Kore-eda Hirokazu's Film with Eddie Redmayne Under Script Development

Unveiling Artistic Visions: Kore-eda's Cinematic Journey from Busan to Future Collaborations

The Ongoing Development of the Eddie Redmayne Collaboration

Director Kore-eda Hirokazu confirmed that his much-anticipated film featuring Eddie Redmayne is presently in the scriptwriting stage. During a press conference at the Busan International Film Festival for his film "Look Back," the director stated that although specific plot details remain under wraps, the production is advancing smoothly. He anticipates a formal announcement about the project will be made sometime next year, expressing his hope to eventually present this film at the Busan festival.

Kore-eda's Enduring Connection with the Busan International Film Festival

Kore-eda conveyed his strong emotional ties to the Busan International Film Festival, an event that has consistently extended invitations to him since the beginning of his career. He noted that the opening ceremony even honored him with a musical piece bearing his name, underscoring the special relationship he shares with both the city and the festival.

Inspiration Behind "Look Back": Exploring the Creator's Burden

The director recounted his serendipitous discovery of the manga "Look Back" in a bookstore, rather than through its serialized publication. He described feeling a profound impact upon reading it, which resonated with his own reflections on the nature of storytelling and filmmaking. The narrative, he explained, delves into the creative impulses and the significant burdens or 'karma' that artists inherently carry.

Directing Approach and Cast Engagement in "Look Back"

Kore-eda adopted a distinctive directing method on the set of "Look Back," opting against giving overly detailed, scene-by-scene instructions. Instead, he focused on fostering an environment where the four main actors—Deguchi Natsuki, Makita Aju, Mori Nana, and Ishikawa Ruka—could genuinely connect and immerse themselves in the setting. This approach allowed the cast to embody their characters naturally, as if they were truly living within the film's fictional town.

The Artistic Choice of 35mm Film and Rotoscoping

Upon the confirmation of the adaptation, Kore-eda insisted on shooting the entire film in 35mm across all four seasons. This decision aligns with his long-held belief in the superiority of celluloid, which he feels creates a "healthy tension" among the cast and crew, fostering a magnetic atmosphere on location. Additionally, the film incorporates a rotoscoped animation sequence, which Kore-eda chose as a unique artistic expression, bridging live-action and drawn animation to represent a shared future that never materialized for the characters.

Emotional Depth in Filming and the Cast's Festival Experience

Deguchi Natsuki shared her poignant experience during the final shots of the film, where Kore-eda instructed her to convey the character of Kyoko "through your back." Having spent a considerable time filming in Akita with her co-star, performing the scene alone left her with a profound sense of emptiness, as if Kyoko was simultaneously present and absent. Meanwhile, Makita Aju made her debut at the Busan festival, while Mori Nana noted the different, yet equally enjoyable, atmosphere compared to her Venice red carpet experience, captivated by the enthusiastic crowd.