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What
inspired you to create "The
Picture Fades?"
Technology has
become completely integrated in to our minds and to our societal
view of how we, as a people, perceive and interact with life. When
one allows technology to shape their perception of life, a barrier
between the mind and body is created. The main character in The
Picture Fades ( a nameless character for aesthetic reasons)
has become separated from his self (by self I mean the mind and
body). His search for meaning can then only be found in technology
and its symbols, such as the TV or the answer less answering machine.
He takes notes on himself watching himself on the TV, for it has
become the only way he can view himself. As the film progresses
we see images of his alienation whether it is in flashback, dream,
or a future reality. In the final moments of the film, the character
realizes that the screen or the life that he is watching is a blank,
dark.... nothingness. The only way to reconnect his body and mind
is to destroy that which first caused the separation...technology.
But technology has become so integrated in to his psyche, that to
do this he must destroy himself. Whether this story is a fantasy
he has while staring out in to the ocean, or his own reality and
lack thereof purpose, to me this film is what I see happening in
today's society. Our generation does not have a Vietnam, World War,
or a uniting fear of communism. Our wars are internal. Whether it
is racism, bureaucracy, alienation, or technology, our war will
be the greatest and most devastating for it is amongst ourselves.
What
is your film background?
I started making
scripted films as a child, and have always written. I'm the son
of "The Cable Guy," and have always used film selfishly
as an escape and reality. Film School taught me the superficiality
of the industry. One teacher telling me, "You can't have poetry
in film...If you want to write or even quote other poets, write
a book...no one wants to see a poetic film." Of course, he
told me this minutes before I was to pitch my script to the faculty
and fellow students. If you have something to say...say it. There
will be someone out there that understands and/or cares about it.
And to me, all filmmakers are narcissistic and self-indulgent...so
indulge. If a film represents a part of you, do not water it down
for someone else. It is the product of your imagination. Only you
live with it on your conscience.
I
understand you're a writer at heart and have participated in several
poetry contests etc., can you tell us a little about them.
Poetry is the ultimate
vent and therapy to me. It surrounds us in our music, literature,
paintings and outlook on life. Winning contests to me does not even
slightly compare to someone saying that my words touched them somehow.
I've won some major Nationals and Internationals. But I hate to
dwell on it when there's so much more to be said in this world.
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