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The Hurt Locker: The Kathryn Bigelow interview |
| By: Bryan Durham | | Date:
2010-04-07 | | Place: Mumbai | |
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However, the Oscar-winning director of Hurt Locker was sure of two things: no studio interference and the outcome of her team's efforts
How do you choose the stories that you need to tell as a director? Your criteria for coming on board a film?
I'd rather say that stories choose me. As a filmmaker, I feel there should be depth in the characters and story should be layered. I like twisted plots and lots of action but only if required. I like to direct those films that challenge my capabilities and demand complete dedication from me. That's why it took four years in materialising The Hurt Locker from scratch to final cut. My only condition for coming on board is that the film should be independent -- I don't like studio interference in my films.
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Kathryn Bigelow gives out pointers while on location in Jordan shooting for the film |
Save for 'Blue Steel' where you had a female protagonist, you've always made films about the big bad world of men. A conscious decision there?
No. I only select those stories that show me some potential in them.
Hurt Locker is an "independent" film that saw a widespread release in the US a month after its actual release. It's been a year since. It is the lowest-grossing film there to win Best Film. The Oscars hoopla has long faded...
Distributors in the US picked it up after watching the response from international festivals and the limited release. There was no big name in the lead cast, the film was not backed up by any big studio and a couple of other things were also associated with it. My film was totally performance-oriented and that is what I wanted to make; there was suspense throughout the film... if you have big names in the film there is an assumption that hero can't die by the time of the climax at least but with my characters, it was hard to guess who would survive and who would not. I was assured of one thing and that was the outcome of my team's efforts. Before the Oscars, we had already released The Hurt Locker in more than 50 countries, so I don't think I was waiting for the Oscars to release it there. Though, the Oscars has added a lot in its glory.
What is the most difficult thing you did while shooting for Hurt Locker?
After shooting in punishing 135-degree Fahrenheit (57.2 C) heat in Jordan, the most intense occasion was when we filmed one sequence in a Palestinian refugee camp. As soon as we started, a crowd of young guys gathered around. Some rocks were thrown, and a few fights broke out. We filmed through it all. They soon realised that we were just doing the same shot over and over. They started to applaud at the end of each take. I was a little afraid at that time.
What's the story behind the film's title?
I came to know about it from my writer-producer friend Mark Boal. According to him, "hurt locker" is military slang that means "a bad and painful place." Army's elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal soldiers use it as a form of poetic understatement: If an improvised explosive device (IED) goes off while you're trying to disarm it, the 'hurt locker' is likely to mean a white box draped in a flag and shipped home with full military honours. That's how I decided to name my film The Hurt Locker.
You're the fourth woman director in Academy history to be nominated and the first to win. Does making history seem like all that big a deal? Has life changed for you in any way?
I am the same old Kathryn Bigelow. I have never thought about it earlier and I don't make films to get rich or famous; you just put your energy in the right direction to get better results. My films are like my babies; I love them and care for them like a mother and that's all. I am really gratified to be in conversation with all of those great filmmakers when the "history" was in making. About the 'big deal', I have a simple answer -- I don't know.
Are you familiar with any Indian films at all? Also, might I remind you not to include Slumdog. It (though set in India) is a British production helmed by a Brit director.
Yes, but I am familiar with many Indian directors like Shekhar Kapur, Mira Nair and actors like the Khans, etc... I am not sure whether it was Indian or not but have seen Bride and Prejudice.
How soon can we expect to have you as a guest in our country?
It's not in my hand right now... everything depends on destiny.
What is Kathryn Bigelow dishing up next?
Right now, I am working on a television series and along with it, I am also working on the script of my new film. Nothing concrete yet. But for sure, with Oscars in my kitty now, the responsibility will be much higher and now I have to give better than The Hurt Locker. For now, I can only say a big thanks to people all around who have seen my film and supported me and even those who didn't like my film... with fame, also comes criticism. My promise to them is to make another good film next time. |
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