Grandson of Linguaglossa, Sicily: Paul J. Alessi in "Knuckle Draggers"
Knuckle Draggers is a humorous but very real look at the state of modern male-female relationships. Written and directed by Alex Ranarivelo, produced by Paul J. Alessi, and co-produced by Amie Barsky and Baptiste DeRivel, the film is a relationship movie from a male perspective. The story follows Ethan, an all around nice guy who gets dumped because he wasn’t able to provide his fiancée with the plush, stable life her friends were living. Desperate to get her back, he seeks help from his older brother Kyle, a tough talking sexist who seems to have a way with the ladies. Kyle gives Ethan a crash course on women and dating much to the disgust of some of Ethan’s female friends. Just when it seems Kyle’s misogynistic theories are about to prove themselves true, things take an unexpected turn and force Ethan, Kyle, and their friends to reassess their views on relationships.
Knuckle Draggers will have its Canadian premiere at the ReelHeART International Film Festival (which runs in Toronto from June 22-26) on Saturday, June 27 at 7:15 p.m. after a sold-out World Premiere in Newport Beach California, and two “Rising Star” awards: Outstanding Feature by a New Filmmaker/ Producer & Best Close-Up in a feature film at the DelRay Beach Film Festival.
Knuckle Draggers is a film about friends, provokes questions about what modern couples want versus what they need, and how their needs may not have evolved much from those of our caveman ancestors.
Scottish actor Ross McCall heads a dynamic ensemble cast in the lead role of Ethan. His credits include the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and most recently Crash, the Starz TV series.
Omar Gooding plays Ethan’s best friend Russell. Gooding’s credits include Baby Boy, the HBO series Deadwood, and he’s just joined the cast of the upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer TV series Miami Trauma.
Amie Barsky plays Patricia, Ethan’s strong-minded female best friend.
Paul J. Alessi, plays Kyle, Ethan’s sexist, outspoken brother. His credits include the Ten til Noon and the TV series Desire.
While the Hollywood producer was born in the U.S., Alessi has Italian roots – his grandparents were originally from Sicily (specifically from Linguaglossa, which is in the province of Catania), but eventually emigrated to the U.S. in search of a new life.
Alex Ranarivelo (the director) is your associate in the film company Partners in Crime Films. Why did the two of you decide to make a comedy?
“I tend to make the “bad boy” projects and I wanted to do a film that was more mainstream that could touch a wider audience. I felt Knuckle Draggers had a strong script with many extremely relatable story lines. Ranarivelo and I have made shorts films, commercials and music videos, and we wanted to tackle a feature film together.”
I have read that it was sheer fate that you began your career as an actor. Is this true?
“I guess you could say that it was fate. While I was living in New York I was working on a construction site finishing up a job for a clothing line. One of the models didn’t show up for an event, so they asked me if I would take his place. At first I was not interested but after they told me how much they would pay I jumped on board and I haven’t looked back.”
You have been in 11 movies where you have played parts like a psychopath, a rapist, a serial killer, and a marine in Iraq. Which one of these “bad boy” roles do you most identify with?
“Wow, I’d have to say that when I am breaking down a character I always find something to identify with in each role, but honestly as a “bad boy” role I identify the best with a “gangster.”
Paul J. Alessi
Your movie Knuckle Draggers will be presented at Toronto’s ReelHeART Film Festival. What are your expectations?
“We are very honoured and excited to be chosen as the closing night film. I expect to have a great time and that Knuckle Draggers will be well received. If by some chance we win an award I will do my very bad interpretation of an Irish jig!”.
Knuckle Draggers will be presented as the official closing night film at ReelHeART International Film Festival on Saturday June 27 at 7:15 p.m. at Innis Town Hall, Innis College, 2 Sussex Street, University of Toronto campus (1 block south of St. George subway station).
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