Question 1

What real-life connection did Tom Arnold draw on for his role as a child molester?

Accepted Answer

Tom Arnold based his performance on the babysitter who sexually abused him from ages four to seven, even wearing the same outfit.

Question 2

How did the director handle explaining the story to the child actors during filming?

Accepted Answer

Director Damian Harris told the child cast an alternative story where Tom Arnold's character Alex wanted a family after his wife left, with Kevin Zegers' character Frank as his buddy.

Question 3

What unusual method did John Malkovich use to help Gillian Jacobs with an emotional scene?

Accepted Answer

John Malkovich improvised off-camera about everything that had happened to Jacobs' character Leslie, which helped her reach the emotional place needed for the scene.

Question 4

Where was the homeless shelter scene filmed, and what is the building's real-life use?

Accepted Answer

The homeless shelter scene was filmed in Little Italy, San Diego, but as of March 2010, the building is actually a car rental business.

Question 5

What festival featured 'Gardens of the Night' in 2008?

Accepted Answer

The film was part of the Berlin International Film Festival in 2008.

Question 6

What real-life connection did Tom Arnold have to his character's role in Gardens of the Night?

Accepted Answer

Tom Arnold plays a child molester, and in real life, he is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

Question 7

How did Tom Arnold prepare for his performance as Alex?

Accepted Answer

He based his performance on the babysitter who sexually abused him from ages four to seven, even wearing the same outfit.

Question 8

What alternative story was told to the child actors during filming?

Accepted Answer

They were told that Tom Arnold's character Alex was left by his wife, living with Kevin Zegers' character Frank, and wanted the kids as his family, with Frank jealous of losing favor.

Question 9

How did John Malkovich help Gillian Jacobs in an emotional scene?

Accepted Answer

Off-camera, Malkovich improvised the backstory of Jacobs' character, bringing her emotionally to the place needed for the scene.

Question 10

Where was the homeless shelter scene filmed, and what is the location in real life?

Accepted Answer

It was filmed in Little Italy, San Diego, but the building is actually a car rental business as of March 2010.

Gardens of the Night

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