Mustang Q&A | Deniz Gamze Ergüven & Cast

Summary

In this interview, the director of the film *Mustang* discusses the process behind the creation of the film, highlighting its layers of humor and sadness. She explains the urgency and inspiration for the project, detailing the collaboration with co-writer Alise Wur and the intensive scriptwriting process. The casting of five newcomers is explored, emphasizing the chemistry and dynamic between the actresses. The director also reflects on the cinematography and the music, particularly Warren Ellis’ contributions. The conversation touches on the challenges women face in Turkey, the symbolism of the title *Mustang*, and the journey of the young actresses in their roles. The session concludes with a discussion about the actresses’ future plans in the film industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film is both funny and sad, showcasing the complexity of emotions experienced by the characters.
• 😀 The inspiration for the film came from the urgent need to portray the experience of being a woman, specifically in Turkey.
• 😀 The script was developed with Alise Wur, a French writer-director, after years of waiting for the right project.
• 😀 Casting was crucial, with an extensive audition process designed to find actresses who could embody the emotional depth and connection needed for the film.
• 😀 The actresses were selected for their chemistry and the ability to work together as a cohesive unit, representing five girls who find emotional support among each other.
• 😀 The film's cinematography was designed to incorporate natural light and dynamic spaces to reflect the intimate yet expansive world of the characters.
• 😀 Warren Ellis composed the film's music, which blended well with the film's textures, contributing to its atmospheric and emotional depth.
• 😀 The visual style of the film draws inspiration from escape stories and films where the house is an integral character.
• 😀 The filmmaker used humor and a sense of absurdity to provide distance from the film's heavier themes, balancing tragedy with lighthearted moments.
• 😀 The title 'Mustang' symbolizes the wild, untamed nature of the girls, representing both their personal struggles and their desire for freedom.
• 😀 The film explores the challenges girls face in a patriarchal society, highlighting how societal pressures shape their lives and the choices they make.
• 😀 The actresses involved in the film had a deep connection, with many expressing a strong desire to continue working in film after their experience on this project.

Q & A

What is the main theme explored in the film discussed in the transcript?

The film explores the complex experience of being a woman in Turkey, particularly focusing on the challenges and emotional journeys of young girls navigating societal pressures and personal freedom.

What was the inspiration behind the writing of the script for the film?

The inspiration came from a drive to tell the story of what it means to be a woman, with a focus on the specific context of being a woman in Turkey. The urgency to create the film stemmed from the writer's desire to work with actors and direct a film after several years of waiting.

How did the collaboration between the writer and Alise Wur, the co-writer, influence the film's development?

The collaboration with Alise Wur was crucial in shaping the film's direction. The writer was motivated by Wur's strong influence and push to finalize the script. Wur's strategic support helped bring the project to life, particularly during the writing phase.

How did the director approach the casting process for the film?

The director worked closely with a casting director for several months, designing a rigorous audition process that tested the actresses' ability to listen, imagine, and immerse themselves in scenes. The goal was to find actresses who could embody the close-knit sisterhood of the five main characters.

What was the significance of the casting choices, particularly with the five main actresses?

The casting was pivotal because the five actresses needed to resemble each other physically and emotionally to convey the idea of a single, unified entity. Their chemistry was crucial, as the film centers around a group of girls who emotionally rely on one another.

Can you explain the symbolism of the Mustang in the film and its title?

The Mustang symbolizes the wild, untameable spirit of the girls in the film. The title reflects their rebellious nature and their shared sense of freedom. The director found a personal connection to the idea of a Mustang, as one of their cousins' names translates to 'Little Wild Horse' in Turkish.

How did the cinematography contribute to the film's atmosphere?

The cinematography played a significant role in creating the film's atmosphere, particularly by utilizing natural light and careful set design. The director worked with the cinematographer to create an environment that allowed for free movement and exploration of the space, enhancing the visual storytelling.

What role did music play in the film, and how was the soundtrack chosen?

Music was a vital part of the film's emotional tone. The director initially considered Turkish composers but ultimately collaborated with Warren Ellis, whose music complemented the film's themes of wild landscapes and emotional intensity. The soundtrack was carefully integrated with the visual elements to create a cohesive mood.

What challenges did the actresses face while working on the film?

The actresses faced several challenges, including the emotional weight of portraying girls living in restrictive societal conditions. They also had to deal with the physical demands of the production, such as long hours and challenging scenes, particularly for one actress who was pregnant during the shoot.

What was the impact of working on the film for the actresses, and how did it affect their future careers?

The actresses found the experience transformative, deepening their sense of responsibility and understanding of the struggles faced by women in Turkey. It inspired many of them to pursue acting careers, with several expressing a strong desire to continue working in film after the success of Mustang.