My Polycarp Movie Diary, Tuesday, August 13, 2013: Day Twenty. Today is best described as... full. (This account will be much abbreviated from my actual diary. There is too much in it to share here.) We began at the end, with the scene of Polycarp’s martyrdom. Beforehand our Property Master and medic Matthew T Shaw sat down with me to explain the safety protocols and ask about my concerns. I had none. Having beheld the professional competence of this entire crew for over three weeks, I was completely confident in their measures. It was an outdoor shoot. The temperature was mild - upper 70s, pushing up to the lower 80s when the sun peeked out from the clouds, but it was a pleasant day. Still, it’s a grim thing to contemplate one’s own execution even on the gentlest of days. There was not much levity on the set today. It wasn’t morose, but everyone was in a pretty sober mood. Then we went back indoors and did a series of “scroll shop” scenes, including the pickup of my close-up in the visit from Quadratus. Gary Bosek had already wrapped and gone home some days ago, but Andrew Hurt stood in for him. He did an excellent job reading Gary’s lines and giving me some good, arrogant Roman attitude to react toward. Then, with hearts much lighter than they were earlier, we filmed a charming little vignette between Polycarp and Anna (Eliya Hurt) - during which I was pranked by Eliya (not going to say how, but it was funny)! I’m pretty sure (a) the director put her up to it and (b) the camera was rolling. For all I know (c) the look of genuine surprise on my face will show up somewhere in the movie. After the meal it was time for the final set of scenes. We would be back outdoors with a dark night sky for a backdrop. The temperature was now in the upper 50s and dropping, and there was a chilly dampness in the air. It was one of the few times that I was glad for my woolen himation (cloak), but poor Eliya and Radek Lord (Demetrius) had to endure the chill without one. Adding to this we also had to suck on ice chips in order to reduce the fog from our breath. My heaviness of mood from the early part of the day returned, partly because the scenes we were filming were heavy, and partly also because it was weighing on my heart that after these scenes I would be done. I had prepared for these scenes and for this day from the beginning, and I didn’t think it would be this hard. Radek was a complete pro, as always. Eliya played Anna so true that the real girl and the character became almost indistinguishable. The last scene was the most emotionally draining. I was alone in front of the camera with no lines, just a truck load of feelings. I had anticipated this scene from the beginning and prepared for it, still felt inadequate, but poured out what I had and trusted the director. Finally we got the shot Joe was wanting, and then it was a wrap. Assistant Director Joshua Hedrick, as was the custom, announced to the cast and crew present that it was a picture wrap for Demetrius. We all gave Radek a well-deserved ovation for his performance and faithful work on this film. He’s a good actor, a good guy, and well-liked by all. Then Josh called out, “Picture wrap for Polycarp.” Let me say that the expression of regard from the cast and crew touched me deeply and was returned with all my heart. Afterward there were many expressions of love, affection, appreciation, and respect. Sweet embraces and words of encouragement were exchanged. Makeup Artist Mary Smit, one of the hardest working members of the crew with whom I had spent many hours of conversation as she worked on me, was determined to get my makeup off quickly before she got emotional. It was a good call for both of us. Finally, reluctantly, I walked into that good, chilly night. I don’t know what time it was - 4 o’clock maybe? I slept, rose, bid farewell to my good hosts, Ray and Norma Meadors, and began my journey home. So long, Polycarp. See you in the movies.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 02:59:26 +0000
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