"Ask Anything You Want" with Alfonso Cuarón

This week we decided to dedicate interviews with very interesting people - outstanding actors, directors, musicians, writers and sportsmen - in the “ask whatever you want” format, where Internet users ask their questions, sometimes very unexpected ones, in online chat mode.

Today we present you the first interview - with the creator of the film "Gravity", which received 7 Oscars, including the personal one for best director - Alfonso Cuarón. As it turned out, in addition to great talent, the director also has a great sense of humor. We have tried to choose the most interesting questions and answers for you.

(Total 14 photos)

1. (Photo: conversationsabouther.net)

Hello. I am Alfonso Cuarón, cinematographer. I'm the director, co-writer and producer of Gravity with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. My other films are And Your Mother Too, Child of Man and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Ask whatever you want!

2. (Photo: screenrant.com)

If you weren't a director, what would you be doing?

I would be George Clooney's cobbler's assistant. I would only make right shoes, and Daniel Day-Lewis would make left shoes.

How is your script writing process going?

I wish I could be a more disciplined writer, but I usually spend a lot of time nurturing ideas in my head first, like while lying in a hammock or taking a shower. But once the idea is formed, then I work very quickly. I wrote all my scripts in three weeks. Well, at least the first draft.

3. (Photo: candacecordelia.com)

Did you draw inspiration from your real life when writing the script for Gravity?

When you make a film, you try to choose topics that are close to you. In the case of "Gravity", I had a long period of all sorts of disasters and failures, which I tried to portray.

Who smells better - Clive Owen or George Clooney?

Both smell amazing. Clive is like cinnamon with hints of clove and citrus. And George is like mahogany with a hint of vanilla and a little tequila.

4. (Photo: buzzsugar.com)

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

Don't forget the reasons why you want to make films. And never compromise on this. Don't think of cinema as an industry because it's just a by-product of your talent and work.

Was there any event or incident in your childhood that “woke up” your inspiration and allowed you to eventually become a great director?

I don't believe in all these Freudian things at all, because they are not all penis. That is, I wanted to say - real.

5. (Photo: fast-torrent.ru)

What was the easiest and most difficult part of creating Gravity?

The most difficult was gravity itself, as a physical phenomenon. Because the film, the entire action of which takes place in zero gravity, we filmed on Earth under its influence. And simple - working with an amazing team, each member of which did everything to make the film work. And Sandra and George made him very honest.

How difficult was the process of turning Gravity into a 3D movie? And would you like to shoot new 3D projects?

Like almost everything on the set of Gravity, it wasn't as difficult for me as it was for everyone else. The 3D aspect of the film has been in the works for over three years. I love 3D and yes, I would love to make another 3D movie. I think 3D would look great in some kind of naturalistic drama.

6. (Photo: youtube.com)

Did you have in mind an ending to the movie where Ryan dies? Or did you always want her to survive?

Yes, we had an alternate ending to the movie: Ryan lands, gets to his feet, takes his first steps... and then Kowalski falls on her from the sky and kills her. Then - a black screen and the credits begin to roll in silence.

Would you like to work with Sandra Bullock again?

Yes, even right now!

7. (Photo: wired.com)

How is your typical day in Mexico?

I don't live in Mexico, but I try to visit as often as possible. Usually my day there is spent between the hammock and the waves.

What is your favorite pizza?

I am a vegetarian, so margarita or with mushrooms, according to my mood.

8. (Buster Keaton. Photo: intermediodvd.wordpress.com)

With whom would you like to meet from the living or dead people?

With Buster Keaton. (Buster Keaton - American comedian and director, one of the greatest silent film comedians)

If George Clooney offered to make you a pair of shoes, what would you choose?

Clown shoes so he'll have to work hard.

9. (Photo: floridageekscene.com)

Which of your films do you consider the best? What is your favorite film and the director who influenced you the most?

Once I finish a film, I never watch it again. I have repeatedly said that, unlike some of my director friends who treat their films like children, I treat them like ex-wives. I loved them very much, they loved me too, I gave them a lot and they gave me a lot too, but now our paths diverge. However, I have the most fond memories of The Little Princess (1995 film). When it comes to favorite films and directors, I am completely incapable of making lists. Even when I make a shopping list, I come home with everything but what I needed.

What did you draw inspiration from growing up and now?

And then and now I am inspired by the life around me. Movies have played a big role, and interaction with other people.

10. (Photo: btchflcks.com)

Were there any scenes in Gravity improvised by the actors, like the one where Sandra Bullock starts barking when she hears a dog barking on the radio?

No, this scene was completely scripted.

Could you please make a sequel to Gravity with Sandra Bullock escaping between submarines?

Careful! The studio takes everything seriously!

11. (Photo: screenrant.com)

What can you say to scientists who criticize "Gravity"?

I am very glad that scientists have found time to both criticize and defend Gravity. We tried to bring the film as close to reality as possible, but it's still a film. And Sandra Bullock, you know, isn't really an astronaut.

Would you have the courage to make a movie in space?

If you finance, I'll go shoot now. This is not a question of courage, but of money.

12. (Still from the film “She”. Photo: moviepronews.com)

Have you seen the movie "Her"? What do you think of it?

I really liked She. I think this is the best generational love movie since Annie Hall (a 1977 Woody Allen film). It's a beautiful film that also addresses questions about the nature of love and self-awareness. But, as I told Spike (Jones), I'm literally torn between Her and Bad Grandpa.

What is your position in the dispute between supporters of film and digital cameras?

I don't see this as an argument. This is evolution.

13. (Speedy Gonzalez. Photo: fanpop.com)

Are you planning to make a movie about superheroes?

Yes, Jackie Chan will play Speedy Gonzales the mouse in it, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will probably be the cat.

How do you live with the fact that you made me cry with admiration?

Thank you. And sorry.

14. (Poster of the film "The Great Beauty". Photo: dealflicks.com)

What was the last movie you watched at the cinema?

"Great beauty". I'm a big fan of director Paolo Sorrentino, I think he's one of the most interesting filmmakers today.

How do you know when a script is finished?

When the movie is over.

Source: Reddit AMA