Unstoppable with William Goldenberg and Ben Affleck (Ep. 517)
Dec 18, 2024
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William Goldenberg, a Director making his debut with the film Unstoppable, joins fellow filmmaker Ben Affleck for an engaging chat. They dive into the authenticity of wrestling scenes, revealing how real-life wrestler Anthony Robles influenced the film. Goldenberg shares insights from his transition from editing to directing, and the importance of preparation on set. The duo discusses the emotional complexities of portraying real-life narratives and the challenges of capturing character depth while staying true to the story. An inspiring look at filmmaking and storytelling!
Director William Goldenberg emphasized the importance of authenticity in representing the wrestling community, ensuring wrestlers felt proud of their portrayal.
Goldenberg's transition from editor to director involved leveraging communication skills to create an environment that supported actors' performances effectively.
Deep dives
The Journey of Authenticity in Filmmaking
The film tells the true story of Anthony Robles, a competitive athlete born with one leg, who became an NCAA Division I champion wrestler. Director William Goldenberg emphasizes the importance of authenticity in portraying the wrestling community, highlighting that his goal was for wrestlers to feel proud of the representation. He believes that capturing the nuances of real experiences in sports films is critical, drawing from his experience editing other sports movies. Goldenberg worked closely with Robles throughout the filmmaking process, ensuring that the portrayal honored Robles' journey and resonated with wrestlers and audiences alike.
Transitioning from Editor to Director
Goldenberg's path to directing emerged after his success as an editor, where he felt a desire to tell his own stories. His experience working alongside various acclaimed directors gave him insights into filmmaking, but he still faced apprehensions about directing actors. He discovered that communication with actors is key and translated skills learned from editing into directing by fostering an environment where actors felt supported and understood. His rapport with the cast allowed their performances to shine, contributing to the film's emotional authenticity.
Innovative Cinematic Techniques
Goldenberg innovatively approached the wrestling scenes by utilizing both practical effects and creative camera work. He aimed for a visceral experience that would immerse the audience in the intensity of the matches, employing handheld cameras and dynamic angles to enhance the visual storytelling. The use of a glass platform to capture unique perspectives of the wrestlers was particularly groundbreaking, as it allowed viewers to see the athletes’ faces during the action. This creative vision resulted in a fluid and engaging cinematic experience that showcased the art of wrestling authentically.
The Importance of Real-Life Representation
The involvement of real-life figures, Anthony Robles and his family, significantly impacted the film's authenticity and emotional depth. Goldenberg and the cast deliberately decided to keep them away from intense scenes to avoid self-consciousness and emotional strain. They maintained open communication with the family throughout the production process, allowing them to contribute to the screenplay and providing guidance on how to represent their story genuinely. This collaboration ensured that the film not only honored Robles’ journey but also resonated with viewers who could relate to overcoming challenges.
Director William Goldenberg discusses his new film, Unstoppable, with fellow Director Ben Affleck in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses coming into directing a feature for the first time after working as an editor, seeking to make the wrestling scenes as authentic as he could, and having the real Anthony Robles advise and even wrestle in some scenes of the film.
The film tells the inspiring true story of competitive athlete Anthony Robles, who was born with one leg. With the unwavering support of his mother, the encouragement of his coaches, and his own indomitable spirit, Anthony fights through adversity and defies the odds to become an NCAA division 1 champion wrestler.