Fateless

January 11, 2006 10:40 AM
by [email]

Based on the historical novel written by Nobel Prize winner Imre Kertész, Fateless is told through the eyes of a Hungarian Jewish boy as he struggles to make sense of the world within the confines of the German concentration camps.

After being stripped of his family and identity, fourteen-year-old Gyuri Koves finds solace in the cruel and mundane of everyday life. Upon his release, he finds it difficult to face a post-war world of boundless opportunities. Although set during the Holocaust, this striking film is largely a coming-of-age account of a young boy in a solitary search to discover his place in a world beyond his control.

We sat down with renowned Oscar-nominated cinematographer Lajos Koltai, and asked him a few questions about his directorial debut:

What was it like to direct for the first time?

The experience was not so far removed since I have always worked closely with my directors. Together, we both make decisions about colors, actors, wardrobe and other critical matters so I have always been very much involved in the filmmaking process.

What made you decide to direct this film?

I have had many an opportunity to direct, but I was waiting for the right moment and material. Finally, someone handed me the novel and when I read it, I found something that I had never experienced before. It was unlike anything I had ever read. From [Kertész’s] words, I could envision the story unfolding before me. It seized me from the beginning.

Then I met with Imre Kertész who, to my surprise, had me in mind to create a film based on his book. While writing the screenplay, he often sent me drafts and gave me freedom to make changes as I pleased. Of course, all this happened before he was awarded the Nobel Prize.

How was it working with Marcell Nagy, the actor playing Gyuri’s character?

It was an absolute pleasure working with Marcell. Although he was only twelve and barely had any experience, he was very open to direction. Everyday, I would sit and lecture him on the history and details of the story.

Looking into his eyes, I could witness him processing my words and without fail, he would deliver precisely what was given to him. We had an incredible base of belief and trust, which is critical for a successful collaboration.

Was it difficult directing someone of such a young age?

The struggle was introducing him to situations he had never experienced before. For example, he was unable to comprehend physical pain. In one of the scenes where Gyuri gets slapped, I directed the officer to really slap him. Marcell didn’t see it coming and WHAM!

He fell down in complete surprise, but got up and continued the entire scene in one take. Although, the scene was perfect, it took me an hour and a half to talk him back to life. Here was something that never happened to him before in his life.

What was your favorite scene from the film?

The most important scene for me was when the crowd was forced to stand for hours in lines without food or rest. In the corresponding passage of the book it reads, “They were standing there like branches taken by the wind.” For me, the image of these frail and emaciated people waving back and forth like a sea of branches was what I want to always remain in the minds of those who see this film.

When dealing such a somber subject matter, what do you do to lift yourself up at the end of the day?

Nothing. You can do nothing. You have to go to bed with this. Even today I wake up with this film on my mind.

What other films are you looking to make?

I just want to make human films. Give me a human story. I don’t want to film an action or comedy movie; I just want to see the action within people.

Fateless premiers January 6th in select theaters in New York City. It opens nationwide in February.