"The Guitar" takes a glimpse at how one woman learns to live creatively and energetically.
Amy Redford
Leading up to the 2008 Vail Film Festival
April 3-6, Plum Vail gets to know some of the filmmakers. Meet actress Amy
Redford, whose directorial debut, "The Guitar" tells the story
of a woman who, when diagnosed with a terminal illness, makes major
creative, spiritual and emotional transformations.
Plum Vail: Tell us how “The Guitar” became your directorial debut. What attracted you to this story?
Amy Redford: A friend who thought I would be good for the lead
introduced me to the writer Amos Poe. I read the script, and kept
firing myself in the part. I realized that I wanted to tell the story,
not be in it. The subject matter spoke to me, I was at a crossroad, and
the themes in the film were relevant to me. I liked the scale of the
film and the potential for an intimate style.
PV: What is the greatest challenge in directing a film?
AR: I would say choosing your battles. Making sure not to let
emotions take the best of you… it’s important to be a leader that
people will trust. Also navigating film finance. Knowing good money
from bad.
PV: Explain the process of going from actor to director.
AR: There are many actors that have no interest in directing… I
started directing theater in high school and then spent my twenties
acting. It felt like a natural evolution. I have always been fascinated
by the camera. Being an actor, there is a shared language… and knowing
how to let an actor make the material their own.
PV: Your father (Robert Redford) made a similar move (actor to director). Did he have any influence in your work on “The Guitar?” Did he provide any pointers?
AR: He leads by example, he treats people with dignity, and I
hope to do the same. He also tells stories that he cares about, and
cares about what he puts into the world. He told me to keep my sense of
humor…
PV: What have been the proudest moments in your film career?
AR: Probably when the grips gave me a huge bottle of Johnnie
Walker at the end of the shoot. Seeing the film come together for the
first time and having many of the cast and crew come to the first
screening in Utah to support it. That was a pretty great moment.
PV: What do you know about the Vail Film Festival?
AR: That it has been happening for five years and that it is located in a pretty great place.
PV: What do you think defines “success” as a filmmaker?
AR: If you can look at a film and say that it resembled the film
that you wanted to make. I think there is a lot of room for all kinds
of films, we need the comedies, to be transported in adventure, to be
made to think and feel in new ways. It is hard not to let others run
away with your project and turn it into something you don’t recognize.
PV: How do you feel about Hollywood?
AR: Tremendous opportunity and heartache. Good place to have a task, difficult place to be without purpose.
PV: Where do you see the film industry (as a vessel) headed?
AR: Probably towards creating content for iPhones and those
types of devices. 3D Technology is no longer designated to cult
thrillers, so I think there will be a divide between high and low tech.
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PV: I know you’ve probably got dozens, but if you had to choose ONE, what would you say is your favorite film? Why do you love it?
AR: Choosing a favorite film is probably like choosing a
favorite piece of music, or food or person. It is impossible for me; I
have new ones all the time, and new discoveries…when my mood changes so
do my favorites… it can go from slapstick to serious. “Jeremiah
Johnson” is a film I truly loved because of the spirit in which it was
made and that it is in my back yard in Utah.
Video
Amy Redford, daughter of actor/director Robert Redford, sat down with Erik Williams to discuss her directorial debut and Vail Film Festival feature, "The Guitar."
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