This year in the Cork Film Festival Nicholas O` Riordan: a talented and innovative UCC Film PhD Student directed Gloria. This six minute masterpiece dealt with a young couple in Cork City who were experiencing the demise of their relationship. It was an honour to discuss the process of makingGloria with Nicholas.
What inspired you to direct this film?
There were a few key elements. Firstly, I wanted to make a film that exuded realism; one that generated a relationship between the audience and director whereby they could identify with the story. This was done by using particular mechanisms: a real place for the interior shots – Suas rooftop bar and Soundstore on Oliver Plunkett Street. Also, we filmed externally around the city. Additionally, the flashbacks were used throughout the film to project the protagonist` memory of certain events on to the screen. Of course everybody`s memory will be different so the use of cross over images and voice over were used to replicate these characters memories. Subsequently, there was another reason regarding Nicholas` decision to make a film of this calibre. He wanted to make a film about a couple in this capacity because it links in with the identifying with the audience. Everybody has experienced the demise of a relationship in some capacity. Also, Rob Buckley (who is a friend of Nicholas`) wrote the script that took six months originally but it also led to other friends of his becoming involved in this production.
What was the hardest part of the process?
Editing! What we see in the cinema is the thirtieth version of this film. It was a very tedious process and it was made harder because every cut had different scenes or elements that I wanted to keep. I did have some experience previously; I made a film for the Film Society during my undergrad but motivation was essential.
What did you like about this film?
The audience could relate to the relationship dilemma between the protagonists. Also, the way it looked: camera, colour……..I was satisfied with the final product.
After watching it on the big screen, is there anything that you would have done differently?
I would have taken longer to plan the diegesis. Additionally, I would have been more decisive in editing. However, I wouldn’t change how it transformed because it was a great experience.
When did you decide that you would like to become a director, if that is your ultimate goal?
Yes, I am doing a PhD in Film at the moment and lecturing in some classes as part of it. I may combine lecturing with directing once I have completed the PhD. The one thing I know for sure is that I don’t want to be an actor. I acted in a few roles before and I didn’t enjoy it. I directed a play in third year of the BA and loved it. Subsequently, I have a directed a few other plays and films and it is definitely where I feel most comfortable.
What is the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your film?
At some point during the editing process I became overwhelmed and wanted to give up but someone gave me a great piece of advice that re-motivated me. “A great piece of art is never finished or abandoned.” I needed to know when to let it go.
What qualities do you believe make a good filmmaker?
They need to be able to deal with people (actors); be decisive; original and be confident in their own vision. Also, they need to be able to take risks: be daring!
What makes a great film for you?
I like films that can entertain. If there are too many clichés it can ruin a film. Characterisation is important: sometimes there is too much emphasis on the visual aspect. Some new directors that make amateur films do this. They take shortcuts in order to make big features and that is disrespectful.
Are there qualities that make a film better for you?
Yes, when the characters and the world around them are treated with respect. Also, when the film is not over romanticised or having particular issues glossed over. Film is the most influential medium. Therefore, it is important to leave an impression on the audience – good or bad.
Do you have a particular director who inspires your work?
There are a couple: Lenny Abrahamson and Michael Hanacka. The latter is an Austrian director who generally creates cold characters in his films. However, his shots are beautiful and stories are well told; they deal with serious subject matter. On the other hand, Lenny portrays a real interpretation of Ireland in his films. Adam and Paul gives an accurate demonstration of the drug culture in Ireland. He doesn’t romanticise it. Garage is respectful towards rural Ireland: he doesn’t use enhanced screens or beautiful music to project a false reality. Additionally in What Richard did, Lenny doesn’t use stereotypes. I also like visual films such as Drive. I saw this ten times in the cinema. It is incredibly influential and it looks cool.
What films have been most inspiring to you and why?
Natural Born Killers: entertainment value. Drive: It looks cool. Garage: It is an incredible Irish Film.
Do certain qualities in cinema today make you angry? Do you try to subvert or rebel against them?
Sometimes Hollywood replicates the same narrative. However, there are some amazing films in the cinema right now. Subsequently, films can be too romanticised. In saying that, it is important for cinema as a medium to generate audience numbers.
What do you think audiences want? Is it the film maker’s job to worry about it?
Yes, it is arrogant to not consider the audience but not to over think their views either – respect is essential. I tried to abide by this ideology in Gloria. The use of images over images, characters speaking in different settings……..all of this stimulates the audience. It allows the director to be creative which is significant. Also, it is important to not oversimplify the message for them.
Is there anything you think is needed to improve the film industry?
The film industry is a business so making money is essential but more innovation is required. 3D films are working because they generate audience members. However, the Irish Film Industry needs to focus more on the diegetic. There aren’t enough films that have done this. Irish films like Stag and Mrs. Brown`s Boys attract audience members but that is all. There needs to be more respect for the audience. Films like Intermission or When Brendan Met Trudy are original. Also, Lenny`s films are superior diegetically. The film Patrick`s Day deal with the issue of mental illness respectfully. So, the Film Board needs to be more daring. They are more concerned with genre films but the emphasis should be on plot/story.
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