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“I’m an absolute fan of Terrence Malick.” | Interview with director Trey Edward Shults on “Waves”
He began as an intern with directing legend Terrence Malick. With his debut “Krisha”, Trey Edward Shults was invited to Cannes. After the horror thriller “It Comes at Night,” his third outing “Waves” now follows.
With the precise eye for teenage life of a Richard Linklater, the 31-year-old director crafts a powerful generational portrait, a visual grab bag with dramaturgical cleverness. There were euphoric reviews at the Toronto Film Festival. [030] staff writer Dieter Oßwald spoke to the filmmaker.
Mr Shults, what’s the story behind the curious appearance of a cat in the film?
The cat is like a son to me, his name is ‘BK’ and he’s the real star of the film! (Laughs) Because of a neurological disorder he drags his hind leg a bit and sometimes loses his balance. But he doesn’t know that—’BK’ is a happy cat.
What do you make of the description “Terrence Malick meets ‘Dazed and Confused'”?
I think that’s excellent! I like Malick and I love “Dazed and Confused.”
You interned on three of Malick’s films. To what extent has that influenced your style?
It’s cool if people see parallels! But it wasn’t a conscious decision of mine. I’m an absolute fan of Malick. Working with him sent my life in a whole different direction. At 19 I dropped out of school and got a job with Terrence. When you see a genius at work at that age, it leaves a lasting impression. Malick makes utterly unique films, which only he can make in that way. And he films in very unconventional ways. That made me ask myself, could I do that too? Do I have such a unique voice? Can I make films with similar creativity?
Apart from the cat, Florida is also a star of the film. What fascinates you about it?
I live in Florida and I love this state. I find the different population groups and social classes inspiring. There’s also some beautiful scenery. Since “Waves” is a very personal film, this familiar setting makes a great backdrop. Filming in the city where my girlfriend lives just felt right. My first film was shot in my parents’ house, which was a similarly pleasant experience.
“Waves” amazes with its visual concept. How did you choose the colours?
After my gloomy previous horror film, I absolutely needed a change of style. The colours were meant to express the emotions of Tyler and Emily and accompany them on their journey. Colours play an important role throughout the film—it’s no coincidence the final song is called “Sound & Colour.”
How great is the danger that style becomes an end in itself and veers towards advertising aesthetics?
That danger certainly exists! The solution for my cinematographer and me is that style should be dictated solely by the characters. It’s always about how Tyler and Emily feel in that specific moment. And how those emotions can be translated visually, so the audience can participate in them.
What’s the significance of the title?
Every viewer should make up their own mind about that. For me, the title stands for the ups and downs in life—for the good and the bad things that happen to us. It’s those contrasts that make us human, and that’s a beautiful thing. You have to experience the bad times to truly appreciate the happy ones. “Waves” was always going to be the title for me, and the script developed from that.
Social media plays a big role in the film. What’s your relationship with Instagram and the like?
When telling a story about young people, social media is inevitably part of it to make it realistic and believable. We didn’t want to overdo it, but this online communication is a useful device for the story and its characters. I’ve personally signed off from social media now, as it can get quite unhealthy in the long run. But even without my own account, of course you still use it all the time.
“Waves” has a more optimistic ending than your previous two films. Is that a coincidence or by design?
A film always reflects your own mood. While writing my previous screenplay I was sad and pretty depressed, and that probably comes across in the film. With “Waves,” I wanted to give the world a somewhat more optimistic ending. That just felt better to me.
Has Malick commented on your film?
No, Terrence isn’t exactly one for talking. (Laughs)
Waves
Director & Screenplay: Trey Edward Shults
Cast: Sterling K. Brown, Taylor Russel, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Alexa Demie
In cinemas: 19/03/2020 (postponed indefinitely)
Photo: © Universal Pictures