When you look at the filmography of Ang Lee, it paints a bit of a confusing picture. The Oscar-winning director has done everything from “Sense and Sensibility” and “Lust, Caution” to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hulk.” And lately, he’s gone from prestige dramas to technological experiments, with films like “Life of Pi,” “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” and the forthcoming “Gemini Man.”
But not all of these films have been very well received, particularly when you look at ‘Billy Lynn,’ which utilized high frame rate (HFR) technology and 3D to present a drama that was ultimately viewed as a letdown for fans of Lee. According to a new interview with Guardian, Lee explains that he’s okay with taking a critical beating if it means he can continue to push the limits of technology in filmmaking.
“I was proud of [‘Billy Lynn’]. But I got beat and that’s hard to swallow. I want to figure it out this time. I want to make it work and prove I was right, like anybody would. The higher frame rate in 3D is a first-person experience because we have two eyes scanning and they come to a point, so the z-axis in relation to the frame is…” said Lee as he continued to talk about the technical details of the HFR and 3D combination.
Lee explained that he feels audiences have been “brainwashed” to feel that conventional frame rates are the only way to go, and he wants to prove that 120fps is the future. His second attempt at this is with the forthcoming action film “Gemini Man.” The filmmaker admits that working with technology such as HFR and 3D adds more complexity to the project, and Lee finds himself focusing on the technical aspects instead of other issues.
“Honestly, you spend 90% of your energies worrying about this stuff,” he revealed. “On ‘Billy Lynn,’ the lead actor, Joe Alwyn, was really good because I spent all my time on him. But what about everyone else? In a higher frame rate, you can see every extra. How do you direct 400 people? With that level of clarity, you can see one guy overacting 50 yards away.”
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When asked about if this new technology will lead to the best work of his career, the filmmaker says he hopes it does. But at the age of 65, he’s working against the clock.
“It’s hard to keep that creativity going,” admitted Lee. “Energy and stamina and freshness relate to youth. I use the material to force me in new directions. My first thought when I saw this technology was: ‘I wish I was 20 years younger.’ I know I’m gonna get beat up. But I have to keep trying. I’m carrying a torch for the next level of filmmakers.”
“Gemini Man” arrives in theaters on October 11.
