BIG ONES: A little article-series, where I feature a very special breed of human beings who influenced myself and the way I work. I will present their personalities, stories and projects to spread their fire. Analyzes and filmmaking advices are included. It’s gonna inspire the shit out of you. Or not… At least watch the trailers man.
1. People:
I call this point „people“ purposely. The actors he casts, seem mostly like ordinary folks. Surprise: Most of them are exactly that with no or very little acting experience. You get something from their faces which you can’t feign or fake, you get unfiltered realness. In „Beasts of the Southern Wild“ for example he gave the confectioner from the neighborhood bakery a main role. He often does that to keep originality in his movies. The cast members look & act like they belong there. Like they are actually existing. When your film achieves that, you did a fu*kin‘ good job. Don’t get me wrong here: I don’t say that actors are not necessary, but it’s an amazing method, especially for low budget projects, to safe money and to create authentic characters. 2 birds with one stone.
2. Music:
Next to directing Zeitlin works as a composer. Together with musician Dan Romer, who did the soundtrack for AAA projects like „Far Cry 5“ or Netflix’s „Beasts of No Nation“, he managed to create a sound image which combines the typical New Orleans jambalayan march style (drums, trumpets) with wild and heartbreaking melodies. It often goes from 0 to 100 in seconds, which delivers power and astonishment. When you compare the three listed trailers of this article, you’ll find equalities of the sound. Equalities aren’t bad in this case. First: When you found your style, the audience will remember your kind of film music and connect it to you. Recognition is an essential key element to expand your name as a filmmaker or whatever you want to do in life. Second: When you stick to a certain type of music, the chances are high that you will master the deployment and the implementation of it.
3. Roughness:
A quivering and shaky camera operation, close-ups & dirt. The roughness of Zeitlins movies makes you feel them like an intense dream at night. Not only a pleasant indie-look is created, the scenes look dynamic & alive. Deep wrinkles, mud, sweat, dirty animals, rotten food… A combination we normally don’t see in classic cinema. Guess what: The time of smoothed out movies is running out. This represents the reality way more than boring beauty. So let’s be real and embrace the wild and uncomfortable. Again: Authenticity rocks.
„When you’re
a small piece
of a big puzzle,
you gotta fix
what you can.“
And now, 8 years later, there is something coming. More budget, more attention, but same attitude. Wildness, loudness, youth and a whole lot of water. When you watch these three trailers in a row, you’ll see progress. You’ll see a remarkable distinctive style, which took Zeitlin decades to master. 2020’s „Wendy“ is a blueprint of magical realism which grew out of his past odysseys. It’s a succeeded result when you stay true to your style.
When you hunt your own perfection and not the satisfaction of the mainstream, something meaningful arises. Benh Zeitlin proofed that one more time.
A life’s work of a big one.
Comments
Frank Mir
März 30, 2020Words of wisdom Max!!!! Love it 😊😊
Maximilian Becker
März 30, 2020Glad you like it, Frank! Let’s have a beer soon!
Felix
Juli 30, 2020Following your work since day 1. So amazing what you have become!!! Would recommend you any time!