Bob Odenkirk's transformation into an action star continues with his latest film, Normal, a gritty neo-Western thriller directed by Ben Wheatley. To celebrate the upcoming release, the duo sat down for an exclusive episode of Alamo Drafthouse's Guest Selects series, revealing the classic movies that directly inspired their tense tale of a small-town sheriff uncovering dark secrets.
From Peckinpah to Eastwood: The Core Inspirations
Director Ben Wheatley pointed to Sam Peckinpah's 1972 heist thriller The Getaway as a primary touchstone. He was drawn to its relentless, gritty energy and contemporary crime narrative, which mirrors the atmosphere of Normal. For his part, Bob Odenkirk looked to the mythic West, citing Clint Eastwood's High Plains Drifter as a key reference for the film's iconic "man with no name" archetype. Odenkirk recalled how the film's deliberate pace left a lasting impression on him, serving as a guide when Wheatley asked him to channel that classic cowboy persona.
These two influential films will be screened at select Alamo Drafthouse locations throughout April, offering audiences a chance to see the DNA of the new thriller. This curated selection is part of a growing trend where filmmakers share the movies that shaped their vision, giving fans a deeper look into the creative process behind major releases like the unforgettable thrillers defining 2020s cinema.
Expanding the Western Influence
The creative team didn't stop with just two films. Odenkirk and Wheatley also highlighted two other seminal Westerns that informed Normal's claustrophobic tension: Bad Day at Black Rock and High Noon. Both films master the art of contained, small-town drama and escalating pressure—a dynamic central to their new movie. Wheatley noted that High Noon, in particular, creates a similar procedural vibe, focusing on a lone lawman facing a problem he must solve, much like Odenkirk's temporary Sheriff Ulysses.
When it came to the film's action sequences, Odenkirk drew a surprising parallel, comparing Wheatley's direction to the stylized, balletic chaos of John Woo's Hong Kong masterpiece, Hard Boiled. The duo rounded out their list with a wildcard entry: the original 1973 thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. While not a direct match in setting, Wheatley emphasized the film's undeniable influence on the entire crime thriller genre, making it essential viewing.
What Is 'Normal' About?
In Normal, Odenkirk stars as Ulysses, a sheriff who takes a temporary post in the quiet town of Normal, hoping for a peaceful break from his personal troubles. His plans are shattered when a botched bank robbery exposes a deep-seated criminal conspiracy lurking beneath the town's serene surface. Forced to confront this unexpected threat, Ulysses must fight to restore order in a place that is anything but what its name suggests. Odenkirk co-wrote the story with Nobody scribe Derek Kolstad.
The film, which also stars Henry Winkler and Lena Headey, premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival to strong reviews. Critics praised its relentless pace and Odenkirk's compelling lead performance, with many noting it continues his successful streak in the action arena. This kind of character-driven crime story often finds its place among flawless crime series and films that nail every element.
From 'Saul' to Sheriff: Odenkirk's Action Journey
Normal marks the latest chapter in Bob Odenkirk's unexpected and acclaimed action career, which launched with 2021's Nobody and continued with its sequel. Teaming with director Ben Wheatley, known for films like Kill List and Meg 2: The Trench, signals a commitment to crafting visceral, genre-savvy cinema. Their deep dive into film history for the Alamo Drafthouse series shows a thoughtful approach to the material, building on classics to create something new.
Normal arrives in theaters on April 17, with tickets on sale now. For fans eager to explore more gripping tales of crime and consequence, the genre offers endless riches, from epic sagas dominating streaming to sleek new heist films. Be sure to check out the full Guest Selects episode for more insights from Odenkirk and Wheatley on the films that made their thriller possible.
