Mario Van Peebles Talks ‘Outlaw Posse’ And The ‘Zen of Filmmaking’

Written and directed by Mario Van Peebles, Outlaw Posse centers on Chief (Van Peebles), a mysterious figure who spent years hiding in Mexico and is now back to find stolen gold in the Montana hills. His estranged son Decker (Mandela Van Peebles) joins the ragtag outfit on their deadly mission. Mario Van Peebles talked to Deepest Dream about his diverse career and why he believes in the “zen of filmmaking.”

There are many reasons to love Outlaw Posse, and Mario Van Peebles’ passion for the Western, evident years back with Posse, is evident with this effort. William Mapother (as the villain), D.C. Young Fly, Allen Payne, Whoopi Goldberg, Amber Reign Smith, Edward James Olmos and John Carroll Lynch are among the talented ensemble.

Neil McDonough and Cam Gigandet also pop up in the beginning for a memorable opening which feels like an homage to Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A Time In The West.

Running at 108 minutes, Outlaw Posse may have an indie budget, but the movie look is, for lack of a better description, a good looking Western.

“I try to be an efficient filmmaker probably because I’ve grown up doing it with my own money (and) my family’s money,” added Van Peebles. “I want to put it all on the screen, so if you give me $10, I want to make it look like $20.”

Van Peebles’ late father Melvin (Watermelon Man, Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song) is an iconic filmmaker, and he has continued his dad’s cinematic legacy. With early directing successes like New Jack City and Posse, along with memorable movie roles (Heartbreak Ridge), Van Peebles has never shied away from being more than just one part of the filmmaking process.

“When you grow up in a family farm, you learn how to feed the chickens, take care of the horses, that’s all part of the zen of farming,” said Van Peebles. “When you grow up in the Van Peebles family, editing, directing, producing, acting, writing – it’s all part of the zen of filmmaking. It’s only later on when you realize that we cut these things up and people go ‘Well that’s my lane, and that’s your lane.’ Which I get, but my first inclination is to just jump in and help achieve that vision.”

Outlaw Posse is now playing in theaters. Share your thoughts on the movie once you see it!

**Full interview with Mario Van Peebles:

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