Santi Trullenque

Dirk, FALLEN LEAVES was one of the truly great films of 2023, and like many previous Kaurismaki films, it looks gorgeous, attempting to emulate a Technicolor 50s style that never gets old. I've watched a couple of his films from the 90s, and they look as stunning as if they were shot yesterday. So, what's the process in the lab? Did you work a lot to achieve that look, or does the material already come with such contrast? I understand Production Design is fundamental in Kaurismaki's movies, but I wonder how much of that final result is achieved or refined in post-production. Also, I learned that Kaurismaki mainly shoots only one take for each shot (unless it's necessary to repeat it due to technical accidents or mistakes). Is that right? It's just an amazing work ethic and criteria for a director who has never gone digital and never will. He stated that "I cut before I shoot," so concentration on the moment must be crucial. It would be great if you could provide us with more insight on how Kaurismaki and Salminen prepare, execute, and handle the film stock. Much appreciated!

That is absolutely right.

David, I partly agree with you about the generational gap. But a student who reasons such a stupid comment (parent?s favorite flick) should go back to school. I mean, something is wrong when that?s the only reason to argue. There is also wrong when a major number of students/young wannabe chooses Moulin Rouge as one of their favorites. Again, they need to see and discover lots of other films. And, most important, someone should introduce to them. For that generational reason I should reject Willis, Almendros, Bartkowiak, Zsigmond, Nikvist or, getting worse, guys like Cortez, Hoch, Alton, Metty, and so on, because they represent the old school. I think art should be considered in other terms. Students, and school staff, should care more about their heritage. You can identify yourself with contemporary figures in sports or even music if you are a MTV brat, but you can?t deal the same way with cinematography if you want to be a cinematographer. After all, that?s why we are so vulnerable in front of the all kind of hypes. No matter what, I wannabe the new Chris Doyle?

Dear fellas, Yeah yeah, free speech and all that... I was kidding! It was just an ironic sentence. Haven?t you noticed the smiley? Really, I was being ironic over all this Chris Doyle super hype we are living on. That?s it. I love him, I think he?s great, and best of all, he have guts. I?m just a little bit tired of all those who want to be him, who wants to get a light like his. It happens always when there is a new top#1 and all the mediocre wannabe him. And I?m not saying Tom wanted to be like Doyle or so? I was just trying to raise the level of discussion away from blowjob worship. Ups!, I did it again, sorry? Yes, 2048 is wonderfully composed. No complaint about it. Tom, check these out to be also considered examples of superior composed films. Some old films but very modern at the same time, which is the best I can say about them. Let?s see if Doyle films pass the time test: Samurai Rebellion, The Hidden fortress, The Ox-Bow incident, Nicholas & Alexandra, The Double life of Veronique, Old Boy, The Train? As you know framing is not only about to put character in one extreme side of the frame or so? One example of great composition including characters and space is Nicholas & Alexandra, or Samurai Rebellion. They are not only beautiful, but also very informative about the characters thinking or attitude. Those guys never forgot the physiological substance of frame plus story. Awesome.

Frankly, I think you need to see more movies, lots and lots of movies before to make such a statement? ^_^ BTW, I didn't like Doyle?s work on Lady in the Water. What happened to him? It seems he didn't fit at all into the studios environment. Also, I was told he hated the all-planned in advance/storyboard approach of Shyamalan...