I sat down to interview Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo (The Fighter) and director/writer John Swab for their latest collaboration, King Ivory, which premiered at Venice.
Melissa Leo is one of the most talented actresses of our time, having acted in:
21 Grams (2003)
Frozen River (2008)
The Fighter (2010)
Flight (2012)
Oblivion (2013)
Prisoners (2013)
The Equalizer (2014)
The Big Short (2015)
Recently, she’s starred in films from Swab, including:
Body Brokers (2021)
Ida Red (2021)
King Ivory (2025)
King Ivory synopsis:
Based upon extensive research with law enforcement, gangs, inmates, migrants, and addicts, an exposé on fentanyl trafficking, and its effect on all walks of life.
In addition to Leo, the film stars James Badge Dale, Ben Foster, Michael Mando, and Academy Award Nominee Graham Greene.
The interview is a deep dive into how Leo and Swab’s working relationship has evolved over time. From Swab first getting Leo’s email in a very interesting way, to Leo passing on his first film, to them developing a shorthand over many features.
What I love about this interview is how Melissa Leo became a teacher to John Swab, and they’re both very humble and transparent about how much they’ve developed.
Here’s the King Ivory trailer:
In theaters November 14th.
