Mix-n-Match Interview: Kristjan Knigge, director of "The Right Juice"
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KRISTJAN KNIGGE
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _, you'll like my film." Explain why.
If you liked "Bananarama", you'll like "The Right Juice". Why? Easily digestible but fresh, slightly unreal but earthy, attractive but not sexy, mainstream but indie, funny but not in a way you expect, and quite cool although you wouldn't admit it in public.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
Definitely cat people. Sit back, enjoy, then say "Mweh".
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
The most challenging thing in filmmaking, which is also the most fun part,is people. It is an inherently collaborative medium and as a director the process is an unending stream of close working relationships. Starting with the writer, through the Producers, Production Designer, Wardrobe,Cinematographer, Actors, Ads, extras, editor, compositor, composer, Sound Designer, colourist, marketeers, publicists, distributors and the list goes on. Each relationship is an essential and profound part of the final result, and if any of those relationships are flawed, broken or dysfunctional, that will reflect in the end result. Not that you have to become friends with all these people but a healthy working relationship based on respect and collaboration is key. The hardest part for an opinionated director like me is to listen, and listen and listen. But when you do, the rewards are manifold.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Baz Luhrman. His sense of flair, style, grandiosity and his powerful storytelling are a constant inspiration.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
The moment took about 20 years to mature, so hard to describe!
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Australia. 2 movies, back to back stuck together and just a ridiculous roller coaster of a blockbuster visual feast.
Paris je j'aime. 20 amazing directors, 20 amazing stories, scores of amazing actors, Paris as the stage all wrapped up in one film. What's not to love. Film school in 12o minutes.
The Passion of Joan of Arc (Carl Dreyer). One of the greatest films ever made.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what’s your favorite dinosaur?
Potatoes are arguably the most undervalued of foods. There are so many delicious ways to prepare them that picking even three favourites is impossibly. I can, however, pick my least favourite way: the 'french fry'. British chips have their place in the culinary world, as do the Belgian frites, Spanish papas fritas and many other variations of (deep) fried potatoes, but the fast food french fry popularized by American fast food chains is to my mind a waste of potato.
Diplodocus, because, you know, 'diplo' and 'docus'.
The World Premiere of "The Right Juice" takes place Saturday, March 30 at 1:45 PM at The Plaza Theatre.