`It's about love and forgiveness'
LEKHA J SHANKAR
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Filmmaker Roman Polanski on his $400-million adaptation of `Oliver Twist.'
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TALE WITH A TWIST: `Oliver Twist.' (below) Director Roman Polanski with the Lotus Award he received at the Bangkok Film Festival for his contribution to cinema.
The most important visitor to Bangkok, during the recent World Film Festival (Oct 14 to 24) held there was Director Roman Polanski, whose latest movie, "Oliver Twist," was screened.
It was the Asian premiere of Polanski's $400-million movie that was shot in the Czech capital of Prague, with funds from various European countries including France, where the director now lives. It has a British cast.
"Oliver Twist" has a`twist,' in that he allows the story to take its own course, with unique personal and psychological touches.
The highlight of the film is not its sordid scenario or subject, but a wide range of well fleshed-out characters, including an outstanding Oliver and a riveting Fagin (played by a nearly unrecognisable Ben Kingsley), not to mention a range of earthy, minor characters.
The festival screened four Polanski films including his first movie, "Knife in the Water" and "The Pianist" (which won three Oscars in 2002).
This writer followed Polanski through a range of hectic events, including the glittering opening, a 10-course Chinese meal, where he met Dada Saab Phalke Awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and a scintillating press conference, where he spoke at length about his new film and his auteur-style of filmmaking. Excerpts:
Why did you choose to make `Oliver Twist' over other Dickens's novels, say `David Copperfield' or `Nicholas Nickleby?'
Well, there have been television adaptations of those, and this seemed new and relevant.
You have never dealt with the theme of children before?
This film has been made for my children, 12-year-old Morgane and 7-year-old Elvis (who makes cameo-appearances in the film).
When I asked them what they thought of "The Pianist," they said they preferred "Spider Man"!
How did you get such an outstanding performance from 10-year-old Barney Clark who played Oliver?
I haven't directed children before, except in a few small scenes. We were taught in film school that if you worked with children or animals, you need more time and money! But directing Barney was much easier than I thought. The dog in the film, however, was not easy to manage!
Your interpretation of Fagin is unique.
My Fagin is not as nasty as in the book where, I think, he is a caricature.
We worked hard at his physique, looks, make-up with many sketches and drawings. But the Jewish cockney accent was Ben Kingsley's idea.
In fact right from the first day, he appeared on the sets, with his hunched-up figure, false teeth, strange accent, and remained like this for 17 weeks! At the wrap-up party, I nearly didn't recognise his bald pate!
How topical is `Oliver Twist'?
It is topical because it deals with the people from the provinces who came flocking to London in the 19th century, looking for work, and being forced to turn [into] thieves and scoundrels, which still happens today.
Fagin manipulates the scoundrels, but at the same time, if he wasn't there, where would they go?
So, it is a story of survival?
May be. But it is also a story of love and forgiveness. It is complicated, because you see the `victim' (Oliver) getting attached to the `manipulator' (Fagin). It deals with a child looking for love.
The film seems to have many autobiographical touches?
Yes, I know from experience that the most painful thing for a child is separation from parents. All other things like harshness of life, hunger and so on are secondary. It helps to have personal experiences when you make a film, but I didn't make the film for that reason. `Oliver Twist' is, finally, just a tale.
Why did you shoot the film in Prague and not London?
First, the expenses. Having said that, I must state that Prague has the best studios in Europe. I've worked in many parts of the world, but these are the best. I re-created 19th century London perfectly on the streets of Prague, and everything was simulated, believe me.
Is `The Pianist' a special film for you?
Yes, very special, because it is very personal and is made with a lot of love.
What about your other films?
I rarely go back to my old films, [unless] there's a reason, `Pianist' is my favourite and `Repulsion' my least favourite.
How has filmmaking changed over the years?
A lot has changed, mostly in film production. Films cost a lot more money these days, which is why it takes longer to start movies and to complete them! And then there is a lot of new technology.
Do you have any future projects?
Not really. When I'm not doing films, I usually go back to the theatre. It has to do with my roots and keeps me in direct contact with people.
You've lived in so many countries? Which is `home' to you?
It is Paris. I was born there, my wife is French, and my happiest memories are of the films I made in Paris.
Are you familiar with Asian Cinema including India?
I know there is a lot of films worth watching coming out from Korea. As for India, who doesn't know of Bollywood? I saw an Indian film many years back which I enjoyed, `Sholay' or `Flames.'
Have you been to India ?
Yes, many years back. Someone even took me on a train journey which was very enjoyable. I stayed at a wonderful palace hotel in Jaipur.
I'll also never forget the flight I took with Carlo Ponti in India, where the plane had 5 engines — I've never seen this before! I certainly hope `Oliver' will be shown in India soon, and yes, I'd love to visit India again!
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