Yorgos Lanthimos at BFI London Film Festival: A Filmmaker's Humorous Take on Promotional Duties
Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed filmmaker behind movies like The Favourite and Poor Things, shared a humorous take on promotional duties during a conversation at the BFI London Film Festival. Lanthimos joked about the repetitive nature of film promotion and expressed his reluctance to engage in extensive promotional activities. He even playfully suggested the idea of sending out a computer-generated avatar of himself to handle promotional tasks, highlighting his aversion to the traditional promotional process.
During the discussion with Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, Lanthimos also touched on the commercial success of his films and the challenges of balancing creative work with promotional responsibilities. He questioned the necessity of participating in numerous interviews and events to promote a film, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of these activities. Lanthimos humorously pondered the idea of using technology, such as AI, to streamline the promotional process and reduce the need for repetitive engagements.
The conversation between Lanthimos and Armstrong delved into various topics, including Lanthimos' views on the role of a benevolent dictator in today's political landscape and his creative journey in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The filmmakers also discussed the creative freedom Lanthimos found in making English-language films in the U.K. Stone's performance in Lanthimos' latest thriller, Bugonia, has already generated awards buzz, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film's release.
As the BFI London Film Festival continues to showcase a diverse range of films and talent, Lanthimos' candid remarks and unique perspective on filmmaking and promotion offer a refreshing take on the industry. With his signature blend of humor and insight, Lanthimos continues to captivate audiences and challenge conventional norms in the world of cinema.