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Renowned filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe has established himself through documentaries that explore the intricacies of cinema history. His work focuses on iconic figures such as David Lynch, Alfred Hitchcock, and William Friedkin. However, one director remains elusive: the enigmatic Nicolas Roeg, whose legacy continues to provoke intrigue following his death in 2018.
Philippe expresses profound admiration for Roeg, stating, “He holds more mysteries to me than any other director.” Roeg’s classics, including Don’t Look Now and Walkabout, highlight the peculiar magic in his film Eureka, which features a notable performance by Gene Hackman.
Philippe acknowledges a desire to deepen his understanding of Roeg’s artistic processes.
Shifting focus in documentary filmmaking
As Philippe prepares to receive the Indie Star Award at the Tauron American Film Festival, he reflects on his evolving approach to filmmaking.
His recent projects, including intimate portraits of William Shatner and Kim Novak in Kim Novak’s Vertigo, signify a shift towards a more personal narrative style. Philippe admits, “There’s definitely been a shift towards the personal,” emphasizing that while he values technical aspects, emotional resonance captivates him more.
Connecting with cinematic legends
Philippe’s journey into documentary filmmaking began with his connection to Friedkin. His documentary on The Exorcist, titled Leap of Faith, allowed him to spend significant time with the iconic director, facilitating a deep exploration of Friedkin’s creative mind.
Philippe’s method for connecting with such guarded figures is straightforward: “I’m not looking for gossip.” He aims to create a safe space for his subjects to reveal their authentic selves, rather than pursuing sensational stories.
Despite their reclusive reputations, Philippe has gained the trust of figures like Shatner and Novak.
He shares, “It’s crazy that we had that level of comfort.” With Novak, he focused on her internal struggles instead of sensational aspects of her life. Philippe’s work often examines the psychology of his subjects, as illustrated in his exploration of Shatner’s profound fear of loneliness in You Can Call Me Bill.
Venturing into fiction filmmaking
As Philippe considers a transition into fiction filmmaking, he envisions creating a western or a horror film. He acknowledges the challenge of developing a unique horror narrative with meaningful commentary, citing admiration for films like Weapons and Longlegs. Philippe aspires to craft a horror story that lingers in the audience’s mind, invoking unexpected emotions.
Redefining cinematic analysis
While Philippe continues to probe the depths of cinema, he underscores the significance of diverse perspectives. He recalls a moment during his tour with 78/52, where he jested that he could spend his life making films about the infamous shower scene from Psycho. This playful remark highlights his belief that no singular approach exists for film interpretation.
Philippe’s project, titled Memory: The Origins of Alien, initially aimed to focus on the unforgettable chestburster scene. However, he discovered that the two scenes functioned on entirely different levels. The shower scene marked a cultural shift, while the chestburster scene challenged audience expectations of alien encounters.
Through extensive research, Philippe unearthed connections between H.R. Giger’s work and Greek mythology, enriching his understanding of the film’s themes. He emphasizes that his role as a filmmaker is to remain attentive to the film’s natural inclinations, ensuring that each project reflects its true essence.
The allure of cinematic mysteries
Despite his deep explorations into the works of legendary filmmakers, Philippe does not seek to unravel all their secrets. He believes that the mystery surrounding figures like Lynch and Novak enhances their allure. Feedback on his work with Novak suggests she appears even more enigmatic, a testament to his ability to deepen intrigue rather than provide clear explanations.
Philippe expresses profound admiration for Roeg, stating, “He holds more mysteries to me than any other director.” Roeg’s classics, including Don’t Look Now and Walkabout, highlight the peculiar magic in his film Eureka, which features a notable performance by Gene Hackman. Philippe acknowledges a desire to deepen his understanding of Roeg’s artistic processes.0
