Indie filmmaker Joe Swanberg (Hannah Takes the Stairs, Nights and Weekends) directed, wrote, and produced his latest flick, Alexander the Last, which will have its world premiere tomorrow night at the SXSW Festival while simultaneously being released on IFC Films Festival Direct Video On-Demand. As a mumblecore pioneer, Swanberg is no stranger to the ultra-low budget, home video-like films, with narratives focusing on young, often troubled couples played by unknown actors with a flare for improv. This formula can be tricky (we weren’t such big fans of his earlier film, LOL), but when it works it’s lo-fi magic — as in the case of Alexander the Last.

Swanberg’s latest boasts an indie cast with chemistry; the film is filled with a number of funny, warm moments in addition to our favorite part — a scene where he juxtaposes one couple’s real rompfest with a humorously awkward “put your leg there” love scene rehearsal between two actors. Alexander the Last tells the story of a creative married couple — an actress and a musician — who deal with the temptations that come with being young, broke, and attractive creative people surrounded by other young, broke, and attractive creative people. There are a few oh-so-complicated love triangles, but Jerry Springer, this is not. Swanberg doesn’t sugarcoat the heartache and confusion; he knows how to make personal pains into something universally compelling.

After the jump, we sit down Swanberg and discuss what went into making Alexander the Last, why he has a strange relationship with soundtracks, and how he met his wife. Note: if our post-screening eavesdropping is any indicator, this latest film certainly won’t be his last. In fact, it could lead to a Duplass Brothers-esque breakthrough. … Read More