Acclaimed filmmaker David Lowery and actor/producer Elijah Wood discuss the importance of letting a movie breathe, hate-cutting The Green Knight, Grail mythology, old-fashioned movie magic, and why genre is the perfect playground for emerging filmmakers.
The director's struggle with maintaining objectivity during the editing process of The Green Knight led to reevaluating his choices and allowing the film to breathe and resonate more effectively.
The delay in the release of The Green Knight due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding theaters had a significant impact on the film's completion and post-production process.
Personal connections and experiences, including relationships with family members and childhood fear of horror movies, influenced the director's choices and elements in The Green Knight.
Deep dives
The Green Knight's Delayed Release and the Filmmaking Process
The podcast episode discusses the delayed release of the film The Green Knight and the impact it had on the director's relationship with the film. The director shares his feelings and experiences during the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic phases of the film's production. He talks about his initial intentions to let go of the movie after completion and the strange feeling of not being able to share it with an audience. He also reflects on the editing process and how it led him to reevaluate his choices and make the movie a better representation of his vision.
The Importance of Objectivity in Film Editing
During the editing process of the film The Green Knight, the director discusses his struggle with maintaining objectivity and the pressure to create a film with a fast running time. He recalls making cuts that he believed were necessary to maintain the film's momentum, but later realized that they hindered certain aspects of the story. He ultimately gained a clear perspective on the movie after taking a break and was able to make adjustments that allowed the film to breathe and resonate more effectively.
The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Film Releases
The podcast episode touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on film releases, specifically in relation to The Green Knight. The director shares how the film's release date was pushed due to the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding theaters. He also discusses the moment when the severity of the situation became evident, referencing the cancellation of the South by Southwest festival and the postponement of other major film releases. The director reflects on how the pandemic affected the completion of the film and the subsequent adjustments made during the post-production process.
The Filmmaking Journey and Personal Connections
The podcast episode delves into the director's personal connections to the films he creates. He shares how certain elements and choices in The Green Knight were influenced by his own experiences and relationships, particularly with his mother and his childhood fear of horror movies. The director also discusses how his siblings and family members contribute to his filmmaking projects, such as his brother's artwork appearing in the film. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections and how they can manifest in unexpected ways in film.
The Love of Genre and the Power of Horror Films
Throughout the podcast episode, the director and actor express their shared love for genre films, particularly horror. They discuss how genre films allow for creative freedom and provide a platform for bold artistic choices. They also highlight the thematic depth and impact that horror films can have, both as a source of entertainment and as a means of conveying important messages. The director and actor emphasize the power of horror films to engage audiences on a deeper level and create lasting impressions.
Topics covered include: the importance of letting your movie breath, hate-cutting The Green Knight, the fall of Troy, Grail mythology, a mom’s helpful nudge, old-fashioned movie magic, the epic oner from Eternal Sunshine, concentric circles of production and release, vegan animatronic boar entrails, New Zealand film crews (the best), mainlining horror movies in October, and why genre is the perfect playground for emerging filmmakers.
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