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April 14, 2015
INTERVIEW | Paul Thomas Anderson, Director of 'The Master,' Exclusive Interview
INTERVIEW | Inherent Vice
First Film Adaptation of Works by Thomas Pynchon, the Genius Masked Novelist
An Exclusive Interview with Director Paul Thomas Anderson
Thomas Pynchon, a perennial Nobel Prize in Literature nominee and a writer shrouded in mystery. The first person he permitted to adapt his novel into a film was none other than Paul Thomas Anderson, a director renowned worldwide for his profound human dramas and unique visual artistry, and who has won Best Director awards at all three major film festivals: Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.—.Inherent ViceTo delve into the story behind this powerful collaboration, OPENERS has obtained Anderson's rare, "live" voice. We exclusively present an interview where he shares his passionate thoughts on Pynchon's work and the journey to its cinematic adaptation.
Edited by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)
Read the synopsis of Inherent Vice first
The Ensemble Cast Was the Best After a Long Time!
Director Paul Thomas Anderson
—What were your thoughts when you first read the novel?
Whenever a work by Thomas Pynchon is published,—though it's rare for other authors,—I always shut out my family and friends, lock myself in my room, and immerse myself in reading. And with this book, I thought, "This is absolutely impossible to make into a movie." But at that very moment, the thought also arose, "I absolutely must find a way to make it into a film."
—Your films often focus on masculinity, but this time, the use of a female voice-over was particularly striking.
I had known Joanna (Newson) for a long time, and I really liked the way she spoke. In the book, she has a supporting role, but she's like Doc's closest female friend, someone who always knows more than him and says the right thing. So, during the filmmaking process, I thought it would be good for her to be the narrator. At first, I had her do it experimentally, but as we did more takes, it felt more and more right. So, I'm glad you noticed that.
Actually, I had always thought using voice-over was taboo. Someone must have ingrained that in me. I probably believed that characters, rather than a narrator, should be the ones to explain the story. That's why I hadn't used voice-overs until now.
But then I realized that some of my favorite films do use voice-overs. Also, in the novel, the characters' dialogue is wonderful, and I felt it was a crucial element in depicting the story. However, having the characters say it themselves could sometimes lead to deviations from the plot, delays, or stagnation. So, I decided to incorporate it through voice-over, which seemed like the best approach. I'm truly glad I got to work with Joanna.
—The contrast between the humorous tone and the dark, negative music was interesting. How did you approach that?
Dark and negative, really?! (Laughs)
—(Laughs) In a good way, dark and negative.
I'll be sure to tell Jonny Greenwood (composer) that you said it was "dark and negative in a good way." But honestly, I think what you're describing is the very essence of Thomas Pynchon's world. That's what he achieves in his books. I hesitate to call it "literary"... because that doesn't feel like the right expression.
Instead, I believe his work is written in a beautiful style, dealing with incredibly profound themes that resonate deeply with the reader. And yet, these themes are often presented within childish, vulgar jokes. That's what we aimed for as well; we tried to stay as faithful as possible to the feeling of the original work.
—This film is said to be screened in 35mm. Could you tell us why you are particular about using film?
It's something I've been committed to since I started making films, and it's the only way I know how to do it. So, I want to continue doing it and have people keep watching beautiful prints. The fact that it might become impossible at some point is also thrilling. But film truly creates beautiful images. So, as much as possible, I want to continue with it.
I'm not dismissing other formats; I believe both film and digital can coexist. After all, projectors still exist, and they are well-preserved. I simply don't think they should be discarded.
—How was it directing an ensemble cast again after a long time?
It was the best. I got to work with so many excellent actors. What was unfortunate was that I only got to work with most of them for two or three days. I was really bummed out. Just as I was getting into the groove, they had to leave for other film shoots. So, I often ended up being left with Joaquin (Phoenix) (laughs). But yes, it was the best. I can even say it was a dream come true.
Paul Thomas Anderson
Born in Los Angeles in 1970. He gained sudden attention with the hit "Boogie Nights" (1997), which depicted the light and shadow of people living in the porn industry. In 1999, he directed "Magnolia," which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Subsequently, "Punch-Drunk Love" (2002) won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, and "There Will Be Blood" (2007) won the Best Director award at the Berlin International Film Festival, with most of his works competing for awards at film festivals worldwide. His previous film, "The Master" (2012), also won the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival, making him a rare director to have won Best Director at all three major festivals: Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
"Inherent Vice"Inherent Vice"
Opens Saturday, April 18th at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, Cine Libre Umeda, and other theaters nationwide.
Directed and Screenplay by | Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring | Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Katherine Waterston, Reese Witherspoon, Benicio Del Toro
Distribution | Warner Bros. Pictures
2014 / USA / 149 min
http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/inherent-vice/
©2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC, AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED