Roberto Minervini’s innovative blend of documentary and drama
The physicality of the camera
Roberto Minervini, a master of minimalist filmmaking, has always revered the physicality of the camera. His passion extends to training his camera operators in controlled breathing and rigorous physical preparation to ensure absolute steadiness during shooting. Discussing his meticulous approach at the Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival, Minervini revealed his disdain for even the slightest frame tremor caused by an operator’s breath.
Beyond steadicams: The making of “The Damned”
When filming his American Civil War drama, “The Damned”, Minervini chose not to use Steadicams. He believes they restrict creative camera movements and require extensive setup time. Instead, his method emphasizes spontaneity and organic interactions among his cast.
Embracing spontaneity over scripts
Minervini’s disdain for traditional scripts is well-documented. Known for his controversial documentaries like “Low Tide” (2012) and “Stop the Pounding Heart” (2013), he transitioned to narrative films to pursue authenticity and relatability. For him, the truest depiction of life emerges not from scripted lines but from actors discovering their characters’ words naturally.
Crafting moments of human reality
For Minervini, striving for spontaneous human reality is paramount. Rather than attempting to unveil an absolute truth, he seeks to capture authentic, unscripted moments that resonate deeply with audiences. This approach translates seamlessly from his documentaries to historical settings, as demonstrated in “The Damned.”
Lean crew for intense shooting conditions
While filming in the freezing Montana hills, Minervini adhered to a minimalist crew of four to six people, including the director, a camera operator, a sound technician, and an assistant. This lean setup ensures agility and intimacy during intense shoots, allowing for genuine performances and fluid interactions.
Unscripted yet structured dialogues
Minervini’s unique approach involves minimal scripting. During the filming of “The Damned,” he guided his actors through imprecise scenarios to foster creativity. For instance, a veteran Union soldier asks a young recruit, “You shot one before?” The recruit replies, “Yeah.” When asked, “What have you shot?” he simply says, “Rabbits.” This dialogue, though seemingly simple, was entirely improvised, creating authentic, emotionally charged scenes.
Balancing tension and rhythm
Minervini guides his actors to balance tension and rhythm throughout their performances. He ensures each scene transitions smoothly from one spontaneous moment to another, forging an emotional and dynamic cinematic experience. His films’ movement is dictated by these expertly linked moments, creating a seamless narrative flow.
Realistic battle re-enactments
In his pursuit of realism, Minervini meticulously studies historical battle strategies. Recognizing that real-world battles involve prolonged waiting periods punctuated by brief combat, he mirrors this in “The Damned.” His actors endured grueling weeks of marching through snow and mud, culminated by unscripted firefights, enhancing their performances’ authenticity.
Anchoring performances in truth
Minervini’s dedication to truth extends to allowing actors to draw from their backgrounds. For instance, when a young recruit in “The Damned” claims to be from Texas—a Confederate state—despite no Civil War battles occurring in Montana, it’s an authentic reflection of the actor’s real origin.
Breaking conventions to fight the status quo
Minervini’s unconventional approach stems from his diverse background. As a former punk band singer, music producer, IT expert, and real estate mogul, he relishes challenging norms and disrupting the status quo. His films consistently favor genuine human experiences over polished, traditional narratives.
Conclusion
Roberto Minervini’s transition from documentary to drama has not only expanded his artistic horizons but also redefined the boundaries of filmmaking. His dedication to capturing authentic, spontaneous human moments—whether in the present day or historical settings—sets his work apart as a testament to the power of minimalism and realism in cinema.
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