Timothée Chalamet & Martin Scorsese Have an Epic Conversation | GQ

GQ32 minutes read

The director discusses working with Luca and admiring his focus on performances over acting, emphasizing the importance of conveying a message in filmmaking rather than following trends. Personal experiences and struggles influenced the director's choice of projects, leading to iconic films like "Raging Bull," and curiosity is highlighted as a key element in creativity, with a reference to compromised creativity without observation or curiosity.

Insights

  • The director values performances over acting in collaboration with Luca, emphasizing the depth and authenticity actors bring to a project.
  • A focus on conveying a message rather than chasing trends is highlighted, showcasing the director's commitment to storytelling with substance and meaning over superficial elements like technology or fleeting fads.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges arise in condensing a story for a 60-second commercial?

    The director mentions the difficulty of condensing a narrative into a short commercial, emphasizing the need to capture the essence of the story within a limited timeframe. This challenge requires careful selection of scenes and dialogue to convey the message effectively while maintaining viewer engagement. The director's insights shed light on the creative process involved in crafting a concise yet impactful story for a commercial project.

  • How does the director approach working with actors in his projects?

    The director values performances over acting, focusing on the natural behavior and movements of actors to bring authenticity to the shots. He discusses the importance of collaboration and spontaneity in working with actors, highlighting the freedom he provides while nudging them towards the desired direction. This approach fosters a creative environment where actors can express themselves while aligning with the director's vision for the project.

  • What influences shaped the director's storytelling style?

    The director's upbringing, exposure to literature and movies at a young age, and guidance from tough mentors influenced his storytelling style. His deep appreciation for books and movies, coupled with moral guidance and spiritual influences, shaped his sense of morality and narrative choices. These experiences instilled a passion for storytelling and a focus on conveying meaningful messages through his filmmaking projects.

  • How does the director incorporate movement and framing techniques in his work?

    The director discusses the importance of movement in filmmaking, distinguishing between camera movements like pans and tracks to enhance storytelling. He also mentions utilizing focal length creatively while emphasizing simplicity in conveying the intended message. By meticulously planning shots and considering the frame's composition, the director enhances the visual storytelling elements in his projects.

  • What role does New York City play in the director's cinematic backdrop?

    The director reflects on his experiences shooting in New York City, highlighting its significance as a cinematic backdrop for his projects. He discusses the city's unique atmosphere and visual appeal, which adds depth and character to his narratives. By incorporating New York City into his storytelling, the director infuses his projects with a distinct urban aesthetic that complements the themes and messages he aims to convey.

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Summary

00:00

"Director and Actor Collaboration in NYC"

  • The director discusses working with Luca and admiring his focus on performances over acting.
  • A commercial project with Timothy Chalamet is mentioned, emphasizing the challenge of condensing a story into 60 seconds.
  • The director explains the intensity and challenges of working on shorter projects.
  • The narrative of the commercial is inspired by Federico Fellini's short film "Toby Dammit."
  • The director details the meticulous planning and shot philosophy for the commercial.
  • The director shares his evolution from drawing every shot to incorporating notes and drawings in scripts.
  • The importance of actors' behavior and natural movements in shots is highlighted.
  • The director and actor discuss the spontaneity and freedom in their collaboration.
  • The actor appreciates the director's nudging approach to directing.
  • The significance of New York City as a cinematic backdrop and the director's experiences shooting there are discussed.

12:58

Youth's Journey: Books, Movies, and Storytelling

  • Movement in filmmaking involves the frame or camera, distinguishing between a pan and a track.
  • Focal length can be utilized in new ways, but simplicity often prevails in conveying the desired message.
  • Boredom in youth led to a deep appreciation for books and movies, fostering a love for storytelling.
  • Exposure to novels at a young age, due to health issues, sparked a passion for reading and learning.
  • Moral guidance and tough mentors shaped a sense of morality and spirituality, influencing storytelling.
  • Corruption in society stems from a lack of rooted morality and spirituality, leading to exploitation.
  • The value of money and lack of understanding can lead to exploitation and complicity in injustice.
  • Filmmaking should focus on conveying a message rather than chasing trends or technology.
  • Mainstream media has evolved, offering more diverse and complex narratives for audiences.
  • Personal experiences and struggles influenced the director's choice of projects, leading to iconic films like "Raging Bull."

25:41

"Bob notices Dairo's quiet presence"

  • Bob realizes Dairo's presence during dinner, highlighting Dairo's quiet and unassuming nature, contrasting with other actors who may require attention or highlighting.
  • Curiosity is emphasized as a key element in creativity, referencing a Bob Dylan quote about compromised creativity when observation or curiosity is lacking.
  • Discussion on violence in movies, with a reference to ancient Greek storytelling where violence was often described offstage, and a personal anecdote about a scripted scene turning into a real-life confrontation.
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