He is one of the most prolific and individualistic directors in contemporary British cinema, whose 15 films in 17 years are noted for their arresting range of subjects, style and sensational auterism. Michael Winterbottom's ouevre includes political and musical documentaries, sex- thrillers and orgiastic dramas, ethnic and futuristic tales, book-adaptations and cinematic make-overs.
His latest film ‘Trishna' is an adaptation of his favourite author, Thomas Hardy, and is set in India! It stars Frieda Pinto in the lead - probably her most demanding role to date - with Roshan Seth, Mita Vashist, British actor Riz Ahmed, embellished with bit-roles by noted Indian director Anurag Kashyap and others. The movie premiered at the Toronto film festival, and will have its Indian premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa (Nov 23 to Dec 3), where the director will be present.
During the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, where the film was shown, Winterbottom said that he was looking forward to screening ‘Trishna' in India.
Excerpts:
Youenjoy adapting novels to films?
Yes. I've translated various novels to film. Three Hardy novels (‘Jude,' ‘Mayor of Casterbridge,' ‘Tess'), Lawrence Sterne's ‘Tristram and Shandy' and Jim Thompson's ‘The Killer Inside Me'. Basically, I use the novels only as a starting point for the scripts of my films. Then, I make changes. In ‘Trishna' ( which is based on ‘Tess'), I combined Tess's two lovers into one.
Hardy seems to be yourfavourite author?
Yes. I'm a big fan of his and have been reading him since a teenager. He's a great story-teller who treats ordinary people with great empathy. From individuals, his stories always have wider social perspectives, which is why they are relevant even today. I adapted his novel ‘Mayor of Casterbridge' (‘The Claim' ) to California and now ‘Tess' (‘Trishna') to India . ‘Tess' is a story that's sensual and spiritual, perfect for India.
Why did youset the film in India ?
The idea first came to me, when I shot parts of ‘Code 46' in Rajasthan, nine years ago. After that I did a lot research, spoke to many people, and finally got started on the film this year. My stories always come to my head, many years before I actually make them!
I'd shot two films in India before (including ‘Mighty Heart',with Angelina Jolie), but this is the first film where the story is set in India.
What made you think that the Hardy novel could be translated into an Indian scenario?
Rural India is still like the 18th century setting of Hardy's time. That was when society was slowly changing due to education, urbanisation and many other social factors. Trishna is educated, which is why she feels these changes and is confused. Her tragedy is that she's caught between two worlds.
Did ‘Slumdog Millionaire' inspire you in any way?
It did not inspire me to make the film, which was already in my head, many years ago. But I guess Frieda Pinto would not have got the role, if she had not done that film! I met her, felt she could project Tess perfectly and I'm not disappointed. Tess has simplicity about her and a passion, and Frieda projected both well
How did Friedaprepare for the role?
By living with her ‘family' in the film, who play their real lives on screen. Her ‘father' is a real-life jeep driver. So, she learnt a lot by being with them and understanding their lives. Thus, she was not in a vacuum but in real-life surroundings. Even all the hotel people in the film are folks who worked in hotels.
Apart from Frieda,you have someIndian film personalitiesdoing small roles?
Yes. The film was a creative collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, who was part-producer. While helping me with the Indian casting, he decided to act in too, with Kalki Koechlin and others, including the music composer, Amit Trivedi.
The musical scores are very unique in the film.
Well the musical compositions are important to all my films. Amit Trivedi specially created the lyrics to connect with the story. The main score was done by Japanese music composer, Shigeru Umebayashi, whose music I love. He did the music for Wong Kar Wai's film, ‘In the Mood For Love' and Zhang Yimou's ‘House of the Flying Daggers.'
What were the highs and lows of shooting in India ?
Mostly highs, no lows. We used a British crew while shooting in Rajasthan. And we used a large Indian crew while shooting in Mumbai. They were excellent.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm thinking out many ideas, as I usually do. I've been working on the film ‘Seven Days' for five years, and hopefully, it will be ready next year.
How important are film festivals to independent directors like you?
Extremely important. Otherwise, we would never get this kind of exposure and would never be seen in countries such as Abu Dhabi , where I was even presented with an Award for Career Excellence. I think this award is a reward for my perseverance.
Are you happy that the film is being screened at the top film festival in India?
I'm delighted and am looking forward to going to Goa, one of my favourite Indian destinations. I'm also keen to see the Indian audiences' reaction to ‘Trishna.' The film will be released in India and the U.K. in Spring.
