From the Mouths of Filmmakers: Alexandre Moors

Alexandre Moors

FROM THE MOUTHS OF FILMMAKERS:

ALEXANDRE MOORS
By Alexandre Moors and Joshua Handler

Recently I've been disturbed by the amount of people who don't seek out independent films, non-English-language films, and classics.  So, I asked some of the most exciting and original voices in modern cinema to submit responses to a few questions about why/if they think indies/non-English-language films/classics are important to view, and how those films have been influential on their careers.

The responses below are from Alexandre Moors, producer/director of the acclaimed Blue Caprice (Sundance, Opening Night New Directors/New Films 2013, Independent Spirit Award-nominee for Best First Feature).

Do you feel that it is important for aspiring filmmakers and filmgoers to view independent and world cinema and why (if you don't feel it is important, please tell me why)?

It is a bit like asking an aspiring cook if he should ever taste a dish besides McDonald's. 

Do you believe that it is important for aspiring filmmakers and filmgoers to view films of the past and why (if you don't feel that it is important, please tell why)?  

One of my favorite films is Come and See, a 1985 Russian film by Elim Klimov about a child soldier lost during World War Two. Rumor has it that Steven Spielberg screened the film to his crew prior to filming Saving Private Ryan. Indeed the photography and editing of Spielberg's film show clear influences from Klimov's. This is to say that even blockbusters are not created in a vacuum. I do not know of any successful filmmaker who is ignorant of film history, both foreign and domestic. 

How did viewing indies and films from around the world help you when directing BLUE CAPRICE? 

Perhaps the biggest influence on Blue Caprice was In Cold Blood, Richard Brooks' 1967 black-and-white film based on the true crime book by Truman Capote. Because of this film, we knew that telling the story of the Beltway Snipers from the point of view of the criminals was a viable option.

From the Mouths of Filmmakers continues on Wednesday.