At last...

[Tia]

I've just listened to an intriguing in-depth interview with Kevin Macdonald conducted by Margaret Pomeranz in July last year. (I've recently got a new computer and can finally use RealPlayer.<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>)

http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1139506.htm

There are some interesting insights into various aspects of the film, and he was just getting around to discussing the music when they ran out of satellite.

[Susann]

Can you give us a brief summary? I, for one, haven't a chance of listening as I can't use RealPlayer, or whatever it is you need.

-Sometimes chocolate IS the answer-

[Tia]

There is an edited transcript of the interview on the website. Macdonald talked about previous efforts to make a dramatic film of TTV and the difficulty of portraying the internal monologue at the heart of the story. There is still interest in making it as a dramatic film, apparently.

Margaret Pomeranz commented that Joe is such a poetic speaker and the way that contrasted with the drama of the visual portrayal was a powerful element of the film. Macdonald said Joe told the story so well, and the honesty in the way the story was told made it powerful--Joe was not self-serving or trying to make himself out to be a hero. Macdonald said he used the widescreen closeup in the interviews to convey intimacy and to use non-verbal communication so that it feels like the viewer is with them and they are telling you the story. He compared the interviews to a psychoanalytic process.

Pomeranz commented that Joe was a sort of "flawed hero". Macdonald described him as "abrasive and stubborn" and said documentary allowed the filmmaker to show complexity, subtlety and idiosyncrasy in a way that was not possible in a fictional film. Pomeranz remarked on Joe tearing-up and Macdonald said how much that conveyed as Joe was otherwise understated and unemotional.

Macdonald repeated the comment about "homoerotic subtext" and the dynamics between the three men.

He talked about shooting in the crevasses and how they were beautiful and terrifying places. There was a bit on the cinematography and how excited they were to be shooting in such a beautiful place that had not been filmed before.

Lastly, the soundtrack was in two halves--the first half featuring an emotive score and the second half highlighting Joe's disintegration.

It was a good interview I thought--over twenty minutes' worth, with some intelligent questions asked (and answered)--worth listening to if you can access it.

[alibali]

Interesting, Tia.

I can't see why Macdonald feels the need to go on about homoerotic subtexts, unless he is bothered by his own feelings in some way.

Ali

[Kay]

Thanks for that, Tia. It confirms my feeling that the movie is a reworking of the story, rather than a film of the book. I know Macdonald has rattled a lot of the members of Joe Public, but I think the end result is at least as satisfying as the book. Both are complete works of art. Oh to be privy to all those hours of interviews. (I wonder what Richard thinks of being referred to as 'half' a person.)

... Sorry about that

[Susann]

Yes, thanks Tia!

Personally I wouldn't like to see the film made as a drama, I don't think that it could add anything to the existing film. It would at best be a second best. Anyone feel the same way?

-Sometimes chocolate IS the answer-

[alibali]

I wouldn't like to see it reworked as a drama. I think its pointless. The docu-drama was really good, whatever we may think of some of Macdonald's statements and actions.

[Zannah]

He's a good film-maker no matter what else he might be. Yes Ali, a dramatic movie would just be pointless.

~Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant~

[Tia]

It's easy to see the appeal of TTV to a filmmaker. The challenge would be to come up with something at least as good as the documentary <i>and</i> which retains the central premise of the story.

I suppose the Everest '96 film will be the next cab off the rank in the mountaineering genre. How well it does might influence whether there will be money and enthusiasm for a remake of TTV.

[Carole]

Still don't like him!

Milk monsters rule!

[AJ]

Atta girl Carole! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>