Richard Linklater: ”Cranston, Fishburne and Carell were on my wishlist”
Five-time Oscar-nominee Richard Linklater's new film, The Last Flap of the Flag, was released in the US last month. Brian Cranston, Steve Carell and Laurence Fishburne starred in the comedy-drama based on the novel of the same name by Darryl Ponyxen. They played the veterans of the Vietnam War, who, years after their service, had to meet under not the most favorable circumstances: the son of Karella's character died in Iraq. And instead of burying him properly at Arlington National Cemetery, the man asks his comrades in arms to help transport the ashes to the northeastern United States, to the suburbs of New Hampshire.In an interview, Linklater talked about how he managed to assemble such an impressive cast, speculated about the brutality of editing, and also shared the details of his next project - the film "Where Are You Going, Bernadette?" starring Cate Blanchett. Earlier you said that the issue of financing projects is especially acute for you. How was the Last Wave of the Flag? Not easy. I began to develop it in 2005, when the theme of the war in Iraq felt like an open wound. Today it turned into a sore, and people finally became ready to comprehend what happened. This, probably, helped to solve the financial issue. But the problem hasn't gone away. I always knew that sooner or later the time for this film would come. So I just sent the script to Amazon and was greeted there with a bang. And it's good that we decided to shoot this project now, at a time when the industry is much better developed than seven years ago, thanks in large part to such giants as Amazon, Annapurna and Netflix.  Previously, your film had no right to exist if it was not a tent floor. Now I am happy and calm for everyone who makes independent films. Although about my tape, I don't even know if it belongs to this category. I think film fans all over the world are grateful to the industry for the fact that such stories are created today and reach the audience. Although everyone is constantly complaining about what is happening with the cinema, it must be admitted that good things do happen. You put the Last Flap of the Flag heroes on a train. This will inspire any fan of your work to associate with the movie "Before Dawn" ... Well, trains and movies have always been closely related. And my new tape is partly a road movie.  You managed to collect great actors in one project, and this worked because you respect each of the three. How did it come to your mind to invite Cranston, Fishburne and Carell to the shooting? I just made my wishlist of those people that I have not yet filmed. The only exception was J. Quinton Johnson, who played the role of young Washington. I was just lucky that the people on this list agreed to sign up to be filmed. Usually everything starts with a phone call, then a meeting follows ... What I like most about this situation is that these actors themselves were eager to cooperate. Each of them said something like this: “Oh, I wanted to work with these two for a long time! It's really interesting. " How much has the material shown on the screen changed since the first rehearsal? It usually looks like this: we sit down together, read the script and discuss it. And so throughout all the filming. We know the main storyline, and new ideas make their own way. How long was your film before it was finally edited? I had an additional 30 minutes from that material. I think it's not bad. Initially, I got about 2.5 hours, but when looking in places there was a feeling that here is an extra piece, there too ... For me, editing is bringing to perfection the narration and its pace. And I admire people who can cut out half an hour of a movie without you ever realizing it. Although, for every picture, editing is, of course, a real challenge.  It's funny that you see it that way. Usually directors go through the editing process painfully ... Communication with the editor is an opportunity to look at your creation with different eyes. He may draw attention to some not funny enough or interesting moments. This is tough and requires the participants in the process to be absolutely honest. You can't afford to be sentimental or nostalgic for the cut, these hard-edged decisions just need to be made. There is a scene in the movie where the characters are buying phones. It seemed to me, or did Brian improvise in it, and Lawrence and Steve enjoyed it? They had fun, of course, with all their hearts. And yes, everything looked like an improvisation, although this scene was written in the script and rehearsed in strict accordance with it. But the girl behind the counter smiled so naturally ... It's great that you noticed. But I repeat: we rehearsed this whole scene several times. Wow! That's what brilliant acting and talented directing mean. (Laughs) I hope.  Has it become easier to shoot in recent years? What can you tell us about future projects and genres that you want to work with? We've just finished shooting a new movie starring Cate Blanchett, Where Have You Gone, Bernadette? And I'm incredibly happy about that. We have moved into post-production and are preparing to present it to the public next year. He talks about a woman who decided to live as a hermit. More broadly, this is a story about a creator in crisis. The film is very funny and the main character reminds me of my mother. And he is also one of those that I have been trying to remove for a long time. And the next one will generally be the one over which I have been pondering for 25 years. Your cast at Bernadette is of course amazing too ... It's very cool that I can work with all of them, collide them in one frame. I want to film all the talented actors! But there are not so many like Cate Blanchett.  The question is probably outdated, but what about the continuation of the trilogy that started with Before Dawn? I do not know. From time to time I start thinking about it, but so far there are no concrete ideas. And the last film, it seems, did not show itself very well at the box office ... Fuck the rental. The movie is amazing! I know, just kidding. In fact, none of the three parts became a box office hit, although this factor was not a guideline for us. We even, I remember, joked, calling the first part the most unprofitable film ever received a sequel. This is just a word about the fact that now it has become much easier to shoot. Then we just have to ask you: how do you feel about those who watch movies on a smartphone? I am, of course, a man of the old formation. It seems to me a large darkened cinema and a lot of people, because I myself grew up in such conditions. It's good if there is an opportunity to watch the novelty in this way, but I am not against other formats. Sometimes they say to me: "I saw your film on the plane." Then I answer: "Well, that's fine." I myself enjoy watching movies on the road. If I fly somewhere to Europe, I can watch two films in a row at once. Anyone who wants to see my paintings, well done, regardless of which carrier chooses. Who am I to judge them? Source: Collider The Topic of Article: Richard Linklater: ”Cranston, Fishburne and Carell were on my wishlist”. |
