or TV series?
All of them? I’ve had other things optioned, but nothing currently in production. I’d love to see the Riverman trilogy turned into something, but that would be a BIG undertaking.
6. Did you make a cameo in the film? If not, why didn’t you?
I do. Sort of. You have to look closely for my face. It’s in the first 30 minutes. And if you pause, you can learn more about my “character.” I’m the closest thing the movie has to a villain.
7. There are some parallel themes between this film and the COVID-19 pandemic. What are your thoughts on that?
It’s a weird coincidence, but the idea of the movie can be applied to many different crises that young people, and the world, face. So if it wasn’t this, it would’ve been something else that people were comparing it to. And that’s sort of the point.
8. Were you ever on set? If so, could you tell me your memorable moment?
I was! For the last three days of shooting. It was all memorable, but I was particularly impressed by how much they could pull off in a short amount of time and on a low budget. It was all very run and gun. I also got to witness one of the film’s funnier explosions.
9. Were you able to conversate with Charlie Plummer, Katherine Langford, Yvonne Orji, Rob Huebel, or any other cast member? If so, could you give an interesting fact about any of them?
I chatted with Charlie a bit and Katherine. Interesting facts? They’re both as charming and sweet as their characters.
10. Have you ever considered writing a screenplay?
I have written some. But none that were produced and not recently. Maybe I’ll get back into it.
11. Last question, what is your motto in life?
My motto is “Don’t have a motto...because you might change your mind!”