Oh, Canada with Paul Schrader and Alex Ross Perry (Ep. 521)
Dec 24, 2024
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Paul Schrader, the acclaimed director behind films like 'First Reformed,' sits down with Alex Ross Perry to discuss his latest work, 'Oh, Canada.' They delve into casting decisions that span timelines, innovative visual storytelling techniques, and the creative process that limits waste in filmmaking. Schrader shares insights on the importance of audience feedback in post-production and the complexities of character depth. The conversation highlights how vibrant colors and varying aspect ratios reflect shifting personal narratives, making for a compelling cinematic journey.
Paul Schrader emphasizes the importance of shooting only essential scenes to streamline the editing process and enhance narrative impact.
The film's visual storytelling uses varied colors and aspect ratios to effectively depict the protagonist's complex memories and emotional struggles.
Deep dives
The Journey of Leonard
The film, O Canada, follows Leonard, who dodged the Vietnam War by escaping to Canada in his youth. In his later years, he reflects on his past, aiming to demythologize his life and unearth the truths he kept hidden for so long. Throughout this journey, he confronts his feelings of abandonment—not only towards his son but also towards his country, grappling with the label of cowardice associated with his decision to flee. This introspective narrative challenges traditional notions of masculinity and duty, revealing the complexities of a life shaped by pivotal choices.
The Editing Process
The editing process is crucial in filmmaking, especially for Paul Schrader, who emphasizes shooting without excess to streamline this stage. By not shooting unnecessary scenes, the editing can focus on the essence of the story, ensuring that every setup serves the narrative purpose. Schrader discusses the importance of audience reactions during screenings, noting that he gauges responses to determine the effectiveness of key scenes. His method emphasizes the balance of keeping viewers engaged while seeking their insights to refine the final cut, ultimately leading to a more compelling cinematic experience.
Visual Storytelling Techniques
In O Canada, visual aesthetics play a significant role in conveying the film's themes by using various techniques to represent Leonard's memories. Schrader employs different aspect ratios, color treatments, and visual styles to differentiate between memory fragments that are true and those that are confabulated. These choices not only enhance the narrative but also reflect the protagonist's internal conflicts and experiences. By employing a dynamic visual approach, Schrader creates a mosaic that embodies the complexity of recalling a life lived under the weight of difficult choices.
Director Paul Schrader discusses his new film, Oh, Canada, with fellow Director Alex Ross Perry in a Q&A at the DGA theater in New York. In the conversation, he discusses casting multiple Actors in roles across timelines and how he played with this element visually, how as both the Writer and Director, he works to include nothing that will make it to the cutting room floor so he can shoot economically, and how he chose to film in a variety of colors and aspect ratios to portray a story taking place over a long timespan.
The film follows the Miller siblings, a former musician, a writer and an artist, who all contend with challenging shifts in their marriages. As their lives change, their relationships are put to the test, bringing them closer to their partners or pushing them further apart.