Shailene Woodley and Ben Foster Dive into ‘70s Drama in ‘Motor City’

In a unique approach to storytelling, actors Shailene Woodley and Ben Foster have embraced a dialogue-light format in their upcoming film, “Motor City,” set in the vibrant backdrop of 1970s Detroit. The film, directed by Potsy Ponciroli, explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, relying heavily on visual and physical performances rather than extensive dialogue.

Foster, who portrays a mustachioed gangster, described his preparation for the role as a journey into the past, emphasizing the importance of the wardrobe. He credited costume designer Amy Roth for crafting outfits inspired by iconic figures like Burt Reynolds and Frank Sinatra. Foster joked about his early influences, noting, “I was in utero, in my mom, in a disco roller-skating rink in Boston,” which he believes contributed to his character’s style.

The film is nearly devoid of spoken lines, with Ponciroli stating, “There’s loosely six lines. The ‘Hi’s don’t really count.” This minimalistic dialogue approach necessitates a strong reliance on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Woodley emphasized that the lack of words allows for a deeper exploration of truth and story, stating, “Words can be such a great device to lie to the people around us about how we’re actually feeling.”

“Motor City” features a compelling narrative, with Alan Ritchson playing John Miller, a blue-collar auto worker who falls in love with Sophia, portrayed by Woodley. The plot thickens when Sophia’s ex-boyfriend, a rising drug kingpin played by Foster, retaliates against John by framing him for drug charges, resulting in a prison sentence. The ensuing drama unfolds over nearly 100 minutes of tense confrontations and a retro soundtrack curated by Grammy winner Jack White, a native of Detroit.

Woodley’s character is central to the film’s emotional core. She described Sophia as a complex figure caught between two men, each offering different forms of love and security. “The energy dynamics between Sophia and these two men… one provided a home, a safety, a relaxation for her nervous system, and the other provided space for her to be a wild woman,” she explained. This dichotomy, she believes, resonates with many people who navigate similar emotional conflicts.

Foster was equally captivated by the film’s “beautiful script,” which spans approximately 89 pages. He highlighted the importance of behavior over dialogue in character development, stating, “If we think about character, it’s how we behave.” His character’s devotion to Sophia is a driving force, as he is willing to go to great lengths to win her back.

The collaborative dynamic among the cast is evident, with Foster noting their intuitive approach to performance. “We understand shapes, we dig on dance, but we’re also hunting something that hurts,” he said, emphasizing the emotional depth they aim to convey.

As the film is set during the disco era, dance plays a significant role in the storytelling. Ponciroli remarked on the ease of filming dance scenes, stating, “It was basically [saying] ‘Action,’ then hold on and watch.” The director noted that they captured so much incredible footage that they had to cut an eight-minute disco scene down to fit the film.

“Motor City” made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival before appearing at the Toronto Film Festival, where both Woodley and Foster showcased their dedication to the retro aesthetic on the red carpet. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, audiences can expect a visually striking journey through love and vengeance set against a backdrop rich with nostalgia.

For more insights into their roles and the film, Woodley also teased her participation in the upcoming season of “Paradise.”