In Lorcan Finnegan’s film, The Surfer, Julian McMahon takes on the role of Scally, the leader of a group of young men who are fiercely protective of their Australian surf beach. His character embodies toxic masculinity and represents an obstacle to Nicolas Cage’s character’s desire to surf in the area with his son. McMahon was drawn to the script by the dialogue and the intense journey that Cage’s character goes through. He found the role of Scally to be extreme and intriguing, which motivated him to explore the character further during filming.
McMahon made a conscious decision to allow his character to evolve and develop as the shooting progressed. He believed that Nicolas Cage would be open to collaboration and creativity on set, which allowed him to fully immerse himself in his role as Scally. The dynamic between McMahon and Cage brought a high level of energy to their scenes, as both actors enjoyed pushing boundaries and experimenting with different approaches to their characters.
The Surfer delves into themes of toxic masculinity, violence, and the power dynamics within male-dominated spaces. The character of Scally embodies these themes by asserting his authority over the beach and demonstrating aggressive behavior towards outsiders. McMahon’s portrayal highlights the destructive nature of toxic masculinity and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
McMahon’s collaborative approach with director Lorcan Finnegan allowed him to fully explore the complexities of his character. He was able to delve deep into the psyche of Scally and bring out the nuances of his personality through his performance. The synergy between McMahon, Cage, and Finnegan on set created a dynamic and engaging environment where creativity flourished.
Julian McMahon’s portrayal of Scally in The Surfer sheds light on the dark side of toxic masculinity and the destructive consequences it can have. Through his exploration of the character and collaboration with the director and fellow actors, McMahon brings a depth and complexity to his role that elevates the film. The Surfer serves as a powerful commentary on the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and the importance of challenging such behaviors in society.