Director Richard Gray Talks ‘The Unholy Trinity’: A Cinematic Journey Back to the Wild West
By Chad Kennerk
When director Richard Gray embarked on his ambitious adventure into the world of Westerns, he didn’t simply choose a picturesque location; he built one. Tucked away in Montana’s rugged Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Film Ranch was crafted to encapsulate the spirit of a late-1800s gold rush town. Surrounded by the imposing Emigrant Peak, this authentically styled backlot was designed for those craving a true taste of the American West. Like the great Western backlots of yesteryear, such as Arizona’s Old Tucson and Colorado’s Buckskin Joe, the Yellowstone Film Ranch stands as a testament to the art of storytelling through the lens of history.
A Visionary’s Journey: From Thrillers to Westerns
Gray, once a runner-up in Project Greenlight Australia, has steadily crafted a reputation in the realm of thrillers through films like Mine Games and Sugar Mountain. His creative journey veered westward following an eye-opening episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, which showcased the wild beauty of Livingston, Montana. While scouting for his 2018 film Broken Ghost, he crossed paths with Carter Boehm, a real estate visionary with a storied family history in the film industry. This serendipitous meeting ignited a shared dream — one that envisioned telling stories of the American West and establishing a permanent stage for such tales.
The 90s saw iconic films like A River Runs Through It and The Horse Whisperer shot in and around Livingston. With a fervent desire for revival, Gray, Boehm, and Colin Davis, the proprietor of Chico Hot Springs, rallied for a production tax incentive to rejuvenate Montana’s film industry. Their efforts culminated in the passing of Montana’s Media Act, offering unprecedented tax credits for productions employing local talent. This vision materialized with the completion of Yellowstone Film Ranch in 2020, leading to its inaugural production: Gray’s Murder at Yellowstone City. The film was soon followed by The Old Way, featuring Nicolas Cage, and Gray’s most ambitious project yet, The Unholy Trinity.
Unraveling the Mystery: ‘The Unholy Trinity’
In The Unholy Trinity, a gripping tale of revenge, buried secrets, and lost gold, Brandon Lessard, Samuel L. Jackson, and Pierce Brosnan unite in a labor of love for the Western genre. Set against the backdrop of 1870s Montana and steeped in robust character exploration, the film found itself birthed during the 2023 actors’ strike, albeit with SAG-AFTRA’s blessings. As this cinematic offering makes its theatrical debut with Roadside Attractions, Gray took a moment to delve into the intricacies of crafting a Western legacy and why Montana is poised to become the next hotbed for independent American filmmaking.
A Conversation with Richard Gray
Film Review (FR): Westerns come with unique challenges. How did you resolve these by creating your own backlot at Yellowstone Film Ranch?
Richard Gray (RG): (laughs) Absolutely! I feel fortunate to have had a business partner in Carter Boehm who shares my passion for Westerns. When he proposed building our own town, I jumped at the chance!
FR: Westerns seem to come and go in popularity. Why do you think the genre hasn’t regained the highs of its 50s golden age?
RG: Westerns have a cyclical nature. Recently, Taylor Sheridan has revitalized interest in the genre even if his projects redefine what a Western can be. My dad introduced me to Westerns early on, starting with the lighter ones before diving into darker tales like Once Upon a Time in the West and Shane. I was just 11 when Unforgiven hit theaters — perhaps a bit too young! But the genre has always fascinated me, especially with shows like Deadwood pushing the envelope in film school.
FR: You’ve collaborated with stellar actors, but working with Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan must have been extraordinary. How was that experience, especially during action sequences?
RG: I felt the pressure to step up my game! It’s remarkable to discuss a scene with legends like Pierce and Sam. Often, their insights take the project to unexpected heights. The action scenes were a significant component of this film. You know, I still cherish playing GoldenEye on the Nintendo 64, so working with Pierce, who brought his whole family along (even his sons are in the film), was a dream come true. This was his first trip to Montana, and he truly is one of the finest actors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Samuel also brought his team, and having both of them in one place created an energy that’s hard to encapsulate — they are cinema legends.
Conclusion: The Future of Westerns
As Richard Gray’s The Unholy Trinity graces the silver screen, it encapsulates not just a return to roots for the Western genre but also a monumental step toward establishing Montana as a thriving cinematic landscape. Through ambition, partnership, and passion for storytelling, Gray and his team are forging a new legacy in filmmaking.
For those yearning for a glimpse into the heart of the West, The Unholy Trinity is not just a film; it’s a journey into the soul of America.
For more insights into Richard Gray’s groundbreaking work, explore Roadside Attractions.
