Hannah Marks embarked on her acting journey at the tender age of 6, inspired by her mother’s acting reel. Since then, she has maintained a prolific career, appearing in notable films like “Accepted” and “The Runaways,” as well as the television series “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.” Even during her supposed vacation last year, Marks couldn’t resist the urge to work, recording several self-tapes in between breaks.
In recent years, Marks has also made a name for herself behind the camera as a filmmaker. She made her directorial debut with “After Everything,” a poignant indie film starring Jeremy Allen White, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2018. However, her most significant directorial project to date came in the form of the film adaptation of John Green’s acclaimed novel, “Turtles All the Way Down.”
“Turtles All the Way Down” follows the story of Aza, a teenage girl grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety, as she navigates a complex investigation and tentative romance. Despite facing numerous delays and challenges, the film finally makes its debut on Max, showcasing Marks’ ability to capture the nuances of mental health struggles while celebrating the bonds of friendship and young love.
Marks credits her successful pitch for the directing job to a creative presentation that included a fake trailer featuring footage of Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, as well as Ariana Grande’s “Breathin” as the soundtrack. Remarkably, the essence of her original pitch remains intact in the final product, a testament to her vision and commitment.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Isabela Merced, Cree Cicchino, and Felix Mallard, who aged into their roles perfectly despite the project’s delays. Marks praises Mallard’s performance, particularly his ability to portray the complexities of his character with charm and authenticity.
In addition to the main cast, the film features seasoned actors like J. Smith-Cameron and Judy Reyes, whose contributions further elevate the storytelling. Marks expresses her admiration for Smith-Cameron’s work on “Succession” and recounts her excitement at having her say the film’s title in a pivotal scene.
As someone who has experienced the challenges of auditioning firsthand, Marks empathizes with actors and encourages them to stay true to themselves. She hopes for a return to more in-person auditions, acknowledging the emotional toll that virtual auditions can take on performers.
Lastly, Marks reflects on her collaboration with John Green, describing him as a supportive and collaborative partner. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to work with him and looks forward to celebrating the film’s release together.
