What the interactive production process of “The Fall” brought us

A story that is built interactively

The methodology that Tarsem adopted in this film is very unique. Rather than solidifying the content in advance, he flexibly changes the content according to the situation and the other person's actions. By building organic relationships in this way, the film has an unpredictable charm. Even now, it is very interesting to think that after experiencing a breakup with his lover, he once again tried to make a film by cherishing these "relationships."

The most obvious example of this is the two main characters. The dialogue between the "bedridden movie stuntman" and the "girl with a broken arm" who meet in the hospital was decided based on basic lines, and the rest was improvised. In the case of the girl, it might be better to say that it was not acting but "herself."

"The Fall" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Tarsem prepared a filming environment that was as synchronized with reality as possible so that the girl could fully immerse herself in her role. An actual hospital was used, and all scenes were shot in sequence. Furthermore, she was told about her co-star Lee Pace, "He has a serious injury to his leg and can't walk." And she wasn't the only one. In fact, all the staff on set shared this "fiction" and everyone completely believed it.

The flow of the story changes with the sudden actions of the innocent girl. Pace's acting changes accordingly. Sometimes the people around her get confused, and The Day After she suddenly spills out precious gestures, lines, expressions, and ideas. Tarsem told the staff on set, "Never miss even the smallest things that the girl does."

This film is about a man "telling a story" to a girl. It is by no means a one-sided act. The way he tells the story and the content of the story are influenced to a great extent by the scenes that make the girl's eyes light up, or the moment when she gasps. This film can be said to be a film that vividly captures the moment when "expression" shines through this kind of interactivity.

Tarsem x Eiko Ishioka: mutual influence