“Made in Italy” is a beautiful sun-quenched film that washes over you like a lovely summer breeze—filmed in the quaint, colorful village of Montecheelio in the Tuscany region of Italy. Micheál Richardson stars in the new film alongside his father, Liam Neeson. The film centers on a father and son’s estranged relationship due to a family death— in this case, a wife and a mother. In blending drama—I became misty-eyed in some of the scenes, with humor creates the perfect mix for an entertaining film. Micheál plays Jack, an art gallery dealer who persuades his dad, Robert, to sell his childhood home.
Writer-Director James D’arcy stated in the “Made in Italy” press notes that he was inspired to write the film while he was on holiday in Tuscany. At heart, he had envisioned a love story between a father and son and that by placing them in a foreign location that contained both secrets and memories for them; the hope is that they may begin to heal. Also, by setting the story in a beautiful place, such as Tuscany, they could dissolve the build-up anger–revealing their true love.
What strikes a chord with me and perhaps most that know of the circumstances surrounding Liam Neeson’s accidental death of his wife Natasha, who left behind two sons eleven years ago, is the uncanny similarity between the real-life actors and the film. Micheál, changed his last name to honor her a few years ago, as relayed to the world by his grandmother Vanessa Redgrave, of whom Micheál is very close. Speaking of Micheál, he’s been acting for about four years and hasn’t had a lead role until his dad, Liam, gave him a copy of the script. Both feel the screenplay is a fortuitous chance for them to work together and, by doing so, honoring Natasha.
After screening “Made in Italy,” I was eager to interview Micheál because I could see all of the hard work he had put into the film and the admiration he has for his father. Micheál starts the film and finishes the film he is the star. In our interview, he talks about working with his dad, his mom Natasha and how he and his dad managed to work through the script that revisits the resounding grief they’ve gone through.
Micheál Richardson:
Hello Sarah.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
Hello Micheál. It’s so wonderful to meet you.
Micheál Richardson:
Nice to meet you too. And you pronounced my name right, that’s amazing.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
Well, thank you. Your movie is so great. And to be in this with your father, Liam Neeson, “Made in Italy,” it’s just a fabulous movie. You have such a great onscreen presence. What was it like to carry the movie from basically the beginning until the end?
Micheál Richardson:
It was an amazing, fun journey. It was my first lead role, so it was the most consistent I had worked in my life. And I had my dad with me the whole way and such a beautiful cast and crew. So it was, I guess, I was lucky with my first experience, it was amazing.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
The film mirrors your own life a little bit. How did you and your dad get through some of those tough scenes?
Micheál Richardson:
Well, I think for my dad, him being more of the experienced sort of actor, there is definitely a well of emotion that one can tap into. For some, it’s easier, and for others, it’s harder. For Dad, I think it comes quite easy for him. But I can’t speak for him so much because it could be hard, it is a hard subject.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
How old were you when you watched “Schindler’s List,” and you were able to appreciate your dad’s performance?
Micheál Richardson:
Well, the first time I actually saw it, I must’ve been about, oh, I want to say 13 years old. Maybe 12, because we watched it with mom when she was still alive.
And of course what it’s dealing with and what it’s about, it’s so dark and devastating. So then it was shocking, but I didn’t really comprehend when I was watching until, when I rewatched it, I’d say three or four years ago. And then really seeing Dad and how his presence on the camera and how he and Steven created this character, Oscar Schindler. It’s very inspiring, really.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
I love it that you took your mother’s name.
Micheál Richardson:
Thank you.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
My first son is named Jason Knight. My maiden name is Knight. It’s his middle name.
Micheál Richardson:
Oh, brilliant.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
So cool that you did that. What did you learn from your mom about acting?
Micheál Richardson:
We didn’t talk so much about it. Of course, we did, but at the time, I wasn’t interested. I was still so young, and I was in middle school, going into high school. So there are a lot of questions that I would have loved to have asked her, I just never got the opportunity.
Sarah Knight Adamson:
Thank you so much for chatting with me today. It was an absolute pleasure. And I wish you the best of luck with the film. I’m rooting for you all the way.
Micheál Richardson:
Thank you so much, that means a lot. That really does. Thank you
Sarah Knight Adamson© August 5, 2020