12 Quick Questions with Ike Barinholtz

Interview by Paul Preston

Ike Barinholtz makes his feature directorial debut with The Oath and he didn’t go easy on himself picking a first project, which he also wrote – a story of an America where the president has required an oath of loyalty be signed by every citizen. The Mindy Project and film star plays co-lead as well, starring as a raging liberal who won’t sign the oath. His family members did sign. And it’s Thanksgiving. There’s your movie. Naturally, sparks and tempers fly and the film goes from comic heights to dangerous heights and back again.

Ike made a name for himself on TV and he joined The Movie Guys podcast back in 2014 when he made one of his first big leaps into a major role in movies with Neighbors. Now, he’s a regular fixture in big comedies like Sisters, Blockers and Snatched and we’re thrilled to catch up with him again.

You’ve directed four episodes of The Mindy Project. How did you feel jumping to a film budget? More room for creativity? More pressure to deliver? A third thing?
I loved it because it removes all the filters you have when you direct episodic TV – it’s your vision from top to bottom. And it’s so much harder!

What directors that you’ve worked with in the past influenced your work? Did you reach out to any of them as you started this project?
I love how David Gordon Green, Nick Stoller and Kay Cannon are open to improv, especially during chaos and how that helps ground otherwise broad scenes.

I also heard that Jordan Peele gave you advice. He was already a great influence on Spike Lee’s excellent return to form with Blackkklansman. How did he help you out?
Jordan made sure that we kept the tonal balance of the film. Can’t go too far either way too quickly!

Making a film with a hot-button topic like this, did you get any pushback from studios, investors, meddlers or general nudnicks?
Nope – QC Entertainment nurtured my crazy idea and Roadside and Topic were amazing as well! That doesn’t always happen.

Your character, Chris, is not without his flaws, there’s an equal time feel in The Oath to how you show people getting heated over politics. So, how do you want people of all political beliefs to feel coming out of your movie?
Ultimately, I want people to challenge themselves to not disconnect from their families over politics. That’s a “Break glass in case of emergency” situation and we will not move forward in this country if we make our bubbles smaller.

Trump isn’t mentioned in The Oath, but do you want him to see it? Care to be mentioned in a toilet-time tweet?
No thanks!

Trump clearly wants to secure people’s loyalty more than he wants to, oh…say…GOVERN. So, how far is America from a Presidential Oath? Can it be avoided?
Nothing surprises me anymore and never will again.

Tiffany Haddish. Legend in the making, right?
Truly. Put her on the $5.

I also need to give your brother Jon acting points here, too, ‘cause I know him and know for a fact he’s not a douchebag.
Yes! He is no douche! And wonderful in the movie.

No doubt this story is inspired by your real-life struggles with trying to keep interpersonal relationships during political upheaval. But is this specific Thanksgiving dinner inspired by real-life events? Even in part?
Not so much! I’m very grateful to have the family I do. But there have been moments…

I’ve heard you say that it’s important not to let go of those who you’re close with, yet differ with, during toxic political times, ‘cause they’ll be around long after those figures who’ve caused division are gone. I have to imagine for some that seems like a daunting task. Do you have a blueprint for how to accomplish that?
Breathe. Listen. And let them know how you feel and how dire you think the situation is and then tell them that without calling them fucking idiots.

Lastly, I ask this of everyone – what’s your favorite movie of all time?
Goodfellas, baby!! Hard #1!