John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell discuss chemistry in new film "Wild Horse Nine"

John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell portray CIA partners in Martin McDonagh’s new film "Wild Horse Nine," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and opened in U.S. theaters on Friday. The story follows the agents as they are sent from Santiago to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, where their mission becomes complicated by a friendship with two rebellious students.

Rockwell said that serious actors often need moments of levity between takes, noting, "> I think serious actors are often between takes not so serious, because [you've] got to have a moment of breath."

Malkovich highlighted Rockwell’s reliance on comedian Ben Schwartz, stating, "> [Sam] can't run a bath. He can't tie his shoes. He just can't do a lot of stuff without Ben. Ben is responsible for everything. All of Sam's success."

McDonagh, who has known Rockwell for two decades and met Malkovich shortly before filming, said the partnership was essential to the film’s tone, adding, "> The film wouldn't work unless you felt there was a love between these two characters. And because they love each other as actors, I think that's sort of palpable in the movie."

Co-star Parker Posey, who plays the wife of Rockwell’s character, observed the on-screen chemistry, commenting, "> There's so much love, but sometimes you don't know whether they're joking with each other. It's not mean; it's got life and passion."

At its Venice premiere, "Wild Horse Nine" received a standing ovation and Malkovich won the festival’s Volpi Cup for best actor. The film holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is being discussed as a contender in the best-picture category.

McDonagh, known for "The Banshees of Inisherin" and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," said he continues to follow awards buzz closely, stating, "> I love it. I listen to more of it every day."