"All the best things in film happen by chance. The director can control chance." This quote was uttered by Orson Welles, the illustrious American film director of the 1900s. After interviewing director Lee In-chul, this quote came to mind. Perhaps it was because, during the production of "High Heels," I learned that there were many events that could not be explained simply as "coincidence." Welles himself produced masterpieces such as "Citizen Kane" (1941) and "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942), but he was a commercially unsuccessful director. Many directors in the film industry, like him, face the dilemma of choosing between a film that sells and the film they want to create. In an industry with enormous production costs, it is extremely rare for someone to be able to strike that balance. Director Lee In-chul has not only seen countless films, but he is also well-versed in the lives of film directors and seems to have a clear understanding of the path to creating the film he wants to create. Starting later this year, he will relocate to Los Angeles with his producer partner and begin working full-time on film production. At just 28 years old, his directorial career seems to be moving to the next stage.


--You've probably seen a huge number of films, but when did you first become interested in film?

I started watching films in my late teens. Until then, I was a bookworm and only read novels. When I was in junior high school, I went to see a film adaptation of a book, and I remember that while the story was interesting, the film itself was completely uninteresting. It wasn't an interest in the sense that I was drawn to it, but rather a curiosity that made me wonder, "Why is it so boring?"

I qualified to take the university entrance exam immediately after graduating from junior high school, but instead of going on to college, I began working in film production in Korea. After working on a Japanese-Korean co-production as a director, I moved to Japan at the age of 19.

When traveling, movies are lighter and easier to carry than books, and I've been spending more time alone in Japan, so I've started watching a lot of movies. There are a variety of genres, such as movies with appealing styles or interesting stories, but I watch movies while thinking, without being swayed by reputation or advertising. I also carefully research the people behind the films.

I said that I wanted to give people who watch "High Heels: A Fairytale Born from Commitment" an opportunity to "think," and I myself always think about what I do and act on it. Even every little action in my daily life. It's as if I'm confirming my own "commitment."




--How do you check? What are your "attention to detail"?

While eating, try holding the knife and fork backwards. This is to make sure you are eating properly and neatly. I check my own preferences when it comes to things like the amount of coffee I drink or the arrangement of things. This is because I don't take things for granted and consider whether they are truly the best for me. Rules aren't always correct, and global rules can sometimes differ from personal rules.

I have particular preferences when it comes to food, collecting figurines, and fashion. For example, with fashion, I'm particular about which designer created what year and season and what their intentions were.

However, in filmmaking, you won't succeed just by sticking to your own preferences. I always reject self-satisfaction when I make my films.


--As a director with such strong preferences, are there any directors or films that you admire?

I may admire some things, but I don't admire any particular people or films. My passions change from time to time.

As for films, I resonated with the worldview of "Amour" (2012), directed and written by Michael Haneke. Although it won the Palme d'Or, the highest award at the Cannes Film Festival, this film was commercially underwhelming. To me, it showed me what a film should be. His previous film, Funny Games (1997), was a huge hit, even garnering a Hollywood remake. I think it's fair to say he's the director who spread the word that Austrian films are good.

I also have high hopes for Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, who is likely to lead Hollywood in the future. He's the kind of director who can solve problems that no one else can. He's able to produce results in terms of numbers, which allows him to create the films he truly wants to make. He's good at climbing the ladder. I'm looking forward to seeing Blade Runner 2049, which is scheduled for release this year.


--I heard you'll be moving your base of operations to Los Angeles this year. What kind of future do you have in mind for this decision? Tell us about your future plans.

As a director, it's important to leave a mark on the results in order to create the films you truly want to make. The films I want to make are like the core of my life.

If a creator only makes what they want to make, it's just self-satisfaction. I want to keep the audience's perspective and read the market while delivering good works. I also believe that commercial success is necessary to continue making films. The films I make are somewhat European, and tend to express meaning and emotion rather than flashiness, but I intend to move to Hollywood knowing that now is the time to build my career.

I have many ideas and hopes for the films I will make in the future, but for now I would like many people to see "High Heels: A Fairy Tale Born from Commitment" and "think" about it.


[Movie Information]
"High Heels: A Fairy Tale Born from Dedication"
Opens Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya and other theaters nationwide
Director & Screenwriter: Lee In-chul
Starring: Kikuchi Rinko, Kojima Fujiko, Genri, Taniguchi Ran


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