If you're a fan of mixed martial arts, particularly on the female side, then Rag Doll is definitely a film you'll want to check out. Exploring the themes of MMA fighting as well as tackling mental health issues and dealing with loss, the movie is multi-layered and will likely appeal to fans in many circles.
Rag Doll won numerous awards at film festivals in 2019 while it was premiering. In addition to star Shannon Murray, who we had the delight of interviewing, the film also stars Stephanie Erb (Weeds), Dot-Marie Jones (The Boondock Saints), Dante Basco (Hook), and the film debut of Roxana Sanchez who acts opposite Murray in the ring.
Murray was kind enough to answer the questions that we had about the film and our conversation reveals much about Rag Doll as well as how it has effected the actress. Check it out!
Joe: First off, as a woman who both starred in and co-produced the film this movie is obviously very important to you. So I'd like to ask you, why Rag Doll? Why a movie that deals with MMA and mental illness?
Shannon Murray: When this whole journey started three years ago, I was looking for a script to produce for myself as the lead to use as a launching pad for my acting career. I grew up in martial arts and realized that if I could find a good dramatic fight script, that I'd be able to showcase not only my acting but my physical capabilities as well. I really enjoy the fight community - whatever art form you study there's a beautiful camaraderie between you and what were once strangers.
The timing of the film couldn't have been more perfect. With the rise of female MMA and the rise in awareness of mental health issues in our society - 'Rag Doll' was the perfect mix I was looking for. It's been so nice to show the film in different communities and get the response that we have from people who have been in a very similar situations as our lead Nora or have lost someone very dear to them and they understand the mental toll depression and anxiety can take on you that not many people talk about or properly prepare you for. You sometimes feel you're in the fight all alone and that's tough waters to navigate. So I think a film like this is very important to show that you're not alone, we're all going through something and there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Joe: Which of your duties did you enjoy serving more on this film - Producing or Acting?
Shannon Murray: Acting. Acting is my number one passion and I love every second I get the opportunity to do it. Producing is fun, it's like putting a puzzle together. It's satisfying to be able to create something from start to finish and then release it out into the world, but given the choice - it'd always be acting.
Joe: Did you feel like you connected with any of the cast and crew more than the others?
Shannon Murray:We were very blessed with an amazing cast and crew on this film. I had my plate pretty full so there were some crew I didn't get to spend as much time with as I would've liked to have but we all had a really good time together. My chemistry with the cast - Stephanie Erb, Dot-Marie Jones, Dante Basco and Roxana Sanchez was instant. I had such respect for Stephanie, Dot and Dante because of their past work and also because they're amazing humans and they each have such beautiful hearts and they love what they do. I felt so privileged to get to work with them.
My strongest connection ended up being with Roxana aka Roxy. I remember her coming in for the callbacks and I looked to Bailey Kobe, our director, and I said "she's the one!" I knew she had everything to play Aisha but what I didn't know was that her and I were a lot alike in real life. We've been paling around a lot since filming - hitting the gym, social events, red carpets, and helping each other to elevate in our personal journey as well as our acting journey.
Joe: What kind of knowledge and relationship did you have with MMA prior to Rag Doll? Did you have to familiarize yourself with the sport?
Shannon Murray: I've always enjoyed the sport of mixed martial arts. Growing up I studied Kung Fu and Karate and when I got older I discovered Muay Thai and would train non gi Jiu Jitsu. For the film, our stunt choreographer, Martin Wheeler, trained us in Systema at his school The Academy in Beverly Hills and Roxy and I would also train Muay Thai at The Yard in Downtown, LA. Unfortunately, in the film my character is true to the film title, she is a Rag Doll. Nora gets tossed around a lot physically, mentally and emotionally. So you don't get to see me utilize too much of my skills in the film. But don't worry - there are more action films to come! I just finished a feature with WWE Superstar Oleg Prudius also known as 'Vladimir Kozlov", called 'Miami Heat' that will likely be coming out this time next year.
Joe: Your character Nora had weaving relationships with both Jason, played by Dante Basco (Hook) and Aisha, played by Roxana Sanchez (Sanador: The Healer). Which of these characters do you feel like Nora had a closer connection to throughout the film?
Shannon Murray: As a girl who is a bit lost it's good to find a mentor to look up to so that you have something to strive towards to better yourself. Aisha was that for Nora. Even though Nora was nothing more than a punching bag sparring partner for Aisha - having the opportunity to be that for her, meant a lot to Nora. It gave her purpose. So their bond was very different than the bond with Jason. With a mentor and student sometimes lines can get blurred for the student because of their strong admiration and appreciation for their mentor emotions can get confusing and that's what happens with Nora. Jason however is more of a fresh light in Nora's life. He's able to bail her out of a tough situation and he's there to support her. He just wants to help and be there for her - which is something she hasn't had in a really long time.
Joe: Were you aware of the film's twist ending while you were shooting the entire movie or was that something that was revealed to you after you had shot the majority of your scenes? And was it kept a secret from the rest of the cast?
Shannon Murray: Yes, I was aware of the twist ending while shooting and so was Stephanie. With the twist, Bailey Kobe had his own vision and he knew he had to play somewhat of game with the actors to get exactly what he wanted. So sometimes he wouldn't tell us if It was a memory, or if it was in her head, or if it was reality. So we would do numerous takes from different angles with both actors and then without. But trying to understand what was happening to Nora and the timeline of the film, I would try to track how many days it had been since the incident and which scenes she would have been going through grief and lack of sleep or numbness.
Joe: You are also lending your voice to April O'Neil from the Ninja Turtles. What's it like to take on such an iconic character dating decades back regardless of how long you're able to do it?
Shannon Murray: It's a dream come true! I LOVE the ninja turtles! My brothers and I still have ninja turtle Christmas stockings! I was at a friends picnic and my friend Scotty Fields, who is an amazing FX Artist and sculptor, told me what he was working on and was saying how he had just built all of the turtle suits, shredder, bebop and rock steady.. and he turns to look at me wide eyed with realization that he potentially found his April and he asked if I'd do it and with no hesitation, I of course said YES. So hopefully soon that will be available for everyone to watch as well.
What do you think of these comments from producer and lead acress Shannon Murray? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and be sure to check out the poster and trailer for the MMA-based film below!
Nora is that girl: the one who works overtime, helps out her family by all means, and leaves little for herself. She can't even fathom a love interest. But with her one free hour a day, she takes out life's hardships at the local mixed martial arts gym, where she is no longer who she is, if just for that hour.
When complications in her real life cause it to crumble, she is led to enter a championship tournament as a novice. Nora must learn not just what she is fighting for, but what she is actually fighting against!
Rag Doll is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Vudu, and Google Play Movies and TV for $3.99.