Chicago Filmmaker Ned Crowley Unveils Indie Western “Killing Faith”

Ned Crowley, a Chicago-based filmmaker, has released his latest independent film, the Western titled “Killing Faith.” Set in the Arizona desert in 1849, the film follows a doctor played by Guy Pearce, who struggles with his own demons while accompanying a formerly enslaved woman, portrayed by DeWanda Wise, on a journey across a harsh landscape. Their mission is to find a preacher, played by Bill Pullman, whom she believes can cure the affliction haunting the little girl she raises. The child, cursed to kill everything she touches, wears mittens despite the warm climate.

The film is currently in theaters nationwide, showcasing a mix of atmospheric storytelling, dark humor, and moments of stark brutality. Crowley is set to attend a screening on October 8, 2023, at the Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre in Oak Park, Illinois, where audiences can engage with the filmmaker directly.

From Advertising to Filmmaking

Although Crowley originally hails from outside Chicago, he moved to the city in 1986 for a position at the renowned advertising agency, Leo Burnett. He soon became involved with Second City, a famed improvisational theater, where he developed friendships and honed his writing and performance skills over a decade. While many of his peers migrated to Los Angeles, Crowley chose to stay in Chicago to raise his family and pursue filmmaking.

After a hiatus from advertising, Crowley directed his first film, the dark comedy “Middle Man,” featuring his friend Jim O’Heir, known for his role in “Parks and Recreation.” Three years after retiring, Crowley has committed himself fully to filmmaking, humorously stating, “I don’t play golf, so I gotta do something.”

The challenges of producing films outside of Los Angeles are apparent. Crowley expressed that he often feels dismissed in both Hollywood and his Midwest home, yet he embraces his outsider status. “I’m trying to figure out ways to make my own stories,” he noted, highlighting the importance of finance in the independent film sector.

Navigating Industry Challenges

When discussing the film’s production, Crowley reflected on the tragic accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust.” Although the team originally intended to shoot at the same location, they opted for a different set in New Mexico due to financing constraints. Crowley stated, “We were so careful and never shot any blanks or anything,” emphasizing the safety measures implemented during filming.

The budget for “Killing Faith” is estimated between $5 million and $8 million, a considerable sum for independent filmmakers. Crowley noted that while the film industry is currently experiencing turbulence, he found support from distributors interested in genre films.

As the industry shifts towards streaming, Crowley acknowledged that many distributors favor releasing films directly to online platforms. Despite this trend, he emphasized the unique experience of watching a film in a theater, where audience engagement heightens emotional impact. “There really is nothing like sitting in a dark theater,” he asserted.

Crowley also expressed frustration over the competitive landscape, particularly after the recent release of a Taylor Swift concert film that monopolized theater screens across the country. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic about the film’s theatrical presence.

With a vision to create a Western that departs from traditional tropes, Crowley aimed for a character-driven narrative rather than classic shoot-outs. His inspiration stems from the literary work of Cormac McCarthy, particularly “Blood Meridian.” “I wanted to do something that was more of a road picture with some wit,” he explained.

The film’s tone is evident in its opening scene, where a character’s nonchalant reaction to being shot sets the stage for Crowley’s blend of humor and drama. As Crowley continues to cultivate his craft, audiences can expect more compelling storytelling from this Chicago filmmaker.