Bruce Campbell talks new movie ‘Ernie & Emma’ amidst cancer diagnosis

Bruce Campbell may be best known for chainsaws and chaos, but his latest film “Ernie & Emma,” leans into something more real.

“It’s almost like you have to have this disclaimer of, ‘Warning: No chainsaws! Danger: No blood!'” Campbell said.

The actor is widely known for his cult-favorite role as Ash in the Evil Dead franchise and his frequent collaborations with director Sami Raimi.

For his latest venture, Campbell wrote, produced, directed and starred in “Ernie & Emma,” a project he completed in southern Oregon with the help of his wife, Ida Gearon.

The story follows Ernie Tyler, a former small-town pear salesman in the fictional town of Pear Valley, Oregon, as he navigates grief, memories and the possibility of moving forward after the death of his wife. It is a departure from the high-energy, horror-driven roles Campbell is known for.

The movie premiered Feb. 14 at Medford’s historic Holly Theatre and is set for another screening April 4 at Portland’s Hollywood Theatre.

Campbell spoke with the Statesman Journal ahead of the film’s latest screening. He touched on the creative process, the movie’s theme and his recent cancer diagnosis. Here’s what Campbell had to say about Oregon and his experience working on “Ernie & Emma.”

What is ‘Ernie & Emma’ about?

“Ernie & Emma” follows Ernie, a former pear salesman struggling to cope with the recent loss of his wife.

Soon after Emma’s death, Ernie receives a letter written by her that directs him to a safe deposit box. There, he finds more letters urging him to get out and live again. Ernie sets off, Emma’s ashes in tow, on a journey to rediscover who he is without his wife.

Throughout the film, Ernie learns to confront his grief and the things left unsaid between him and Emma. Campbell wanted the film to focus on real-life experiences rather than delve into fantasy-driven storytelling.

“It’s a real story that can happen to you,” Campbell said. “I think movies have taken place so much in the fantasy world recently that we’ve lost a little bit of our understanding of reality.”

He said the project allowed him to lean fully into that perspective.

“I make my living in make-believe, but I’m a way bigger fan of reality,” he said. “This is actually one of the few times where I can make a movie where it’s 100% my sensibility.”

Campbell felt strongly about being involved in every part of the filmmaking process.

“Why not want to do something where you’re invested 100% behind the idea, the story, the approach, the crew, the marketing, where everything is how I’ve always felt it should be done, or returned to how it used to be done,” Campbell said. “That’s something that really was important for me to convey.”

The production also features local talent and recognizable landmarks, including the Big Foot Trap, and was made outside of the studio system. That independence allowed Campbell to fully shape the project.

What are some of the overall themes of ‘Ernie & Emma?’

Campbell described the film as one that explores themes many people can relate to.

“These are adult themes. People die, people plan their deaths and people have to figure out what to do after their spouse dies,” he said. “I’m hoping it’s a story that basically everybody viewing can relate to in some way or another. Everybody has lost someone or something that was dear to them.”

The story centers on how people process loss and face difficult emotions.

“What did you not tell your spouse that you wish you would?” he said. “Confronting grief is really tough. This is my version of a curve ball that you would throw to a guy my age who’s not ready for it.”

Campbell described “Ernie & Emma” as one of the most meaningful projects of his career.

“It just gives me such creative satisfaction that, you know, everything else is secondary.”

What parts of Oregon were ‘Ernie & Emma’ filmed in?

“Ernie & Emma” was filmed entirely in southern Oregon, highlighting the region’s landscapes and culture while featuring places like Table Rock and Applegate Lake.

Campbell, who lives in Jacksonville, said the setting was intentional. He wanted to capture Oregon at its best.

“I’ve been up to Table Rock and it’s gorgeous up there,” Campbell said. “When the view is good, it’s amazing. We caught that view where you can see Mount McLoughlin as the most perfectly formed cinder cone, clear as a bell.”

He said showcasing the region in natural light was important to the film’s tone.

“I’m not going to shoot this with a gray filter,” he said. “A nice day is still a nice day. You can be depressed and look out your window to the most beautiful day ever and you’re still depressed.”

How does Bruce Campbell’s cancer diagnosis affect his film tour?

Campbell said he reacted much like anyone would after he received his cancer diagnosis. He struggled at first to believe it. Even so, he said he isn’t letting it take his attention away from the film.

“It doesn’t change anything for me,” he said. “It makes you prioritize 100 percent, and for me, the priority is this movie.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with his wife.

“My wife and I have never made a movie together before, and this is the most exciting thing ever,” he said. “We finally got to do something that has no outside influence. We made it in our own little bubble.”

As the film continues its tour, Campbell still plans to be at every screening. He wants to focus on connecting with audiences and seeing how the story resonates with them.

Campbell said he hopes audiences will leave with a message of hope and that second chances are possible.

“It’s a personal movie. I want to see how it affects people,” he said. “Every audience is different. I’m very, very curious to see what people think about it.”

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X at@GinnieSandoval.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Bruce Campbell talks new movie “Ernie & Emma” amidst cancer diagnosis