Todd Haynes and Dan Gilroy sit down to discuss the creative process behind “Wonderstruck,” their influences and taking on projects that resonate on “The Directors Cut” podcast. Dan Gilroy is presently hard at work himself, promoting his newest film “Roman J. Israel, Esq.“ starring Denzel Washington and Colin Farrell.
The mystery of “Wonderstruck” is palpable, carefully intertwined within the parallel journeys the two children, Ben and Rose take. “It’s this concept that seems complicated when you describe it, but also has a clarity to it,” Haynes said, “because it was the parallel journeys of two kids who lost their hearing.” Haynes noted that while different from his previous films, capturing two contrasting periods of time in New York City presented a unique opportunity and also, “a kind of parameter with which to still engage period filmmaking.” Gilroy agreed that a project like this with concurrent stories, taking place 50 years apart would be enticing for any director.
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When asked about the film’s apparent mysteries, Haynes said, “the idea of why these two stories share one film gets restated every time you cut, from one story to the other.” Gilroy became intrigued, “tell me more about that,” he said inquisitively. “Well because your wondering ‘why’. Why do these two stories share one film? There’s gotta be reason,” Haynes responded. He went on to say that the mystery continues to get rephrased as the story goes on as both children are seeking an answer. The audience joins Ben and Rose on that double journey and hoping along with them to solve the mystery. “It’s an editorial adventure, ultimately,” Haynes said.
READ MORE: Todd Haynes’ Lovely, Gentle, Sentimental ‘Wonderstruck’ With Julianne Moore [Review]
In terms of the appeal of doing period films, Haynes said, “it asks of incredible learning of our craft to do period pieces.” He noted that he is always looking back into different periods of film and always learning from them. “There is always a point of view in films, whether its period or contemporary, and I think that film is always a frame that somebody is holding up. We like to pretend that frame isn’t there almost like we are observing a story invisibly.” Haynes continued, “I like remembering that frame is there and I think when you hold up that frame to a particular time period it asks you what your relationship is now with that period and what’s relevant?”
To hear more on ‘Wonderstruck’ as well as the trials and tribulations of working in miniature, listen below. “Wonderstruck” is now playing in limited release.