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The HUGEReviews.com Rob Reilly Interview:
All
right folks, gotta big time treat for you!
Here's the latest from Rob Reilly, enjoy!
After a few months of
monosyllabic contact between the two of us, Rob
Reilly, writer/director of Back to Manhattan (a
film, you’ll remember, us here at HUGEReviews were
thrilled by) and the upcoming sequel, Frankie and Paulie’s Big Scratch, finally got some time away
from our respective projects to fire upon the
proverbial feces. (Somehow, whenever I attempt to
clean up profane clichés they always seem that much
worse.)
Because I am the coolest guy
you all know, I decided we’d have our conversation
on the record, interview form, so you guys could all
get the latest scoop.
Without further ado, ladies and
gentleman, Mr. Rob Reilly.
Christian
De Matteo: So what’s shakin’ in the Rob Reilly
world?
Rob Reilly: Probably this beer
gut! Hey, I’m working on it!…Other than that…things
are really coming together! As far as Shaking….
probably the film industry’s knees, as digital
filmmaking slowly takes over! The first industry
meeting involving all the top movie theater chains
took place recently to discuss the future of
transforming ALL their theaters to digital….that’s a
beautiful thing!
CDM: Now
you and I have been somewhat incommunicado except
for a few emails here and there because you’ve been
working non-stop on the first draft of Frankie and Paulie’s Big Scratch
while I’ve been knee deep in
deciphering the ramblings of my own mind proofing
the first draft of my second novel. I know that for
me the process is fantastic, wonderful and awful all
at the same time. How goes it on your end?
RR: Suffocation followed by
Euphoria.
I changed the premise of the
story… 95 pages into the script, I decided I didn’t
like the direction it was going. So the Chinese
mob/gang once in, is out entirely, it just wasn’t
working for me. I put everything on hold until I
figured out that aspect of the story I wanted to
tell…and about four weeks ago I got it!… I’m really
excited about and the direction and story line now,
so I’m back to writing.
CDM:
What kind of a writing schedule do you have? As
I’ve gotten older (I turned 29 on April 23rd
HUGEReviewers, feel free to send muchos DVDs! I’m
sorry, pride? Nope, never heard of it) I find that
I need to set a daily goal for myself and that tends
to make the process smoother. Do you have a page
number limit per day, or an amount of time you write
for?
RR: Actually now that I’ve
figured out the story I want to tell, I can write on
a daily basis and that’s what I’m learning. That I
need a road/story map I’m really satisfied with
before I can attack the script. Once I have a
skeleton I’m happy with, and apparently that is no
easy task for me because I’m my own worst critic,
then I can go forward. And then the discovery
process happens for me. It’s exciting for me to
really begin to learn myself as a filmmaker and a
writer. I wrote “Back To Manhattan” in stages, first
as a short, then as a feature, so I don’t have a
true gauge yet of how writing a feature from the
“get go”, works best for me. This is the experience
I’m learning from.
As far as a page goal, I’m
trying to reach 3 pages per week-day. (I have a full
time job) Not quiet there yet but striving for it.
Weekends are, write as much as you have/can.
CDM:
Skeleton? Care to elaborate what a skeleton is for
you?
RR: Being able to write all of
the “scene headings”, from the beginning of the
film, to the end of the film, along with a sentence
or paragraph detailing what the scene is….
A scene heading being-
(INTERIOR- FRANKIE’S APARTMENT – DAY)
Then I can approach the script
in a different way. Even if I haven’t figured out
what exactly I want in the scene, I know why I want
or need the scene. This frees me. I’m much more of a
visual person and by doing this I can see the film.
I mean I might not know how a particular story line
will wrap up at that point, but I know basically
where in the film it will happen, scene wise.
Like I said, I’m learning what
works for me.
And then, like in “Back To
Manhattan”, things will change, but for the right
reasons, because I already like the story I’m trying
to tell.
CDM:
What about rituals? Sports figures tend to get all
the glory for having little superstitious rituals
for performances, but writers do too. Do you have
to be in one particular place, be eating or drinking
something in particular or have any other “thing”
that must accompany writing? Music, etc…?
RR: Sometimes a Movie
on-screen….with no sound, it’s the visual
stimulation that I like when I gaze up from the page
at the screen.
I might look up and see a shot
of a car driving or a certain angle of a person
walking their dog and it sparks something in me and
sometimes a whole scene pops into my head. It will
have nothing to do with what the film on screen is
about, it’s just a window of images being flickered
in front of me and my mind sometimes grabs one and
goes. I guess that’s the best way to describe it.
Other times I just want silence
and no visual.
And once I write a scene, then
I’ll turn on some music that will match the feeling
of the scene and then go back and tweak and perfect
the scene so it plays more natural.
My favorite times to write are
in the morning or late evening. I also like running
dialogue outside, walking around or driving, so you
can only imagine what people are thinking of me. And
by the way, if it’s raining…hey I can write anytime
during the day when it rains. Guess it’s time to
move to Seattle!
CDM: Not
only are you writing a sequel, but you are writing a
sequel to a comedy. How do you keep the ideas fresh
and how do you know what’s funny? It’s a major
annoyance to me that the Oscars (by themselves,
generally a major annoyance to me) don’t recognize
comedy, something I believe is often much more
difficult than drama. You can make a person cry a
whole helluva lot easier than you can make them
laugh. How do you gauge comedy?
RR: Well it’s not a sequel it’s
a follow up film that involves two of the main
characters from the first film, just to be clear.
But movies are like music, every note has been
played before, but if you arrange it so that you’re
showing the audience “your” take on the world, I
think it becomes fresh? Plus most of us have our own
uniquely twisted little worlds going on inside our
heads, from the way you talk to your pets, to what
you think to “yourself” when someone does something
incredibly stupid right in front of you…(how much
fun is that) ….Keeping it fresh is by being
yourself.
I agree, it’s probably easier
to make someone cry than laugh. I judge funny when
it cracks me up. I can’t make movies for anyone
else. If it makes me laugh, then I hope it tickles
someone else’s funny bone.
CDM:
Often writing is more of a discovery process than a
creative process. We’ve talked about this before at
length. Sometimes you just have to let the
characters open themselves up to you, and take you
where they want to go. I know to a non-writer this
can sound like new age mumbo-jumbo (a term I just
don’t get to use enough), but it is true. It is
giving birth and the child won’t always go in the
direction you wish him to, because it’s not natural
to him. Have you found this to be the case with
Frankie and Paulie? Have they changed or evolved
since last we saw them?
RR: It “is” like giving
birth….that’s true. And as you’re writing, when you
get to a point where you have one of your characters
say or do something that is “out of character” for
them and “you” realize it…well then…. “you’ve got
something”. Then you’re starting to build a
well-rounded character.
And then, for me, casting the
actors and watching the words, expressions and
inflections you had in mind, come to life, is an
extremely satisfying feeling, to say the least.
It’s birth…without the stretch
marks!
With regards to the evolution
of Frankie and Paulie….they better evolve in this
film otherwise I’m not doing my job well. I think
the audience will be able to see beyond theses
overtly numbskull kind of characters and see the
true friendship between the two of them.
CDM: So,
then, um, I can’t keep blaming these stretch marks
on writing? Crap. End result, movie’s in theaters,
at this stage you are at now, what do you want
people to be taking home from Frankie and Paulie’s
Big Scratch? I’ll phrase it like I enjoy doing in
the Clarence Worley way: Do you see this as the
kind of movie people will want to go to the diner
and discuss over a slice of pie? What do you expect
they’ll be discussing?
RR: Discuss it, hmmmm, maybe
more like reminisce about this one. The most
important thing to me is for the audience to leave
the theater with a big smile on their face, a few
stomach cramps from laughing too hard and feeling
glad they got out of the house, in their cars, drove
to the theater, paid $20 for a small popcorn (no
butter) and a small soda, and hey…it was worth it!
If they were to discuss
anything, I’d like them to discuss how these two
unknowns
(for right now), Eddie Sicoli
(Frankie) and Paul Dunleavy (Paulie) make a great
comedy duo and how they have a bright future ahead
of them with whatever genre they choose. And maybe
that this director has what it takes and cares
enough to put a good story on screen, and that’s
it’s just not about stringing together a bunch of
vignettes.
The three of us all started
this journey later in life, 30’s and 40’s, so it’s a
very different mind set for us. I also think it
gives us an advantage. You can’t go to school for
“life experiences”, you have to “get
one”…then…”experience it”.
CDM:
Have there been any drastic differences between
writing this script and writing Back To Manhattan?
RR: Just pressure…..my own, of
course. But like I mentioned, I’m also discovering
who I am as a filmmaker and what works for me. This
is only my second attempt. I’m loving the roller
coaster of torture and fulfillment. What a ride!
Damn my neck hurts!
CDM: Any
little insights you can give us as far as the plot
goes? Anything specific we can look forward to
seeing Frankie and Paulie tripping through?
RR: Tripping through?….There
isn’t anything in this movie they don’t trip through
or over. With Frankie and Paulie it’s one thing
after another, but the key is to make them likable
and believable, so the audience cares and wants them
to prevail.
As far as the plot, I tried
tipping my hand once before, only to change the
plot. I think I’ll keep the old yap shut, until I
know the script is done!
CDM:
You’ve proven on your first at bat that you get
comedy. You are entering back into this territory
again with Frankie and Paulie’s Big Scratch. Is
this a career decision or is this just kind of where
you are now? Will a Rob Reilly film always be
synonymous with comedy or do you have plans for
different fare in the future? What else can we
expect from Rob Reilly?
RR: Thanks for the compliment.
Well I think life is synonymous with comedy, along
with drama, romance and unfortunately…horror. Oh and
don’t forget porn!
J
So no, I’m not just going to
only make comedies, but even in a drama I would add
comedy or light heartedness because…that’s life!
CDM:
Anton Chekov once said, much better I’m sure than
the paraphrase I will attempt, that everything that
happens to a human being is funny, whether it’s
good, bad or ugly (he was a Clint Eastwood fan,
little known fact), and that sounds to me like a
sentiment you can agree with… and, secondly, who
could forget about porn! (Also a Chekovian
belief). It all sounds great, and your skill for
dialogue and human interaction give me great
confidence that any area ventured into in a Rob
Reilly film will be well-handled and relatable. Now
the uncomfortable question of dates… When do you see
Frankie and Paulie’s Big Scratch shooting?
RR: I was hoping to begin
shooting in the fall…that’s over. I’ve put off
shooting the film till May & June of 2007, which to
me is just enough time to do this “right”. Some
pre-production has already begun. Rehearsal’s and
such will begin in January with the leads and go
from there. Plus, the great thing is if I need any
extra shots when the principle shooting is over,
I’ll still have the good weather for 3-4 more
months.
To me, it’s not about “DOING
IT”, it’s about “DOING IT WELL”!
CDM:
Inevitably, I have to ask you about your influences.
You were kind enough to give us a long list of films
you considered seminal when last we spoke, and I’ve
since caught up with most of the ones I hadn’t seen
(though I’ve yet to see Life is
Beautiful, but I will, I will), but when we watch a
Rob Reilly film, who’s films is Rob Reilly
watching? Why?
RR: “Not” seeing “Life is
Beautiful” is like “not “ listening to Led
Zeppelin’s “Since I’ve Been Loving You”…why would
you deprive yourself?
As far as influences go, I
think I’m more of a fan of individual movies than
everything one person has done. That being said of
course…
I think
Michael Mann,
Tony Scott and
Martin Scorsese are among my favorite
filmmakers, I love their film style, their use of
color, camera angles and their choice of music in
their movies.
I also love
Guy Ritchie’s films and the way they are edited.
I think
Joel and Ethan Coen are such cool storytellers,
with always very interesting characters.
Robert Rodriguez, is someone I’m always keeping
an eye on because I believe, in the same way he
does, the future of film is digital. He’s also one
of my biggest influences. And he’s an ass kicking
filmmaker and I love his editing.
Quentin Tarantino, is just such a brilliant
writer and storyteller and someone I’d love to have
a few beers with and talk films.
I just love
Kevin Smith’s humor and quick dialogue.
Darren Aronofsky,
Joe Carnahan and
Chris Nolan are three filmmakers who have made
their mark in the past 10 years with some great
films and I’m looking forward to seeing everything
they do in the future.
And then the usual suspects of
brilliance,
Spielberg,
Altman,
De Palma,
Tim Burton and a name that, I think, doesn’t get
mentioned enough with the really big boys,
Ron Howard, who is a great storyteller.
I’m also influenced or
motivated by performances, because at the heart of
it I’m just a movie buff. So when I see performances
like…
Ed Norton in “American
History X”,
Denzel Washington in “Man
on Fire”,
William H Macy in “Fargo”,
Adrien Brody in “The
Pianist”
or the scene between Chris
Walken and Dennis Hopper in “True
Romance”,
that’s the kinda stuff that
pins the needle for me. I just love it!
CDM:
That's a list to learn movies on... and nice job
referencing what I know you damn well know is my
favorite
Led Zeppelin song... now I've gotta go watch
Life Is Beautiful tomorrow. Back To
Manhattan has 16 excellent original songs, from indie musicians you found from coast to coast. Are
you planning on using indie musicians in your next
film and will we get to hear any of those same
musicians again?
RR: Well I found most of them
with the help of a good friend Joe Carroll, who
worked in the music industry for 10 years. He since
opened up a great pub in Brooklyn called
Spuyten Duyvil. (Lots of beers that you can’t
find anywhere else in NYC). Check them out. Thanks
for the plug!
But I plan on using indie
musicians in ALL my films! That’s a huge piece of
what it’s about for me, being able to help each
other get our stuff out there, it’s part of the fun.
I do though have a few
known/popular songs in mind for “Scratch”, as well.
And you’re right, the songs
from “BTM” are really great…from some awesome
musicians. Those songs should be all over the
radio…why aren’t they?
And yes I will be working with
some of the same musicians from the first film,
along with some new musicians as well.
I already started discussions
for “Big Scratch” with Christopher Hoffee, a West
Coast musician and a good friend of mine. His band
Atom Orr was featured and had four or five songs in
“Back To Manhattan”. He also has another band,
TruckeeBrothers, which are opening lots of
eyes/ears out in San Diego. His “evil twin” goes by
the name Cady Truckee in the band, along with his
Truckee brothers, Peat, Hemi and Double-Ott. They
recently played
SXSW and they’re getting ready for a UK stint.
Check out the songs “Billy Club” & “Poly Esther” on
MySpace… very friggen cool!
(http://www.myspace.com/truckeebrothers)
I’ll be talking to all the
musicians when I finish the script!
But, SUPPORT THE INDIE SCENE,
“you’ll sleep better” (links of musicians below)
CDM:
Last question, and then I’ll let you get back to
writing: I asked you the Clarence Worley question
earlier, so now I’m going to ask you my usual
interview ending question (I feel like James Lipton…
hopefully less fat, though). When you go to the
movies, do you like to go to a diner, eat a slice of
pie and discuss the movie afterwards? If so, what
kind of pie is Rob Reilly eating?
RR: Well a lot of the time I go
to the movies by myself (I know, call the pity
patrol). No I just can’t wait around for people to
decide if they want to see that particular movie or
if the time works for them….I just go. It’s been a
ritual I started when I was 16.
As far as pie… I’m more of a
cake person, so how ‘bout a piece of chocolate
layered cake with a side order of ice cre…on second
thought, the beer gut doesn’t need anymore help!!!
Excuse me ……….Bartender!
CDM:
Rob, thank you so much for taking the time to answer
all these questions when I know you are thinking
about how much time it’s taking out of your writing
schedule! When I’m involved in a project, I know I
become very jealous of my time and how it’s spent.
Break a leg on the new script and I can’t wait to
see where it takes you.
RR: Thanks Christian! Make sure
to tell all your HugeReviewers to get the “Itch”
……check please!
“Frankie & Paulie’s Big
Scratch” coming Fall 2007
Indie Musicians you should
check out…
TruckeeBrothers
Atom Orr
Uplift …(former bassist of “Devilish Minds”,
Michael Marino joined “Uplift” 05/07)
Fivecrown
Jason Parker
Steve Singh
Jason Morphew
Lisa Sanders
And keep an eye/ear out for
Christian McNeill…(former front man of “Hybrasil”)
sorry, no link.
Interview
posted on June 26, 2006
Guess what folks?
Christian here, with a very cool letter from Rob Reilly, one
of our favorite writer/directors of 2005. As you
HUGEReviewers out there remember at the end of the summer in
2005 a friend of mine introduced me to a movie called "Back
To Manhattan" which knocked my socks off. This very,
very, very independent comedy made me laugh my ass off and
heralded in the entry of a brand new and extremely promising
director into the world of film. I immediately
scrambled to get into contact with this wild and crazy guy
and since then we've been updating you on news of the "Back
To Manhattan" sequel, "Frankie and Paulie's Big Scratch."
Today we have a real treat for you, as Rob "The Man" Reilly
has sent me a letter for all of you. Enjoy it and keep
checking us out to learn more about the very cool contest
Rob is planning on running which could give you a
chance to help Rob go scratch. Here you go:
December, 2005
First, a huge
thank you
to Christian De Matteo and HugeReviews for taking
the time to watch “Back To Manhattan”, and also for
the positive review of the film. (see review HERE)
And finally, for helping promote the new film
“Frankie and Paulie’s Big Scratch”.
“Back To Manhattan” was a labor of
love and a first attempt. The film, which took two
years to make, was shot on the weekends. There were
26 principle-shooting days and the crew was never
more than 3 or 4 people. The budget ended up being
somewhere around $18,000 (shot on mini DV), the
actual cost was more like $14,000 but we got
“hoodwinked” a couple of times. That’s OK, we made
it through! (“Hoodwinked,”
what a great word…you’ll hear it used in the next
flick.)
Anyway, some good success has come
from this mega low budget film, winning several
awards at film festivals, some good reviews, a
two-page article in the Jan. issue of Pocket PC
magazine and MOST important, a great response from
you, the audience.
The DVD,
which is sold out right now, has some “Special
Features” including a full directors commentary on
how we made this film, with almost no permits, no
money, getting pulled over by the police, while
shooting in the biggest and greatest city in the
world, NYC! Plus tips, tricks and mistakes I made,
for any first time filmmakers.
Look for the next round of DVD’s to
be announced on Huge Reviews in the near future. One
of the songs needs to be replaced so we’re hoping
that will all be taken care of by mid Jan. 06’. In
the mean time you can see a three minute trailer on
the films website
www.backtomanhattan.com
The film was also shot to be viewed
on Pocket PCs and will be released at
www.pdafreebie.com
soon.
But because of the overwhelming
response with regard to the characters Frankie and
Paulie, we decided to go back in, but this time…a
lot more twisted, bizarre, silly, outrageous
humor…..so get ready!
Fans of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, which
I am one of, will dig it. Larry David has the same
twisted sense of humor as us, in fact he already
used one of the ideas I had for “Big Scratch”
(unknowingly of course) with the edible undies
episode, which I was really bummed about. So we
gotta get this film done before Larry David uses up
ALL the outrageous, twisted humor.
Kidding! Go for it Larry, there’s
lots of twisted humor to go round..
So if you want to keep track of this
film’s journey, check back every so often and we’ll
keep you up to date on the progress.
Till then, have a Happy and Healthy
2006…oh and of course go watch some great flicks…
Here’s some awesome ones I own: |
