Michael C. Williams reflects on his career and his latest horror movie Ghost Game
Horror fans know Michael C. Williams best for his unforgettable performance in the found footage classic The Blair Witch Project, which turned 25 this year. Williams returns to the horror genre with Ghost Game, a clever feature directed by Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist) that toys with viewers' expectations regarding home invasion movies and ghost stories. Williams plays Pete, an alcoholic writer whose new home may be haunted and is also invaded by a group of pranksters that livestream their shenanigans, which is all part of the “ghost game," or phrogging as it's also called.
We spoke with Williams just prior to Ghost Game's release about his return to the horror genre, his character Pete, The Blair Witch Project connection, and working with a young cast.
This interview was edited slightly for clarity.
1428 Elm: Eduardo Sanchez is one of the producers of 'Ghost Game,' and he also co-directed 'The Blair Witch Project.' Did he lead you to 'Ghost Game?' How did you get involved?
Michael C. Williams: I did a cameo in Satanic Hispanics with Eduardo a couple of Junes ago. I met one of the producers on that, Carlo Glorioso, who later contacted me, and Sam Lukowski, who I’ve known for years, but never worked with. They both contacted me about the script and really wanted me to read it. They thought it could be a lot of fun.
They were making some films out of Maryland that were smaller, independent horror films. The culture on Satanic Hispanics was that smaller film community in Maryland making part of the film, which was an anthology. It was the connection through Ed, but then I met people who had me read the script. I loved it. I hadn’t even heard of what they call phrogging. I soon came to find out that it is a thing that exists.
I had an initial conversation with Jill Gevargizian, who directed. Then, I watched The Stylist and really loved her work. I always root for young people in film, especially young people in horror, for probably obvious reasons. It seemed like a no-brainer to me. The script was strong. The role for me was exciting because there are definitely turns and twists. It was an awesome experience.
1428 Elm: What was it like playing Pete, an alcoholic writer and conspiracy theorist? We're not used to seeing you play a character like this.
Michael C. Williams: For me, that's what was exciting about the role. I do play a lot of Nice Guy Mike [roles]. We all have shades of other things in us. Pete gets dark, although as a human being, he doesn’t walk around saying he’s going to be dark today. This guy tries to do the best he possibly can do for his family. It falls apart. He tries to hold it together, but it’s just not working out.
It has to feel authentic. You can’t go into it saying you’re going to play mean or dark. It wouldn’t work as well compared to it naturally evolving. That’s what attracted me to that role, certainly shades of that anger and what happens around him.
1428 Elm: What was it like working with a young cast, especially the leads, Kia Dorsey and Zaen Haidar, who play Laura and Vinny, as well as Vienna Maas, who plays your character's stepdaughter? Did you give them any advice about acting?
Michael C Williams: They were all amazing to work with. I’m the kind of actor that believes we can learn from one another. I never give unsolicited advice. If someone asks me for some advice, I will give it. That did happen on occasion. I’m grateful for that because I believe it’s a collaborative process. But I mean it, I can learn from Vienna, Zaen, or Kia, as much they can learn from me, maybe even more. They bring a different energy and authenticity.
I watched the film at Panic Fest for the first time in Kansas City. I was so impressed by all their work. I don’t even call it advice. I call it swapping stories and knowledge. Emily Bennett, man, she was just amazing to work with. She was so collaborative. She’s my scene partner for 90 percent of this. She’s amazing, raw, energetic, smart, and kind. Her and I swapped our knowledge of where we wanted to get to in a scene. It was fun because we shared a lot, but we didn’t share everything. There are pieces of our character we didn’t want the other to know.
1428 Elm: Can you comment on the setting and the house where most of this was filmed? It works well as an effective, creepy setting.
Michael C. Williams: When I rolled up to that house, on a random Tuesday morning for the first time I was called to set, it was beautiful, well-lit, and sunny out, but it was still spooky. That house has its own energy to it. It’s large. It’s old. It’s uninhabited for the most part. The way they dressed it was beautiful and haunting. I thought [cinematographer] Justin Brooks did a great job shooting that house and capturing the energy.
Yes, that house had its own energy. It felt really special to be able to shoot in there. Then, we got into overnights. That was really fun and exciting. Every once in a while, I like to make my heart beat a little more. I was able to do that very easily in that house.
1428 Elm: It’s been 25 years since 'The Blair Witch Project' and you’ve done other horror and sci-fi projects since then, including 'Altered,' 'The Objective,' and now 'Ghost Game.' What keeps you interested in genre filmmaking and genre movies?
Michael C. Williams: Well, likely the filmmakers and the connection I have to the horror world. I went to do a cameo in Satanic Hispanics, and that was through Ed Sanchez. Through him, I met Carlo Glorioso, and he turned me towards Jill Gevargizian. I ended up talking to her. You work with these pockets of folks who are kind, cool, and creative. That’s where it’s landed me over the years, and I’m grateful for it.
Ghost Game will have a limited theatrical run starting October 18 before it arrives on digital on October 22.
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