This Is Why Robert Eggers "Can’t Stand" Watching One of His Own Movies
Robert Eggers proves he is just like us by being extremely self-critical of his work.
With The Northman's debut just on the horizon and already receiving critical acclaim, we decided to look at Robert Eggers. He is a director who seems to be an unstoppable force in the world of filmmaking. His two other films, The Witchand The Lighthouse, also received praise from critics, fans, and filmmakers alike. But Eggers can’t stand to rewatch one of these films.
In an interview with The Guardian, Eggers revealed that he “can’t stand watching The Witch now.”
The Witch was Eggers’ feature debut, kicking off the folk-horror renaissance back at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, and it introduced the world to Anya Taylor-Joy. A24 picked up the film, and The Witch quickly became the production company’s most successful film, grossing more than $40 million worldwide off a $4 million budget.
So why does Eggers refuse to return to his successful debut?
“It’s not that it’s bad, and the performances are great, but I was not skilled enough as a filmmaker to get what was in my brain onto the screen,” Eggers said.
Eggers’ perspective is understandable from a creative standpoint. Translating your ideas into film is a difficult task that takes a toll on the creative minds behind the project. It can be frustrating to know what you want, but not have the skills or tools to bring that idea to fruition.
According to the director, with The Lighthouse hewas able to bring his vision to life, but Eggers still isn't completely satisfied.
“In The Lighthouse, I was able to do that, and The Northman, I’m proud of the movie, but not everything is quite what I hoped it would be. So I would like to do something with the scope and scale that I can actually get what’s in my imagination onto the screen,” Eggers said.
Unlike his first two films, The Northman was Eggers’ first time doing audience test screenings for a studio film, which gave the director a new perspective on his work.
“My first two films were all tested for marketing, but I didn’t have to change anything. So this was new, and as much as I didn’t like that process, I did learn something from it,” Eggers said. “But more than that, this is the film I wanted to make. This is my director’s cut. The studio pressure made the film what I originally pitched to them, which was the most entertaining Robert Eggers movie I could make. Honestly, without their pressure, I couldn’t have done that. It’s hard for me to tell a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end, for goodness’s sake.”
Eggers hopes to return to his roots of small genre stories after learning a great deal from the big-budget The Northman.You can watch The Northman in theaters on April 22.
What do you think of Robert Eggers’ The Witch? Let us know in the comments!
Source: The Guardian
10 Directing Lessons From Yasujirō Ozu
Ozu always kept it simple, beautiful, and deep.
Yasujirō Ozuu, a name synonymous with the golden era of Japanese cinema, has inspired filmmakers and cinephiles across generations. His approach to storytelling, framing, and character development offers a treasure trove of lessons for aspiring directors.
In this post, we delve into ten of his most influential techniques.
Let's get started.
1. The Importance of "Ma" (Negative Space)
Ozu’s use of "ma," or negative space, in his compositions teaches us about the power of what is not shown. His frames often feature empty spaces that speak volumes, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the scene.
2. Low and High Camera Angles
Ozu's signature low camera angles, often at the eye level of a seated person, create an intimate perspective. This approach invites the audience into the world of the characters, making the experience more immersive.
His high camera angles of buildings, bird's eye views, and static scenery shots emphasize a world that changes before our eyes.
3. Minimal Camera Movement
In stark contrast to contemporary filmmaking, Ozu often used a static camera. This technique forces the viewer to focus on the subtleties of the performance and the composition of each frame.
4. The Pillow Shot
Ozu frequently inserted "pillow shots," short, transitional scenes of nature, everyday objects, or settings, to create a contemplative pause in the narrative. This technique allows for a moment of reflection and emphasizes the environment's role in the story.
5. Restrained Editing
Ozu’s editing style is marked by its restraint. He often avoided conventional editing techniques like cross-cutting, instead opting for straight cuts that offer a more straightforward, contemplative flow.
6. Finding The Profound in the Everyday
Ozu's films often revolve around everyday life and simple stories, yet they touch on profound themes like family dynamics, the passage of time, and the clash of tradition and modernity.
7. Subtle Performances
Ozu directed his actors to deliver understated performances, believing that subtlety could convey deep emotions more effectively than overt drama.
8. Set Design
Ozu's meticulous set designs were integral to his storytelling. He carefully arranged every object in the frame to reflect the characters' inner lives and the film’s broader themes.
9. The Beauty of Simplicity
Ozu teaches us the beauty of simplicity in both storytelling and visual composition. His films, devoid of complex plot twists or elaborate cinematography, capture the essence of the narrative through simple yet powerful means.
10. Respect the Audience
Ozu respected his audience's intelligence, never over-explaining or spoon-feeding the story. He believed in the viewer’s ability to piece together the narrative and find personal meaning in it.
Yasujirō Ozu’s filmmaking philosophy transcends time and cultural boundaries, offering universal lessons for directors. His emphasis on simplicity, subtlety, and the profound in the everyday makes his work a continuous source of inspiration and learning.
It's amazing to have art like his to study and breakdown as we emotionally connect with its storytelling.
Now go watch his films and take these lessons into your own work.