There are many, it really depends on what I’m working on at the moment. Specifically for Orphans I would say Bergman and Antonioni in terms of their cinematic style. Also, the films of my childhood such as Meet Me in Saint Louis, The Parent Trap, and Fairy Tale Theater.
I love Hitchcock and am continually inspired by his stories, actors, and the way he uses the camera. Hitchcock inspired my short film Marion where three different actresses play Janet Leigh’s character from Psycho on three separate screens. There is also YouTube and reality television which influences the way we all see video and pop culture. Our visual language has completely changed in the last few years; this has a strong hold on how I view filmmaking and cinema as a contemporary medium.
If you had the opportunity to work with any performer, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to work with Orson Welles because he was an incredible mind and a forceful performer. He’s still ahead of his time; see F For Fake if you never have!
What inspires Ry Russo-Young?
Oh dear, it really depends. I spend a lot of time trying to figure that out and seeking out art that will get me excited to work more. Locations have always been a source of excitement for me. Sometimes a space will bring about a scenario or idea. Recently I’ve been looking at the photographs of Francesca Woodman which are honest and playful; they remind me that all art is a form of experimentation and not to be afraid to play.
Movies inspire me too, especially ones that are pushing formal elements such as a Godard film. Also old movies. For example I just saw In A Lonely Place with Humphrey Bogart. It was inspiring but the next step for me is to figure out why/how and what exactly made me excited — that’s the hard part.
Article comments
1 - Stella
We may be writing to the converted here, but anyway please see the link
2 - Stella Solomons
recall. we may be writing to the converted here, but amyway, please see the link >
http://about-orphans.blogspot.com