PRESS CONFERENCE Gotz Spielmann, Todd Verow, Todd Solondz
American directors Todd Verow and Todd Solondz, as well as Austrian director Gotz Spielmann, gave a press conference on Wednesday, November 24th, at Warehouse C of the Thessaloniki Port. The three directors, who were introduced by the New Horizons Director, Dimitri Eipides, participate in the 45th Thessaloniki Film Festival’s New Horizons section. Starting off, Todd Verow noted that he prefers to portray his characters in sad situations because of the dramatic effect of the transition from sadness to happiness.
Gotz Spielmann mentioned that conflicts are interesting both in life and in art. He views his work as an attempt to define the deeper aspects of life through conflict. Regarding his preference of characters in his films, Spielmann stated that he finds interest in every human being. “I you find someone who isn’t interesting, it isn’t their fault, but rather, the way you that look at them. Therefore, don’t ask me whether the audience’s eyes are open or shut”, he said.
Sex scenes and pornography
As for his films’ sex scenes and whether they risk the danger of being called pornography, Mr. Spielmann said that sex scenes are beautiful and that the term pornography is overly simplified. “This is the right moment to tell stories about sex because the audience isn’t easily shocked anymore. The audience is comfortable with the matter, giving us the chance to delve deeper into existential subjects”, he said.
Todd Verow agreed and noted that his film “Anonymous”, isn’t about pornography but rather, the sexual life of an individual. “It’s very narrow-minded to characterize a film as pornographic. It isn’t my intention to disturb the audience. I’m only trying to make something real. Real life is more shocking”, Mr. Verow noted. Gotz Speilmann also added that someone wanting to portray a more radical view of society can’t make happy films, a belief common among many Austrian filmmakers. “Austria is not a strange country, but perhaps the perception of Austrian directors is strange. I’m not interested in making films that the audience can completely relate to. It’s calming for a film to tell me how to feel and also show me a problem and its solution. If I want to calm down, though, I’ll take a warm bath instead”.
Bush and homosexuals
Regarding George Bush’s recent victory in the USA elections, Todd Verrow claimed, “it’s not a victory of the male and sexy generation because Bush was the cheerleader and Kerry was the footballer. They used electronic means and corrupted the results. I’m furious. There is no democracy in the States. The situation is grim. It’s difficult being an American in the States these days”. As for marriages between homosexuals, Todd Verrow supports them as he believes that everyone, regardless of gender, has this right.
Todd Solondz
Speaking about his film “Palindromes”, American director Todd Solondz characterized it as a strange film containing a radical element: the main role is played by ten different actresses. His goal was to present an emotional impact common to all humans. Regarding the serious issue of abortions in his film, Solondz believes that women who have abortions are heroes. As a matter of fact, he added that, “even those opposed to abortions have to respect the decisions of those who have them”. Finally Mr. Solondz spoke about his film saying, “some people like it. Others don’t”. I believe, though, that it is the saddest comedy I’ve ever made”.
