At the Edinburgh Film Festival, renowned independent producer Christine Vachon praised Pedro Pascal’s performance in Todd Haynes’ reimagined gay romance film, De Noche, describing him as “a revelation.” This film, currently in post-production, had initially been set to star Joaquin Phoenix, who exited the project shortly before filming began. Vachon previously referred to Phoenix’s departure as “a tragedy” and detailed how she and Haynes adapted the film in light of this change during a panel discussion.
Transformation Amidst Challenges
In response to a light-hearted comment from host Wendy Mitchell about preferring Pascal over Phoenix, Vachon agreed, sparking laughter from the audience. She shared, “It wasn’t an easy situation… If you take the […] glass half-full version, and ‘everything happens for a reason’ [perspective], maybe the reason was that this was a role that Pedro was born to play.” Vachon noted both Pascal and co-star Danny Ramirez as being extraordinary in their performances.
Creative Opportunities Through Setbacks
The reorganization of the project allowed for better filming locations, reinforcing Vachon’s belief that things worked out for the best. She discussed how her collaboration with Pascal began during the production of Materialists, where she witnessed firsthand the warmth and generosity that have made him a beloved figure in the industry. “People always say to me, ‘Is he as nice as he seems?’ […] He is,” she stated, highlighting the deep connections formed in the creative community.
The Evolving Landscape of Independent Film
Vachon, who was in Edinburgh to showcase her latest film, Pretty Babies, directed by Tyler-Marie Evans, shared her thoughts on the current box office successes of films like Obsession and Backrooms, which challenge conventional Hollywood narratives. Expressing enthusiasm for the emerging energy within platforms like YouTube, she remarked, “But when we were making movies like Poison and Go Fish, we also identified an audience… That’s just moved online.”
A Mixed Climate for Queer Cinema
Despite her optimism about the younger demographic embracing theater-going, Vachon acknowledged the turbulent environment surrounding queer cinema today. “We’re at a time of great disruption,” she noted, citing the ongoing political battles over LGBTQ rights in both the U.S. and the U.K. “It’s not like we have the monopoly on [marginalizing] LGBTQ people,” she asserted, addressing the complex societal landscape.
Reflecting on past audiences who attended films like Poison and Swoon, she noted, “I remember when… the theater would be filled with lesbians because they were like, ‘I guess I’ll go see this.’ But now there is more choice.” Vachon emphasized the power of narrative to transform perspectives has never been stronger, demonstrating the potential for change through storytelling.
The Unpredictability of Success
Vachon openly admitted the unpredictability of her films’ commercial success. While acknowledging the role of streaming services in reaching wider audiences, she recounted how her collaborator Todd Haynes’ earlier work, Safe, was not a box office success upon release but gained significant acclaim over time. “Sometimes the answer is that people just didn’t want to see it… Who knows why? It was either too late or too soon,” she reflected, contending that modern platforms allow for rediscovery of films.
Embracing Technology
At a closing inquiry about her use of AI in the industry, Vachon revealed she often employs it for creating synopses or for logistical support, such as finding dining options during film festivals. She expressed that technological advancements can streamline certain aspects of filmmaking, thus allowing more creative energy to be focused elsewhere.
The 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival runs Aug. 13-19.
