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5 Questions With … Meredith Danluck, director of ‘The Ride’
Using a five-question format, we’re interviewing South by Southwest filmmakers about their movies before and during the festival, which runs March 12 through 20.
We talk to Meredith Danluck, director of the documentary “The Ride,” a caring, handsomely filmed snapshot of the Professional Bull Riding circuit and the people who produce and participate in the twangy subculture. More character study than bucking ringside thriller, the movie dwells on the personal lives of those who love the sport, deep in the heart of rural America.
“The Ride” screens at 7 p.m. March 17 at the Austin Convention Center.
- What in the world attracted you to the realm of cowboys, country and clowns?
Meredith Danluck: I went to a Professional Bull Riding event in Nashville, and after 24 hours of honky-tonking with cowboys, I was sold. How could I not be? They were all like characters out of a movie so I just figured, why not make a movie?
- What preconceived ideas did you enter the project with and how quickly were they shaken? Did you get infected by the ‘romance of the cowboy’ mentioned in the film?
It’s funny; at first I wanted to play down all the modernization of the PBR, the pyro, the money, the fame. But then I realized that was kind of the most interesting aspect of this scene. There’s an idea you have of the cowboy out on the range, and then there’s the PBR cowboy, who embodies all of that in spirit, but takes home a wad of cash and signs autographs on his way out the door. The collision of those seemingly contradictory ideas makes it super interesting.
- What type of guy or gal gets into bull riding? They seem to be fun-loving, risk-embracing youngsters, but also polite and well-bred.
Everyone I’ve ever brought to the PBR has gotten into it. It’s just so much fun. I mean, I guess there’s a core audience which is, as you would expect, big hats, big boots, big buckles and big beers. As far as polite, let’s just say that I heard a lot of yes ma’ams and never once had to open a door when in the company of a cowboy.
- Who’s one of your favorite characters in the movie?
Tom Teague. He’s a big-time bull breeder, almost as famous as the cowboys. He’s got an incredible sense of humor and because of the great way he talks he became this narrative voice for us, kind of like in the movie “Big Fish.” He’s got these funny ways of putting things, like “I got an ulcer the size of a hen egg” or “I need a mule like a hog needs rollerskates.” Not only is he one of my favorite characters, he’s one of my favorite people.
- How fitting is it that your movie is having its world premiere in Texas?
Back when we finished the film, we talked about what would be the perfect festival to premiere at. We all agreed SXSW would be the one. Just being in Austin gives everything this good-time feeling. Our film fits in perfectly; it’s a good time.
More about “The Ride” HERE.
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