During a recent appearance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, director Alex Garland shared his top project from his extensive portfolio. He pointed to Ex Machina, released in 2014, as a standout moment in his career alongside producer Andrew Macdonald.
Garland expressed his fondness for Ex Machina, highlighting how smoothly the project unfolded. The logistical ease of the production played a significant role in its success, with four weeks spent on a Pinewood soundstage and two weeks on location in Norway. The production featured a compact cast that was both youthful and dedicated, contributing to a positive atmosphere during filming.
The crew was described as supportive and fully invested in the project, resulting in a great team dynamic. The camaraderie among the cast and crew created a friendly environment in which everyone worked harmoniously towards a common goal.
When discussing the reasons behind the film's prominence, Garland reflected on the timing of its creation. He noted that prior to this project, he and Macdonald had experienced a series of challenging film sets that made for a stressful working environment. In contrast, Ex Machina emerged as a refreshing change, providing a stark deviation from those unpleasant experiences.
Garland emphasized that Ex Machina served as a remedy to the negativity often found in chaotic movie productions, marking a shift towards a more enjoyable and collaborative atmosphere on set, which contributed to its success.