Dear Mr. Gacy Starring William Forsythe
An Interview with Svetozar Ristovski
Svetozar Ristovski is a surprisingly humble and affable film director, considering the success he won with his Macedonian debut film, Mirage, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004. His follow-up project, Dear Mr. Gacy, is a drama about John Wayne Gacy and his admirer, possibly protégé, Jason Moss.
Directing in North America, as Opposed to Europe
In Europe, Ristovski maintains that the director has greater creative control over a project; whereas, in North America many other factors influence the project, not necessary artistic ones. Since the market for movies and financing come from different sources than in Europe, particularly commercial ones, the risk of losing money is very high and makes financiers more concerned with the product. Films in North America are more of a consumer's product, for movie-making is part of the entertainment industry. The need for the movie to be commercial also effects the artistic content in that for broader audience appeal, ideas have to be simplified at the expense of artistic quality. Marketing of a film is also different. Since films are a consumer's product, the target audience not only has a large influence on the end product; but also, on how it is marketed and sold.
Cultural Challenges in Filmmaking
North American culture grew up on the artistic medium of movies. People are very aware and educated about movies and their language. In a way, it was intimidating, yet exciting to work in such an atmosphere; however, the actors and film crew were very passionate and excited about creating art, much the same as in Europe. Ristovski found the business aspects more of a challenge than any cultural differences. He also added that he felt fortunate to work with creative producer, Clark Peterson of Monster fame; Peterson's understanding of cinema and art allowed Ristovski to express himself artistically, yet at the same time achieve a commercial product.
Directing William Forsythe
Ristovski claims that the first image he had of William Forsythe was in Once Upon a Time in America in an empty cinema during high school. "I couldn't fathom that I would shoot a film with this man one day." He explains that the whole process of choosing an actor for Dear Mr. Gacy, including his first meeting with Forsythe had a dream-like quality. Before shooting he was dazed at the idea of directing a star actor but once filming started, "you don't have time to think". Ristovski explains that when a film crew has team spirit, the film happens organically; thus, very beautifully. In retrospect, Ristovski recalls working with Forsythe as a pleasure: "he is such a talented and committed actor".
Dear Mr. Gacy will premier in early 2010. Meanwhile, Ristovski's next film is a European co-production that will be shot on location in Macedonia. The project is provisionally entitled, My Brother Lazarus, shooting set for mid-2010.
Svetozar Ristovski
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