World premiere of "Mr. Nice" SXSW red carpet

“Mr. Nice,” is a true story, directed by Bernard Rose, staring Rhys Ifans and Chloe Sevigny. It is based off Howard Marks, one of the most sophisticated drug baron of all times, own autobiography.

Howard Marks, aka “Mr. Nice,” played by Rhys Ifans, was many things. Nuclear physicist, marijuana connoisseur, school teacher, money launderer, and gentleman, fugitive and spy.…
Raconteur, travel agent, writer, philosopher of science and supposed 20th century gay icon.…
Rock Music tour promoter, public speaker, board game appreciator and the biggest dope smuggler on the planet.

Howard had 43 aliases, 4 kids, 89 phone lines, 25 companies throughout the world and over one million books sold. In “Mr. Nice,” we follow Howard’s prodigious rise. And fall. This is the frequently hilarious, occasionally sad, and often surreal story of Howard's life so far.

“Mr. Nice” had its world premiere during SXSW at the Paramount Theater and I got a chance to talk to Rose, Ifans, and Sevigny, on the red carpet!

Chloe Sevigny, a style icon, talked a little about what she liked about Austin and how SXSW compared to other festivals, calling Austin a great city, and SXSW different from other film festivals because its easy going vibe. Though we talked briefly about her character (she played Howard Mark’s wife) I had to talk a little be of fashion with her. She designs collections for NY Label “Opening Ceremony.” She said that she loves fashion and but often gets badgered for her style. Her line at “Opening Ceremony” is actually a unisex line, which both women and men can enjoy!

Rhys Ifans was just how I thought he would be a little shaggy looking, in great spirits and seemed very excited about the after party, saying that after the world premier was over, he would be cleaning his hotel room out of beer. He also was talking about how cool Austin was and how he loved the vibe of the city. Personally…I think he would fit right in! When I asked him about what it was like playing a drug smuggler, he quickly informed me that this was not really a drug based film, but based around Howard Marks personal life. So he was playing more so the character of a family man and less so of a drug smuggler.

Bernard Rose, the director is known for creating movies based off real people. He said that he and people are drawn in by real stories and that’s what attracts him to creating films like this one. He also, was extremely excited to be having his World Premier here at SXSW.