A review of A Sort of Burial, which isn’t too bad, considering my
misgivings about it. It has only been given a restricted festival run on the
strength of my feelings about it. It was something different - a big learning
curve on this movie. I think it’s important to share details of anything which
doesn’t quite live up to expectations and use it as a fulcrum from which to
attain higher goals. People only tend to see the successes – perceived or
otherwise, but that, I guess, is largely because ‘people’ don’t tend to ‘air
them in public’. I am grateful to anyone who watches the films I make, and
especially to those who take further time to critique and review.
Filmmaking is a lot of hard work and endeavour (for me at least!) and,
with that, a lot can go wrong. I find it a massive challenge and not every
aspect is entirely enjoyable. I alluded to a lot of the negative experiences
and issues encountered on the ‘Burial’ in my recent blog posts and, unfortunately,
these were still evident and, in some ways, exacerbated on Switch, which
followed. So, I’m not surprised by the comments in Sam’s review about the
technical side of things, which are fair and reasoned. In retrospect, those two
movies were filmed too close together. The performances in both movies were
fantastic, though – that should be stated emphatically. And I take full
responsibility for ‘problems’ in other areas, even though I didn’t make it easy
on myself by taking on and overseeing so much.
I’m always happy with the script, as I work tirelessly to shape, hone
and check it before working it as a full-fledged movie. Fortunately, there is
usually ample time an opportunity to do this. However, the technical execution of
my movies has been a problem for several reasons. Hopefully, these have now
been fully realised and will be addressed in future productions. Problems will
always exist when filmmaking, it’s inherent and I know that. However, with an honest,
objective understanding of pitfalls already experienced, previous shortcomings
should now be properly mitigated.
Hokum is our next movie and it’s a big one which will rely heavily - not
only on the script, but also the technical aspects. Expert technical execution
will be seriously important as the movie will hinge on its look and feel a
great deal. If people don’t like it because they simply don’t care for it, then
that’s great and I’m entirely comfortable with that. It is not a movie which
will appeal to everyone. My movies are very ‘eclectic.’ That said, if it’s
disliked because of any technical failings, then it’ll be a massive shame and
unforgiveable. Pressure is on.
The one thing I have enjoyed so far on Hokum is getting back to
creating ‘art’, even though I’ve had to ‘undo’ my ‘style’ in order to create
what is required effectively. I always enjoy the writing, which to me, is
always the easiest part and I think we have a great script and a unique story.
I guess a lot hinges on this production, really. It’s a big gamble, but
then that’s essentially the movie’s conceit – gambling on fortune; failing,
being tormented by things both real and imaginary; life, death and re-birth. I
hadn’t realised how prescient it all is, but yet again, the movie is about
prescience as well.
And so, although I’m frustrated, I continue with fresh enthusiasm and
high hopes.
Stay tuned!
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