Well, I feel I’ve utilized the first two days of this Spring Break to accomplish some groundwork on my project for this year’s Film Festival. I will say it is rather odd trying to find a rhythm to fall into, as this year’s project will mark many firsts for me. This will be the first film I’ve made since the dissolution of Sick Joke—which translates roughly into an absence of the very productive Moffett/Babb thinktank. This is the first attempt I’ve made at an adaptation of a story (although a somewhat removed one); still I have latent feelings that I was too ambitious in picking a Dostoevsky short story (The Dream of a Ridiculous Man), simply because he just delves far too deeply into the human consciousness, particularly where psychosis is concerned. In fact, there are only about four or five serviceable paragraphs that will make an on-screen translation, which represents probably less than one-sixth of his original story. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that the screenplay will resolve halfway through the original story.
I’ve written three scenes thus far, none of which are consecutive and only one of which are rooted in the core storyline. I am constantly finding myself fixed in these catatonic-like trances, contemplating how to manifest such insightful and profound exposition. Needless to say, it becomes very tricky very quickly and I am retroactively plagued with the notion that my good ideas will come across as being—for lack of a better term—contrived.
On the positive side, I feel this subject matter will be more easily suited to a twenty minute time limit (Burns-like shudder) and it becomes easier to write being aware of this freedom. I had previously written a detailed three-page synopsis, mostly comprised of my thoughts and feelings on where the story should go and how to keep it conducive to a meaningful framework; then I realize, I probably put way too much effort into this thing. I mean, based on the previous competition, I could just as well make a documentary on how many times I go to the bathroom in a day and still sweep.
What are you going to do?
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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3 comments:
What year was it that you last entered? 2002? Any idea if the quality level has improved in the last few festivals?
Also, I think you should make three submissions this year. 1)The Ridiculous Man project, 2)Time Place and Circumstance, and 3)Fish.
Think about it.
If you need a bit part or a cameo, I would feel priveledged to do what I can in the last two weeks I have here. It all sounds so very yum.
Excellent suggestion, Jeremy. Actually, this year they have different categories, one for a "short film" between 5-10 minutes. Marshall and I speculated on the sweetness of submitting a "Making Of..." documentary about the making of the main film and taking home another award.
And Jasien, I'm glad you volunteered your services. I've written a part for a blind Latino transvestite with Tourette's Syndrome, and I was racking my brain, thinking of who I could get to do that part. Thanks!
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