László Nemes: A Filmmaker Focused on History, Control, and the Viewer’s Journey
László Nemes, the acclaimed director of “Son of Saul,” continues to carve a unique path in cinema, prioritizing historical depth and a intentional, immersive experience for his audience. He’s currently focused on projects rooted in the past, while cautiously considering the challenges of contemporary filmmaking.
Nemes describes a recurring theme in his work: a protagonist navigating a pivotal moment of self-revelation. this character exists in a liminal space, transitioning from youth to adulthood and embarking on a quest for truth.Importantly, you, as the viewer, are often positioned with more knowledge than the character, creating a dynamic and evolving relationship throughout the film.
A Hesitation Towards Modernity
Despite his success, Nemes isn’t rushing to create a film set in the present day. Technology’s pervasive influence is a primary concern. He believes finding the right perspective and subject matter is crucial before tackling a contemporary story. Currently, he feels most pleasant exploring narratives unfolding in the past.
“Moulin”: A Story of Resistance
His immediate focus is “Moulin,” a biographical drama about Jean Moulin, a key figure in the French Resistance. Gilles Lellouche will star, and filming is scheduled to begin in September. Nemes’ personal connection to France, where he spent part of his childhood, undoubtedly informs this project.
The film will depict the events of 1943, specifically Moulin’s capture by the Germans and the subsequent unfolding of events. It’s important to note this isn’t a holocaust film, but rather a focused exploration of the Resistance movement.
The Challenge of English-Language Cinema
Nemes also harbors a long-held ambition to direct a film in English. However, he’s encountered meaningful hurdles. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative control over his work.
He suspects the studio system may be reluctant to grant directors the level of autonomy he requires, or perhaps he hasn’t yet reached a position where that control is readily offered. Ultimately, he aims to balance his commitment to European filmmaking with the prospect to collaborate with renowned actors on an English-language project.
Beyond Politics: A Civilizational perspective
Amidst ongoing political instability in Hungary, Nemes is drawn to broader, more essential questions. He’s interested in identifying the underlying trends and evolutions shaping society, rather than focusing solely on daily political events.
He asks himself,”What does this mean on a civilizational level?” he believes cinema is uniquely suited to explore thes complex themes and foster meaningful connections.
The Power of Trusting the Audience
Nemes reflects on the impact of “Son of Saul” in Hungary, where it sparked a shift in public perception regarding the Holocaust. He believes the film’s success demonstrated the power of confronting difficult history.
He contrasts this with the immediacy and often-combative nature of online discourse. His filmmaking philosophy centers on trusting the viewer. He provides enough details to engage, but deliberately leaves space for personal interpretation and a unique emotional journey. This approach allows the audience to actively participate in the meaning-making process, fostering a deeper and more lasting connection with the film.