Ironically, as I was about to post this blog, I came across another indie film blog posting about my same topic, so go to http://worldfilm.about.com to check out their opinion. Anyways, Charlie Kaufman came to SMU last Tuesday to speak. Basically, the only people who showed up were filmmakers, CTV majors, and a few theatre majors. However, Charlie Kaufman, for those of you who don't know, is considered almost a genius in the film world. He has written several "big-hit" screenplays for several movies you have probably heard of. For example, Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He is best known for being a screenwriter, but his latest film to come out, Synecdoche, New York, was directed by him. Seeing Charlie Kaufman in person was really not as spectacular as one might imagine because he is literally just like me and you. He was very blunt, but truthful, in his answers to student questions and it was obvious that he was not much interested in being in the spotlight. His publicist was more peppy than he was, but I can understand how it can be annoying to have to do all of these press and interview things for just trying to do your job. I did learn a lot of lessons from him in the small amount of time I was able to listen to him. Anyone who is interested in film would have greatly enjoyed the Charlie Kaufman chat. Picture: www.masalladeorion.es
3 comments:
Is this what you wrote for your extra credit paper? =D I still have to write mine. I love your blog, btw. =]
These are great blogs. I can't BELIEVE I missed Charlie Kaufman. I wouldn't have known who he was (and apparently didn't) if an email actually was sent my way announcing his appearance. But I love his screenplays, and I definitely would have attended.
Our school has amazing speakers all of the time! I hate that I am too busy (or too oblivious) to know ahead of time that these wonderfully talented people are coming to speak. I feel really blessed that I go to a school that does offer opportunities to see people like Charlie Kaufman, though, whether I take advantage of the opportunities or not.
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