Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes: The Same Struggle? The two Oscar-winning directors have both signed a very personal film about the relationship between cinema and the room, the Fabelmans on one side and the Empire of Light on the other. But if the first goes back to the author’s adolescence, the second is not autobiographical, as the British director told us during a visit to Paris. Although he put a lot into this drama that is set in the early 80s.
“The film is very personal”Sam Mendes tells us. “Hillary, what are you playing with?” Olivia Colman, is loosely inspired by my mother, who has struggled with mental illness her entire life. My teenage years were in the 80s, and that’s where my musical and cinematic tastes were formed. I have very specific memories of that time and especially popular culture. My political views were also forged here, with Margaret Thatcher, high unemployment, racism, riots in the streets…”
We find all this in the Empire of Light. And it takes place in a world that’s personal to me, but it’s not directly autobiographical because I’m not imagining any of the characters. But it’s still personal. In my eyes, because the elements included in its composition”. The feature film, which hits our theaters this Wednesday, March 1st, is also the only one Sam Mendes has written alone, enhancing its intimate side.
Interview by Maximilien Pierret in Paris, January 11, 2023
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
