APRIL 10 - APRIL 13, 2024

Interview | Emily’s Do

Movie : Emily’s Do
Director : Gary Beeber

 

Tell us something about the beginning. What made you want to tell the world the story of Emily?
When I first met Emily at a friend’s art opening, she had multicolored hair cut into shapes, and was wearing a white faux fur coat with bananas printed all over it.

 

I knew right away that I wanted to photograph her, so I did what I always do; introduced myself and gave her my card. I told her to check out my website and if she liked my work to give me a call, which she did. We met for coffee and talked about taking her picture. The first photo session turned into many sessions and eventually led to making this film.

 

What would you like to say about the documentary form of storytelling? What makes it effective and what would be certain advantages that are lost in the process of making fiction?
I’ve always been interested in people’s stories, especially those who march to a different drummer. I think the major advantage of documentary film-making is that it’s the story of an actual person, not an actor.

 

Could you suggest a few documentaries that cinephiles must watch? Documentaries that are not as popular as they should be. 
“Don’t Look Back” by D.A. Pennebaker, “Grey Gardens” by the Maysles Brothers, “Country Music, a History” by Ken Burns.

 

 

Have you been a fan of Chris Marker? Do you think documentaries become more effective if they succeed in creating a visceral impact on the viewer?  The plight, the struggle and the defiance of Emily, if felt, makes the movie more effective.
I’ve not heard of Chris Marker, but thank you for introducing him to me.  As far as visceral impact goes, I think that if a documentary doesn’t create such an impact it’s boring.

 

 

Tell us something about Emily, the person. What makes her world so beautiful?
Emily is a very caring person, but she is not afraid to express her views no matter what anybody thinks. She is free, and most people are not and will never be.

 

 

Emily has provided a new definition of art for the world to emulate. How do you perceive art? Where do you see it in the greater schemes of the world?

Art is what a viewer perceives to be art.  I think it was best said by Leonardo DaVinci:  “It should not be hard for you to stop sometimes and look into the stains of walls, or ashes of a fire, or clouds, or mud or like places, in which… you may find really marvellous ideas.”   It can be uplifting, provacative, disturbing  or simply beautiful.

 

 

Emily expresses herself through the myriad patterns, shapes and messages painted on her head. Do you think these messages become long-lasting as a result?
Emily’s artwork is meant to be temporary, it fades quickly and is replaced every month.  Although the artwork is short-lived, the message is long-lasting because it makes sense.

 

 

Tell us something about Emily’s husband. How important is it for everyone to have someone like him in their lives in a world full of harsh judgements? 
Aaron is a very nice guy, and a very talented musician and composer. I collaborate with him often.
Everyone should have a caring, understanding partner like him.

 

 

The medium of art defies the limitations of space. Emily’s interpretation of art solidifies the statement in a potent way. How significant is it for art to evolve and stay relevant in the years to come? 
Artists go in and out of style, but their work always inspires.

 

 

Here, Emily’s mode of responding to a cruel and indifferent world is through her unique form of art. Through her colors that replace the limitless prejudices of several narrow minded people. Don’t you think that is the best form of reaction?
In this interview I have spoken about freedom, and not many are as free as Emily. She broadcasts her message and philosophy wherever she goes.

 

 

The movie is a testimony to freedom. How important is it for one to understand autonomy in all its dimensions and complications?

I think it’s very sad that there is less and less freedom these days.  It’s important for creative artists to be able to express themselves without limitation.

 

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