Richard Kelly is the man. Not just because he'll be here all this week, posting as a guest editor for MTV Movies Blog. It helps, sure, but we're talking about the guy who made "Donnie Darko" here. And "Southland Tales." Isn't that enough? Not for Kelly it isn't. His latest brain-twisting tale, "The Box," hits theaters on November 6. And he has a dynamite week of content planned for y'all, so sit back and enjoy!
October 29, 2009
SKYWALKING TO SAN FRANCISCO
On Tuesday, I headed north . . . the good people of Skywalker Sound and Industrial Light & Magic hosted a screening of "The Box" an invited me to stay at the legendary Lucas ranch for the night and tour the facilities.
The property itself is everything a fanboy could dream and more - as an alumni of USC and an acolyte in the church of Lucas - I was speechless when I was granted access to the Sergei Eisenstein apartment, a spacious lodge with a vaulted ceiling and fireplace.
I devoured my dinner of chicken, potatoes and vegetables (grown on the ranch) - and before sunset I hopped on one of the many bikes and pedaled my through the winding roads and covered bridge.
The place has a serenity that I didn’t expect.
On Wednesday morning, I visited Skywalker Sound, where I met the guys mixing "Prince of Persia," starring my friend and "Donnie Darko" star Jake Gyllenhaal.
In the main house we visited the library (which has a structural resemblance to the Venice library featured in "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade") - and I got butterflies in my stomach while gazing through Tiffany glass at each artifact from the "Indiana Jones" quadrilogy - not to mention the legendary whip itself.
It was then on to visit the wonderful folks at ILM in San Francisco. We did a post-screening discussion on "The Box" (opening November 6th!) which was moderated by Kate Shaw - Director of Training and Education - who asked a series of insightful and thoughtful questions about the film.
It was an honor to be among fellow artists and technicians who appreciate the art of science-fiction and open to exploring the themes of the film. I have to say it was probably my favorite Q+A that I have ever done.
We had time for a quick lunch and a tour of the ILM facility - a place where I would certainly love to be able to return one day soon and recommend to other filmmakers.
This trip was incredibly inspiring to me as I continue to revise my new script.
Iin the meantime - I invite you to check out the prequel to "The Box" at www.youaretheexperiment.com
Download in 1080p HD for the best quality - and turn your speakers up.
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