Documentary Filmmaker, Award Winner Alexandre O. Philippe Talks The Possibility Of Making A Feature Film

By: Dominic La-Viola

In an interview with Variety, award-winning documentary filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe talks openly about his next dream project. A fictional film, either a Western or horror film.

Although he doesn’t know, just quite yet because he wants to do something new and inspiring. He went on to talk about how much he loved “Weapons” and “Long Legs”, but that he could also go on for the rest of his life, just making movies about movies.

Which is something that I found so profound and intriguing. For those of you who don’t know who Philippe is or his work. He has made films such as “Lynch/Oz”, “Kim Novak’s Vertigo”, and “Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist” .

Films which delve into various aspects, events, and topics of historical films and filmmakers. Not trying to necessarily figure them out or expose them. More or less show what makes them tick and what drives them, and in some instances like with Lynch. Add to the mystery rather than try to expose it. 

One quote  I love from the article is “People have always asked me if David Lynch watched ‘Lynch/Oz.’ He certainly never told me that. Back in March, we had a screening in the wake of his death, and, of course, someone asked about it again. A week later, I got a message from critic Matt Fagerholm. He said: ‘An old dear friend of David’s asked me to tell you he watched it and loved it’.”

“It moved me tremendously. He understood my intent was not to ‘solve’ David Lynch – that would be preposterous – but to deepen the mystery.”

Reading that truly moved me, but more importantly it reminded me of something, more importantly someone. Peter Bogdanovich. 

While watching a commentary on his debut film “Targets” with director Richard Linklater. He mentioned that Peter was a film historian first; he would actually make documentaries about some of his favorite filmmakers. 

What made them tick, where they drew their inspiration, what made them choose certain shots, etc. Speaking with filmmakers as famous and influential as Alfred Hitchcock himself. 

Seeing that and reading this, makes me see a young Peter Bogdanovich in  Alexandre O. Philippe. So when he decides to make his directorial debut, I for one, think it’s not only going to be amazing. But something that will be as substantial as “Targets”.  For it’s that un-circumstantial love for cinema, that really drives and creates the best filmmakers. 

Source – Variety