In a recent conversation at Berlin‘s Hebbel am Ufer theater, luminary film director and president of the Berlinale jury, Todd Haynes, offered insight into his journey as a filmmaker. He discussed his progression from his early works like Superstar and Safe to his later masterpiece, Carol, and how actor Mark Ruffalo presented him with a script that would significantly alter his career trajectory.
The dialogue began with a screening of a clip from Safe, Haynes’ 1995 film featuring Julianne Moore. This film, according to Haynes, played a critical role in shaping his career.
“In my view, my career was kickstarted by three films, all of which centered around themes of illness and pathology,” Haynes stated. “These films are Superstar, Poison, and Safe, each of which explored these themes in distinct ways.”
Haynes provided additional context about his motivation for creating the controversial film Superstar: The Karen Carpenter. In this 1987 film, he used Barbie dolls to narrate the life of Karen Carpenter, with The Carpenters’ music as a backdrop.
“During the early 1970s, when rock and roll music was in its heyday, many dismissed The Carpenters as a cheerful, somewhat trivial, and corny American sibling pair,” Haynes explained. “However, this era presents a multifaceted and culturally significant opportunity to revisit not only the Vietnam War and Nixon era but also Karen’s identity and what she symbolized.
“The concept of using Barbie dolls and applying an almost artificial, faux-innocent approach was my attempt to mimic the misconception that they are two-dimensional and that the movie would be a joke. In reality, every aspect has a deeper significance,” Haynes added.
“The expectation was that it would be the movie’s comic relief, but it revealed so much more. That’s how the film surprised both the audience and myself,” Haynes remarked.
Unfortunately, the film was banned due to Haynes’ unauthorized use of The Carpenters’ music.
“Naturally, the film was eventually banned, a ban that persists today, as we failed to obtain the necessary clearances. The same happened with Mattel, from whom I obtained patents to Barbie’s body parts, showing that they owned Barbie’s physical form,” Haynes admitted. “This mirrors the struggle many women face when dealing with someone else controlling their bodies, a struggle that is still prevalent in various ways.”
Haynes also reflected on the early influences on his filmmaking, as well as the dual surge of experimental filmmaking and genre work during that foundational period. This inspired Haynes to create a hybrid style with his partners, which he referred to as “experimental narrative.”
“During that time, I was significantly influenced by David Lynch and his ironic insertion into the genre,” Haynes revealed. “Simultaneously, I was simply trying to get my films shown somewhere.
“However, people would often say, ‘We don’t understand your approach. What’s the storyline? What’s the tone? The tonal question was one thing, the narrative question was another. This ambiguity led to the creative alliance that Christine [Vachon] and I formed. We met in college and began working on what we termed as ‘experimental narrative’ and this spirit was what we embarked on.
Haynes then transitioned to discussing his 2015 film Carol, featuring Cate Blanchett. He emphasized that this film was a critical analysis of the romance film genre and the power dynamics inherent in relationships.
“To me, Carol was my first attempt to critically examine the love story genre and try to comprehend how great love stories function. It held significant meaning for me – it was about who is watching and who is the desiring half, who is the more romantic part of the love story and who is playing the vulnerable role,” Haynes described.
When asked about any parting advice for budding filmmakers navigating the industry, Haynes advised: “For the practice of filmmaking, it is about always considering yourself a student of the medium. Even the things that you feel you’ve achieved or explored deeply, there will always be another avenue to explore that will challenge you, instil fear, pique your curiosity, and make you interested in what other filmmakers are doing.”
Haynes then detailed how actor Mark Ruffalo served as a catalyst for his creativity, pushing him to venture far beyond his comfort zone.
“Mark Ruffalo approached me with an early draft of Dark Waters, which was drastically different from the type of movies I’ve been associated with. It was an exposé of a lawyer challenging criminal practices on a farm,” Haynes recounted. “He was unaware of my passion and obsession with the paranoia in this case, and those exact stories weren’t listed as part of my work then.
“There will always be pockets of inspiration and desire that aren’t necessarily associated with you, and the fact that he approached me led us down an entirely new and exciting path,” Haynes concluded.
FAQs
What are some of Todd Haynes’ early influences?
Haynes cites David Lynch as a significant influence, particularly the way Lynch incorporated irony into his genre work. He was also influenced by the dual cultural movements of experimental filmmaking and genre work during his formative years.
What is the “experimental narrative” that Haynes refers to?
“Experimental narrative” is a term Haynes uses to describe the hybrid style he and his collaborator Christine Vachon developed, which blends elements of experimental filmmaking and genre work.
What is the significance of the film Superstar: The Karen Carpenter in Haynes’ career?
Superstar: The Karen Carpenter is a key film in Haynes’ filmography. He used Barbie dolls to narrate the life of Karen Carpenter, set to The Carpenters’ music. This film was an opportunity for Haynes to explore themes of illness and pathology in a unique way.
What is Haynes’ advice for budding filmmakers?
Haynes advises budding filmmakers to always consider themselves as students of the medium. He encourages them to embrace the fear and curiosity that comes with exploring new territories in their work.
Credit: deadline.com
