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Christopher Doyle or the colour of words
Saturday July 7th 2007
During his visit to the festival, Christopher Doyle was in constant motion, flying around his translator and unexpectedly switching from English to French. He came to present his film Away with Words. It is no easy task to relate the brilliant and vibrant excitement that presided over his visit with words less colourful than he himself used on the screen.
A tribute to the living
“What is there to say about a tribute, besides the fact that I am still alive? I hope you are going to stay, this is only the beginning! I made 50 films as a director of photography, and people were always asking me “Why don't you make your own film?” Maybe you'll understand why!
But actually, I don't give a shit if I don't make my own movies – I work with Wong Kar-Wai, Gus Van Sant, Zhang Yimou... So why not keep things simple? Being a director of photography, to me, is keeping things simple. Anyway, being a director period is another story!”
Enjoy the trip?
“After seeing my film, what is your first question? “Why?” I bet! Did you enjoy the trip? I know it is not an ordinary film, not the traditional, clear and ordered bullshit! But you stayed, and if that isn't a testimony of trust! And if you trust me, that's a fucking great honour! Thank you! (...) Even young directors, from India or Romania, it is always a great honour to work with them. I only hope they know what they are in for, or they're in trouble!”
Who can you talk about but yourself?
Question: “But there are some autobiographical elements in your film, aren't there?”
“Of course, but if you don't talk about yourself, who can you talk about? It has to be coming from here (pointing to himself). Since I live differently than most people do, I have things to share with you, and nobody can talk about them but me! If you don't feel that you have anything to share, than just go and work in real-estate!”
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