Today, Joel Kinnaman speaks with Noel T. Manning II about why Silent Night was the most challenging, and demanding film of his career, the difficulties in prepping for a film character with no dialogue, and why Noel & Joel should take a road trip together. All that and more on Open Dialogue.

L-R: Actor Joel Kinnaman and director John Woo on the set of SILENT NIGHT. Photo courtesy of Carlos Latapi/Lionsgate. © 2023 Lionsgate.

Some may argue that films like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and The Long Kiss Goodnight aren’t technically Christmas films, but those who embrace these flicks with a hearty helping of holiday action spirit, there’s another to add to your list … Lionsgate’s Silent Night: starring Joel Kinnaman.

Manning is host for this episode, and he is a recognized entertainment journalist, film and TV critic with The Critics Choice, SEFCA, and the North Carolina Film Critics. Clips are used by permission for interview, commentary and parody purposes.

Official Synopsis:

From legendary director John Woo and the producer of John Wick comes this gritty revenge tale of a tormented father (Joel Kinnaman) who witnesses his young son die when caught in a gang’s crossfire on Christmas Eve. While recovering from a wound that costs him his voice, he makes vengeance his life’s mission and embarks on a punishing training regimen in order to avenge his son’s death. Full of Woo’s signature style, Silent Night redefines the action genre with visceral, thrill-a-minute storytelling.

In theaters December 1st, 2023.

For more information, head to the official Lionsgate Silent Night webpage.

Noel T. Manning is a member of the CCA, SEFCA and the NCFCA and also hosts Meet Me at the Movies and Screen Scene. He’s the founder of the Real to Reel Film Fest and has served over 20 years as an adjunct professor of film studies. When he’s not embracing mainstream, indie, international, documentary or art films, he’s exploring the world of visual arts and entertainment by chatting with those in front of and behind the cameras.

Meet Me at the Movies airs on C19.TV and WGWG radio. Screen Scene airs on NPR affiliate WNCW. Find Noel T. Manning II via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Categories: Filmmaker Interviews

Tags: A Better Tomorrow Films, acting, action, Alex Briseño, Capstone Global, Capstone Studios, Catalina Sandino Moreno, drama, Harold Torres, interview, Joel Kinnaman, John Woo, Kid Cudi, Lionsgate, Meet Me at the Movies, Noel T. Manning, Open Dialogue, Robert Archer Lynn, Scott Mescudi, thriller, Thunder Road, WGWG