Kit Harington Debuts as Director With 'Psychopomp' at
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- Kit Harington made his directorial debut with short film 'Psychopomp,' which is playing in competition at Raindance Film Festival, drawing on inspirations including Michael Mann's 'Heat' and Martin McDonagh's 'In Bruges.'
- The film stars Harry Melling as desperate man Harry and Ciarán Owens as hired assassin Liam in a car trip toward a life-changing decision, with Harington casting Owens first and citing his 'combination of hard and soft.'
- Harington said his move to directing came from years on set thinking about how he would shoot scenes, citing frustration that 'you can't suggest a shot to a director' during his work on Game of Thrones, Industry, and Marvel's Eternals.
- The story originated from Harington's desire to explore 'male depression, male friendship [and] male vulnerability,' saying dinner table conversation on the topic could only go so far before needing a creative outlet.
- Cinematographer Fabian Wagner, a collaborator since Game of Thrones who also shot Justice League and Masters of the Universe, was brought on board, with Harington calling him a 'superhero DOP' for his speed and understanding of performance.
- Harington said touring with the film has been 'more relaxing than when I'm an actor,' adding he 'feels less exposed' in the director's chair and 'cares less about the reaction' than when performing.
Why it matters: For an A-list actor like Harington — whose credits include Game of Thrones and the MCU — the pivot to directing signals a creative restlessness that industry insiders will watch closely. The Raindance competition slot gives the short film built-in festival credibility and audience exposure at a formative stage of his second career.
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