Shekhar Kapur: We are the stories we tell ourselves

TL;DR

Shekhar Kapur discusses the importance of visual storytelling in conveying emotions and capturing moments of truth in film.

Transcript

So, I was just asked to go and shoot this film called "Elizabeth." And we're all talking about this great English icon and saying, "She's a fantastic woman, she does everything. How are we going to introduce her?" So we went around the table with the studio and the producers and the writer, and they came to me and said, "Shekhar, what do you think?... Read More

Key Insights

• 💃 Visual storytelling through dance and music can convey emotions and themes effectively, as demonstrated in the film "Elizabeth."
• 😰 Embracing panic and letting go of excessive preparation can lead to moments of creativity and truth in directing a film.
• 🔍 Storytelling is a way for individuals to define their existence and make sense of the world around them.
• 🎥 Filmmaking allows for the exploration of multiple levels of storytelling, including plot, psychology, politics, and mythology, which may sometimes contradict each other.
• 🌊 The film "Paani" explores the theme of water scarcity in a future society by incorporating mythology and contrasting social classes.
• 🌀 Contradictions and harmony are essential components of storytelling, as they reflect the complexities of the universe and human experiences.
• 🎭 The camera, architecture, and symbolism can all contribute to the storytelling in films, enhancing the message and emotions conveyed to the audience.
• 🤔 Storytelling goes beyond resolutions and instead aims to find harmony and suggest something larger and infinite, leaving room for interpretation and questions.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Shekhar Kapur believe visual storytelling and dance can convey emotions effectively in film?

Shekhar Kapur believes that visual storytelling, particularly through mediums like dance and music, has the power to convey emotions in a way that words cannot. He argues that the unknown and the power of not knowing can create a more impactful and authentic portrayal of characters and their emotions.

Q: How does Shekhar Kapur approach directing a film and what does he do to access moments of creativity?

Shekhar Kapur approaches directing with a sense of panic and intentionally tries to get rid of his mind and preconceived ideas. By tearing up the script and allowing himself to enter a state of panic, he believes he can access a place of chaos where moments of truth and creativity can emerge. He listens to chaotic music to further embrace this state and looks for moments of organic storytelling to capture authenticity in his films.

Q: What role does mythology play in Shekhar Kapur's storytelling process?

Shekhar Kapur believes that mythology provides a rich source of inspiration and narrative structure for storytelling. He often incorporates mythological elements and symbolism in his films to explore deeper themes and create a more mythic experience for the audience. He encourages his collaborators, such as musicians, to find their own truths within the story and not simply follow the plot, allowing for contradictions and deeper layers of storytelling.

Q: How does Shekhar Kapur see stories and storytelling as defining human existence?

Shekhar Kapur views stories as the essence of human existence, stating that "we are the stories we tell ourselves." He believes that stories shape our sense of self and define the potentialities of our existence. Without stories, he suggests that we may even go mad. Stories provide a framework for understanding ourselves and our relationship with the world, and they have the power to shape our perceptions and actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Shekhar Kapur describes his experience directing the film "Elizabeth" and the challenge of introducing a great English icon through visual storytelling.

• He emphasizes the power of dance, music, and the unknown in creating a compelling story.

• Kapur shares his approach to directing and the importance of embracing chaos and panic to access moments of creativity and truth in filmmaking.