Director Yorgos Lanthimos and screenwriter Tony McNamara talk about their new film, The Favorite, exploring the challenges of creating a period film and the importance of finding partners who align with their vision. They discuss the significance of rabbits in the film and the importance of the three-week rehearsal process for actors. They also delve into the role of movement in the movie and their creative process behind choreography.
'The Favorite' explores the complex relationships and personal responsibilities of three women in power in the past.
Collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and screenwriter Tony McNamara involves discussing intentions and allowing the work to evolve organically.
The storytelling in 'The Favorite' combines historical inspiration with a focus on the humanity and complexities of the characters.
The three-week rehearsal process in 'The Favorite' builds trust, comfort, and creative freedom among the actors through physical activities.
Deep dives
Concept and Characters
The podcast discusses the initial attraction to the story of 'The Favorite', focusing on three women with power in the past and their complex relationships. The individual characters, particularly Anne's, resonate as they navigate personal responsibilities while affecting the fate of a nation. The allure of making a period film and exploring the architecture of this world is also mentioned.
Collaboration and Finding a Partner
The podcast highlights the importance of finding the right creative partner, in this case, Jorgas and Tony. Their talents, voices, and personalities align, and their shared sensibility and understanding is evident from the beginning. The collaboration process involves reading scripts, discussing intentions, and allowing the work to evolve organically by trying things physically and trusting their instincts.
Balancing Fiction and History
The podcast touches on the creative process of combining fictional storytelling with historical elements. While the story takes inspiration from history, the focus is on the humanity and complexities of the characters rather than delivering a history lesson. They aim to balance the personal and political stories, taking creative liberties when necessary but referencing history to fill in gaps or find inspiration.
Rehearsal Process and Movement
The podcast emphasizes the importance of the three-week rehearsal process in building trust, comfort, and creative freedom among the actors. Jorgas aims to have actors internalize the text through physical activities, avoiding an overly intellectual approach. Movement and physicality play a significant role in the film, allowing for a contemporary feel and an exploration of spaces and architectural elements.
Collaborating with Cinematographer Robbie Ryan
The podcast highlights the advantageous collaboration with cinematographer Robbie Ryan, who displayed a range of talents and enthusiasm for pushing creative boundaries. They envisioned a filmic language using wide-angle lenses and got inspired by the architecture and physicality of the film. The partnership allowed for the creation of stunning visuals that captured the distinct movements and scale of the story.
Film Development and Future Projects
In the podcast, it is mentioned that Jorgas and Tony have several projects in development. With 'The Favorite' now completed, they are focused on writing and hope to bring their other projects to fruition soon. The podcast remarks on the lengthy development process of 'The Favorite' but also highlights Jorgas' usual method of writing, making, and moving on to the next project.
Conclusion
The podcast offers insights into the concepts, collaborations, historical inspiration, rehearsal process, cinematography, and future projects associated with 'The Favorite'. It provides a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode and the main ideas discussed.
The "Dogtooth" and "Lobster" director talks about his unusual rehearsal process and what drew him to make a period lesbian triangle drama about Queen Anne with screenwriter Tony McNamara.
