Egill
2011
"It's important for audiences to see life as it is"
Interview with Scott Orlin
A senior journalist for CINEMA magazine, and a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Scott Orlin tells us about his favorite Hungarian films and his take on European cinema.
Scott Orlin: I am really excited about the opportunity to explore the city and to experience the film festival. Cultural events such as this are unique ways to have one's eyes opened to the full spectrum of the local flavor and I am looking forward to seeing as much as I can.
filmhu: Do you have any all-time favorite Hungarian films, or filmmakers?
S.O.: I would say that in my limited exposure to Hungarian cinema, I am very impressed with the work of István Szabó. I thoroughly enjoyed his direction of SUNSHINE and am looking forward to seeing BEING JULIA.
filmhu: What talent do you think the Hungarian film industry is most famous for?
S.O.: Hollywood has been slow to recognize the full range of potential that non-American filmmakers bring to the table. For example, Lajos Koltai, the renowned cinematographer, is just being given his first chance to direct a movie. Film Festivals are perfect opportunities to bring world attention to the talents of more local filmmakers.
filmhu: Do you agree with the view that European cinema is plagued by its incapability to develop current-day stories and keeps looking into its past?
S.O.: The great luxury that Europe has over other parts of the world is a rich, detailed history. Film is such a powerful medium and looking back and examining why events happened proves to be a bright mirror to what might be possible again in our future. The danger of doing too many period pieces is that current audiences do not get the chance to see their stories, the ones they are living out in their daily lives, examined up on the big screen. Filmmakers miss a wonderful opportunity to hold up a mirror to themselves and their surroundings. It is important for audiences to see life as it is or can be, not just how it was.
