'Un Amor' de Isabel Coixet en el Zinemaldia 2023 I Rueda de prensa
Introduction
The transcript begins with a brief introduction in Spanish.
Introduction to the Festival of San Sebastian
- The festival is introduced as the team of the film "Un Amor" gathers for a press conference.
- The team members include Sandra Mira, Marisa Fernández Armenteros, Hugo Silva, Luis Bermejo Thor, Isabel Coixet, Ingrid García Johnson, and Francisco Carril.
Adaptation Process and Challenges
The discussion revolves around the process of adapting the novel "Un Amor de Saramesa" into a film and the challenges faced during this process.
Adapting "Un Amor de Saramesa"
- Isabel Coixet and Laura Ferrero found it challenging to adapt the novel due to its complexity.
- Despite the difficulty, they were passionate about telling this story that deserved to be shared.
- Their main concerns were how Sara Mesa (the author) would react to the adaptation and how readers who had imagined their own version of the story would perceive it.
Cinematic References and Production Challenges
The conversation shifts towards cinematic references used in "Un Amor" and the challenges faced during production.
Cinematic References and Production Challenges
- Isabel Coixet mentions that "Un Amor" draws inspiration from her previous films like "La Vida Secreta de las Palabras" and "La Librería."
- The film explores themes of finding one's place in the world.
- Filming took place in La Rioja, Spain, where they faced budget constraints but managed to create a positive atmosphere on set.
- Despite limited time (5 weeks), they overcame difficulties by embracing challenges and maintaining a supportive team spirit.
Interpretation of the Final Scene
The final scene of "Un Amor" is discussed, with questions about the fate of the characters.
Interpreting the Final Scene
- A question is raised about the interpretation of the final scene where the protagonist reunites with her supposedly deceased dog.
- The director suggests that multiple interpretations are possible and encourages viewers to engage actively with the film's narrative.
Laia Héctor García's Career Plans
Laia Héctor García's career plans and experiences are discussed, including her work abroad and her collaboration with director Isabel Coixet.
Laia Héctor García's Career Plans
- Laia Héctor García expresses gratitude towards Isabel Coixet for providing opportunities to work in Spain.
- She acknowledges that actors have limited control over their career choices but appreciates working with directors like Isabel Coixet.
The transcript ends abruptly after this section.
Working on Set and Importance of Intimacy Coordinator
The speaker expresses their desire to continue working with a talented individual on set. They also discuss the importance of having an intimacy coordinator in the film industry.
- The speaker mentions their intention to stay and work with a talented person constantly on set, as they find it exciting and never boring.
- They congratulate the team on the film and acknowledge the significance of having an intimacy coordinator, especially in a movie like this.
- The speaker believes that each director and actor should find their own way of working, including whether or not they feel comfortable with an intimacy coordinator.
- They mention that they personally requested an intimacy coordinator for this film because it was necessary for them.
- The speaker emphasizes that if directors are not comfortable with having an intimacy coordinator, then perhaps they should avoid writing sex scenes altogether.
Casting Choices and Working with Actors
The speaker discusses their casting choices for the film and shares their experience working with different actors.
- The speaker reveals that all the actors in the film were their first choices. They specifically envisioned Laia as one of the characters, even though her character in Sarah's novel is portrayed differently.
- They express admiration for Ingrid García Johnson and Hugo Silva, whom they had wanted to work with for a long time. Similarly, Francisco Carril and Luis Bermejo impressed them when they saw them perform in theater.
- The speaker appreciates the entire cast, including two actors from La Rioja who play a couple in the film, as well as the dog who portrays a beloved character.
- They highlight that when actors fully transform into their characters, it is important for directors to relax, enjoy, and support them.
Physical Differences between Characters and Scene Planning
The speaker addresses the physical differences between two characters in the film and discusses the planning of scenes involving them.
- The speaker acknowledges the evident physical difference between two characters, which is effectively portrayed on screen.
- They explain that the planning of scenes involving these characters required careful consideration. In some moments, one character appears much larger than the other, creating a visual contrast.
- The speaker also mentions a memorable line about nuns in the film that received applause during a screening. They reveal that this scene and line were not present in Sarah's novel but had always been their dream to include in a movie.
Format and Cinematography Challenges
The speaker talks about the unique format used for the film and shares their experience with cinematography challenges.
- The speaker mentions that they used a nearly square format for this film, which was a new approach for them.
- They explain that while it was not difficult to frame Laia's character (Hobbit), it was challenging to frame the entire movie due to its format.
- The speaker believes that this forced them to pay special attention to framing and realize the power of what lies outside of the frame or off-screen.
- They mention an explicit homage to photographer Diane Arbus in one scene featuring Hobbit scratching leaks, inspired by Arbus' photograph of a giant with his parents.
Gratifying Film Experience and Challenging Characters
The speaker reflects on their gratifying experience making the film and discusses the challenge of portraying certain characters.
- The speaker finds the film gratifying despite intentionally creating an uncomfortable atmosphere throughout. They appreciate both technical and artistic aspects, particularly praising the cast.
- A question is posed regarding how challenging it was for actors to portray difficult or odious characters like Luis Bermejo's character or Hobbit's character.
- One actor responds humorously, stating there are many such characters, and the speaker thanks them for their input.
The transcript provided does not cover the entire video.
Expressing Gratitude and Character Description
In this section, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to portray a character with unique characteristics. They describe their character, Andreas, as someone who has chosen to live in a small town and values his privacy. Andreas has had a difficult childhood and prefers not to disturb others.
- The speaker thanks Marisa, Isabel, and the rest of the team for giving them this opportunity.
- Andreas is a character with distinct characteristics who has chosen to live in a small town.
- He values his privacy and does not want to disturb anyone.
- Andreas has had a challenging childhood and witnessed his mother's suffering.
Perception of Andreas' Character
In this section, the speaker shares their opinion about Andreas' character. They believe that he is neither good nor bad but rather someone who lives his life without causing harm or wanting to be disturbed. The speaker also mentions that they think Spiter and his partner are more negative characters than Andreas.
- The speaker does not perceive Andreas as a bad person but rather as someone who wants to live peacefully without bothering others.
- They believe that Spiter and his partner are more repugnant characters compared to Andreas.
Working with Isabel Coixet
In this section, the speaker discusses their experience working with director Isabel Coixet. They mention feeling pressure before starting work due to Coixet's reputation but quickly realize her ease, confidence, and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere on set.
- Initially, there was pressure working with Isabel Coixet due to her reputation.
- However, once on set, they found her to be light-hearted, confident, and able to create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Working with Coixet was described as easy and enjoyable.
Working with Isabel Coixet and the Cast
The speaker reflects on their experience working with Isabel Coixet and the rest of the cast. They highlight Coixet's calmness, patience, and supportive presence on set. The speaker also mentions that developing a sense of care and affection for fellow actors can make it difficult to cut certain scenes.
- Working with Isabel Coixet was described as easy due to her calmness, patience, and supportive nature.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of feeling cared for and respected on set.
- Cutting certain scenes became challenging because of the affection developed for fellow actors.
Importance of Isabel Coixet in the Film
In this section, the speaker acknowledges Isabel Coixet's significant role in the film. They mention that she carries the weight of the movie and sets its tone. The speaker also expresses admiration for Coixet's ability to adapt and change as needed.
- Isabel Coixet plays a crucial role in carrying the weight of the film.
- She sets the tone for the movie.
- The speaker admires her flexibility and willingness to adapt.
Emotional Attachment to Characters
The speaker discusses how emotional attachment can make it challenging to cut certain scenes or endearing moments between characters. They mention specific scenes involving Ingrid and Francesco that were difficult to remove from the final edit.
- Emotional attachment can make it difficult to cut scenes or moments between characters.
- Specific scenes involving Ingrid and Francesco were particularly challenging to remove from the final edit.
Sacrifices for Artistic Purposes
This section highlights how sacrifices are sometimes necessary for artistic purposes. The speaker mentions that cutting certain scenes is essential even if they contain powerful dialogue or meaningful interactions.
- Sacrifices, such as cutting scenes, are necessary for artistic purposes.
- Even if a scene contains powerful dialogue or meaningful interactions, it may still need to be removed from the final edit.
New Section
This section discusses the filming process and the cast's ability to follow Isabel's direction.
Filming Process and Cast Dynamics
- The cast successfully maintained the tone set by Isabel throughout the film.
- Despite the challenging nature of the movie, everyone involved found joy and pleasure in shooting it.
New Section
This section highlights the importance of creating conflict for media attention and introduces a negative comment about the director's work.
Creating Conflict for Media Attention
- It is acknowledged that creating conflict sells and generates headlines.
- A negative comment is made about the director's work, expressing a lack of interest in watching their films.
New Section
This section emphasizes the gratitude towards the cast for their outstanding performances.
Gratitude Towards Cast
- The interviewer expresses appreciation for everyone's exceptional performances in the film.
- The cast is praised collectively, with specific mention of Isabel as well.
New Section
This section explores the relationship between a dog character in the film and its significance.
Significance of Dog Character
- The dog character named Flor holds symbolic meaning related to love.
- The casting process led to discovering that Flor is a hermaphrodite dog, which added an interesting dynamic to its role as an outsider in the film.
New Section
This section delves into how working with animals, specifically dogs, adds an interesting element to filmmaking. It also discusses Flor's role as a mirror or alter ego for one of the characters.
Working with Animals on Set
- Filming with animals presents unique challenges but also adds depth to storytelling.
- Flor, being a hermaphrodite dog, brought a certain dignity and charm to its character, serving as a mirror or alter ego for one of the characters.
New Section
This section reflects on the magical moments during filming involving Flor, which unfortunately did not make it into the final cut.
Magical Moments with Flor
- There were beautiful and magical moments captured with Flor during filming.
- These moments added to the narrative but were ultimately left out of the final version of the film.
New Section
This section concludes the discussion about working with animals and expresses gratitude towards the cast for their contributions.
Working with Animals Conclusion
- Filming with animals is an interesting experience that brings unexpected elements to storytelling.
- The cast's performances, including Flor's role, contributed greatly to the film's overall impact.
New Section
This section marks the end of the interview and acknowledges the positive experience of interacting with everyone involved in making the film.
Conclusion and Appreciation
- The interviewer expresses gratitude towards all participants for their exceptional work.
- Despite having to end the interview, there is applause and appreciation for everyone involved.