Team Deakins interviews director Joe Wright, known for films like Atonement and Darkest Hour. Wright shares his love for the craft of filmmaking, the importance of casting and rehearsals, and his collaboration with cinematographers. He discusses why he chose to direct The Darkest Hour and the value of working with the same crew and actors for comfort and vulnerability on set.
Joe Wright highlights the importance of the rehearsal process and building relationships with actors.
Joe Wright values the use of camera movement and choreographed long takes to enhance storytelling and evoke emotions.
Deep dives
Joe Wright's Journey into Filmmaking
Joe Wright, acclaimed film director, joins the Team Deacons Podcast to discuss his passion for filmmaking and his unconventional path into the industry. Growing up in a theater background with parents as puppeteers, Joe developed a love for storytelling and putting on shows. He began making short films and acting, eventually gaining recognition for his work. Joe shares his experiences working in television and his transition into directing feature films. He emphasizes the importance of the rehearsal process and building relationships with actors. Joe also delves into the creative process behind his period dramas and his desire to tell stories that resonate with audiences.
Filmmaking as Personal Learning
Joe Wright views filmmaking as a personal journey of self-discovery and learning. He believes that the process of making films is just as important as the final product. Joe discusses the importance of limitations in creativity and how they can lead to innovative solutions. He shares personal anecdotes from his films, highlighting the collaboration with the community, the involvement of the homeless in 'The Soloist,' and the engagement of the local population in 'Dunkirk.' For Joe, filmmaking is an opportunity to connect with others, explore different perspectives, and share experiences.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
Joe Wright emphasizes his passion for visual storytelling and the music of images. He believes that cinema should go beyond just words on a page and aims to create impactful and poetic cinematic experiences. Joe explores the choices he makes in cinematography, working closely with his cinematographer to establish a distinct visual language for each film. He values the use of camera movement and choreographed long takes to enhance the storytelling and evoke emotions. Joe also highlights the importance of sound in film and how it contributes to the overall experience and immersiveness of the audience.
Challenges and Concerns in Filmmaking
Joe Wright expresses concerns about the current state of the film industry, particularly the limited options for mid-budget films that fall outside the extremes of naturalistic dramas and big-budget blockbusters. He believes that the time constraints imposed on film productions have led to a loss of creative freedom. Joe also discusses the potential impact of streaming platforms on the cinematic experience and the importance of the communal aspect of watching films in a theater. Despite these challenges, Joe remains committed to telling stories that captivate and resonate with audiences.
Team Deakins has a great time talking with director, Joe Wright (ATONEMENT, THE SOLOIST, DARKEST HOUR). He shares what he loves about films and how he loves the craft of it. He talks about the importance of casting correctly and how he works with actors and how important rehearsals are. We learn how he preps with a cinematographer and what he looks for in a cinematographer. Also, he shares why he chose to do The Darkest Hour, how he likes to work with the same crew and actors and how he learns from the process of making films. A fascinating conversation with a talented director!
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