Ari Aster presenta Beau Is Afraid a San Cosimato!

Summary

In this insightful interview, the director discusses the therapeutic aspects of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of instinct and visceral reactions on set. He talks about the intentional artificiality of a central animated sequence, which serves to express the protagonist's fantastical musings on a life he can't comprehend. The conversation also touches on the director's love for Italian cinema, particularly the freedom in Fellini's work, and the influence of Italian horror on his film. The director reflects on the challenges of interviews and the permanence of his words, highlighting the personal journey and growth he experiences through his craft.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the use of therapy and writing as a form of expression within the context of filmmaking.
• 📝 The director mentions the importance of balancing instinct and visceral reactions with the written script during filming.
• 🎭 There's an emphasis on the director's approach to live in the moment on set, rather than overthinking or trying to control every aspect of the scene.
• 💬 The interviewee reflects on the difficulty of living in the present moment and how this is something they struggle with.
• 🏆 The script includes a reference to Winston Churchill, which the director found both stupid and entertaining, indicating a desire to include such elements for their humor and entertainment value.
• 👩‍👧 The character Mona from 'Boys afraid' is highlighted as a unique and universal figure, not just a mother but almost a deity, showing the depth and complexity of character development.
• 🤔 The director admits to sometimes not fully understanding their own statements during interviews, reflecting on the post-hoc analysis of their own words.
• 🎞️ A central sequence in the film is described as a mix of 2D animation, live action, and stop motion, aiming to convey the protagonist's consciousness and fantasy.
• 🎨 The director expresses a love for Italian cinema and mentions the influence of directors like Fellini, Risi, and Antonioni on their work, especially in terms of freedom and lack of limits.
• 🎮 The script touches on the director's interest in video games and how they can inspire film ideas, showing the cross-pollination between different forms of media.
• 🎥 The director talks about the therapeutic aspects of filmmaking, suggesting that the process can be personally transformative and emotionally rewarding.

Q & A

What is the director's approach to therapy in the context of the film?

The director suggests that therapy in the film is not just a form of treatment but also a process of writing, execution, and release. It's an integral part of the film's setting and character development.

How does the director describe the balance between instinct and the written script during filming?

The director emphasizes the importance of being attentive on set and allowing the moment to guide the performance rather than strictly adhering to the written script, suggesting a balance between instinct and the written word.

What does the director say about his ability to live in the moment?

The director admits that he has never been able to fully live in the moment or the instant, which is something he finds challenging.

Why did the director choose to include a quote from Winston Churchill in the film?

The director included the quote as a playful and somewhat stupid detail, aiming to add a layer of humor and interest to the film.

How does the director view the character of Mona in 'Boy's afraid'?

The director intended for Mona to be a unique character, not just a mother figure, but almost a divine presence, a mother to all, which adds a universal aspect to her role.

What is the director's response to being asked about his statements post-film release?

The director expresses confusion and sometimes frustration about having to explain or justify his statements after the film is released, highlighting the difficulty of revisiting past thoughts.

What technique did the director use to create a central sequence in the film?

The director used a mix of 2D animation, live-action, and stop-motion to create an artificial and deliberate scene that reflects the main character's fantastical experiences and internal world.

How does the director describe the influence of Italian cinema on his work?

The director expresses a deep love and appreciation for Italian cinema, mentioning directors like Dario Argento, Mario Bava, and Lucio Fulci, and how their work has influenced his filmmaking style.

What Italian director does the director particularly admire for their freedom in filmmaking?

The director admires Federico Fellini for the sense of freedom in his films, citing 'Amarcord' as possibly the most entertaining film ever made and a significant influence on this particular film.

How does the director feel about his films being shown and restored in the United States?

The director feels very happy and honored that his films are being shown and restored in the United States, appreciating the opportunity to share his work with a broader audience.

What does the director find most enjoyable about the film experience?

The director enjoys going to the cinema with a large audience and experiencing the communal aspect of watching films on the big screen, especially at film festivals.