‘Honey Boy’ Exclusive: Director Alma Har’el On Capturing Shia LaBeouf As A ‘Puppet’ In Hollywood [Video]

Filmmaker Alma Har’el has been on a strange journey since debuting “Honey Boy” at the Sundance Film Festival almost a year ago. The film chronicles Shia LaBeouf’s unconventional life as a child star through a character named Otis (Noah Jupe) which found him hiring his deadbeat father (LaBeouf) to assist and watch over him. As the years pass he grows up (now portrayed by Lucas Hedges), becomes a bigger star and hits rock bottom thanks to the affects of PTSD from his younger years and alcohol addiction.  In an exclusive video embedded in this post, Har’el describes LaBeouf as being a “puppet” in the hands of a larger machine during his early years.  Now, months after what she describes as a legitimate political campaign (that’s what awards season is), she’s seening LaBeouf’s side of the studio experience.

READ MORE: “Honey Boy” Director Alma Har’el on therapy and the new and improved Shia LaBeouf [Interview]

It should be noted, however, Har’el will tell you how grateful she is for Amazon Studios’ continuing support for the film.  And in many ways the visibility they have created led to the film landing four Indpenedent Spirit Award nominations ncluding a Best Director nod for Har’el.  And there are many potential guild honors – including a DGA Awards nod for Best First Feature – that could be in her future.  And Oscar? Well, who knows.

READ MORE: Shia LaBeouf crafts a love letter to his father with “HoneyBoy” [Sundance Review]

In this exclusive video provided to The Playlist, Ha’rel goes behind-the-scenes of the film’s production. She discussses her on set relationship with both LaBeouf and Hedges and how important that knockout shot at the beginning of the picture was to set up Otis’ journey.

“Honey Boy” is now playing close to nationwide. It will be available on Amazon Prime in January.