The Director

The perception of directing probably is that cool suit and tie guy sitting behind the camera doing take after take, calling “action” and working intensely with actors. I don’t think that’s all that accurate. If cast right, you really shouldn’t say much to the actor. In fact, you risk doing more harm than good whenever you speak. Speaking for myself, of course. I think observing people is the best way to go about directing. If you don’t find people interesting, don’t make movies.

I think there is a funny affectation that goes with directing a movie. A lot are spending these days fearful of being spotted as a fraud. For the young guys, it’s “he doesn’t deserve this” for the older guys, I think it’s tougher. Each picture means it has to be the same or better than his last. Otherwise, his whole life has been a stroke of luck. There is a mania that goes into making a movie, and most director’s eyes go into this trance. Or thousand yard stare most people who experience war feel. Production people see it in other production people. I can tell within a few minutes who has been through the ringer of this business. Here’s a hint, the newbies smile.

If you read any books on directing, the sole purpose of directing is to make sure the vision in your head goes onto the screen and that you lead the audience through your story clearly. Oftentimes that does mean treating people like children. I mean, you tell stories to kids and you make the fire engine sounds and other noises to get their attention. Is this the right attitude? Depends. You can rely on the intelligence of the collective mass, but that is a limited audience.

The sole purpose of directing a movie is to be a storyteller. An interesting thing that happen that you want to share. Or a human condition you like to explore to embrace people with similar issues. It’s to communicate with others. The skill set is first and foremost, to understand behavior. I don’t really like David Lynch, but his movies are all about witnessing people AGAINST behavior. Which is interesting in its own right. You know, it’s not easy knowing how the buzzy ants of this world think. That’s why comic book movies are so popular. Everyone can get behind a guy in a rubber suit kicking ass. And it’s never been as clear now the Hollywood money grab. Unfortunate for the director who helms a project that is forced to include storylines to fit a Big Gulp cup. I guess universally, people have ventured into a 7-11 here and there. But, I say, stay true to your story. I wouldn’t even say “vision”…too corny. Be honest with what type of movie you want to make. The best ones went from the heart (I feel). Bergman, Coppola, Scorsese, Truffaut, etc… If you’re going to get into directing, just study behavior. The rest will work itself out.