There are a few things I really love. Things I might say drive my spiritual life. When I think about meaning and purpose I hear songs and see images from films in my head.
Pink Floyd’s Time unsettles me as a reminder of how fleeting life is, and how important it is to not waste it.
Gattaca inspires me to reach for the stars regardless of my genetic or socioeconomic disadvantages. It reminds me of the power of the human spirit.
There are countless examples.
When I watch David Fincher films I am floored by his mastery as a director. His films aren’t perfect, but he is absolutely clinical in his ability to direct a film.
Scratch that, Seven is arguably perfect. If there is a flaw in that film I can’t find it. Seven doesn’t inspire me in the way that Pink Floyd or Gattaca do, but the inspiration comes in an artist’s ability to realize a vision and create something that could be considered perfect in its medium.
Every time I watch it I’m pausing and replaying scenes to try and understand what makes them great.
I’d love to direct a film some day.
I’ve done some writing. I was really into photography for a few years. I’ve been playing guitar since I was in high school. I figured, hey, I’ve got the tools to make something.
A film is a huge undertaking. You need a set, actors, cameras, lighting, dialog, etc. So I thought, what is the easiest, smallest thing I could make to start as a filmmaker. I understand photography, so that should be easy. I’ve been playing guitar since high school although I’ve never composed anything so I can make some music. I can put myself in the film, so I don’t need to find actors.
But what’s the setting? What’s the plot?
I thought about filmmaking like learning an instrument. How did I learn to play guitar? I learned by playing music from my favorite bands.
Well, ok, I can’t “cover” an entire film, but maybe I can find something simple and use it as inspiration.
That’s where the intro to Seven comes in.
It’s a brilliant montage that sets up the film, sets a mood, and gives almost nothing away about the plot. David Fincher started his career as a music video director. Most of his films start with a sort of music video. Ironically the title sequence is not directed by Fincher, but it is brilliant.
You can read more about it here.
OK, I can do something like this. It’s not that different from just straight up photography.
So here’s my first attempt at filmmaking. A montage that is an homage to the intro to Seven.
- No AI anywhere
- Photography by me
- I’m in the film (sort of)
- Music by me
- All the titling effects done manually by me, no plugins
My friend described it as an “aspirational trailer.” I really like that description.