" The Abyss" Director Ren Sudo A work cannot be created without intense energy [Director's Interview Vol.351]

Works cannot be created without intense energy.

Q: You work with a production committee to create films that go beyond existing frameworks, and that seems to have a big influence on your work.

Sudo: Movies are where I get to express what I want to do. I think it would be putting the cart before the horse if we were not able to do what we wanted to do because of the framework of the production committee. This may sound harsh, but I'm not doing this to make money. Creating has become a way of life. Unless there is a strong energy of ``I'll do it because I want to do it!'', no work will be created. I feel this way especially when I watch A24 movies.

We shot underwater in ``ABYSS,'' and that scene alone cost over a million yen. Even so, the only thing I shot was a feeling like ``I should do this!'' (laughs) If I were a producer, I would probably scoff and say, ``Isn't it better not to have underwater filming?'' (laughs) Carrying out underwater photography was a big hurdle for me that I wasn't sure I could overcome. The moment I decided to film that scene at my own expense, I felt like it was a work of art for the first time. If I couldn't surpass that, this work would just be "trash." I think that's what creativity is all about.

"ABYSS The Abyss" (C) Movie "ABYSS The Abyss" Production Committee

Q: Mr. Sudo is currently working on various projects, but what are your plans for the future?

Sudo: I would like to do more activities that protrude from the screen. If things continue like this, there is a risk that we won't be able to watch movies in theaters anymore, so the current framework is not enough. I want everyone, young people and adults alike, to release their energy and say, ``This is what I wanted to do!'' and break through existing frameworks. I feel that my mission is to continue activities that can make this happen.

Actually, I've been struggling with this for a long time. ``I'm a movie director, so what's the point of holding an event?'' ``What's the point if I can't talk about it with just the movie?'' But I'm done with it now (lol).

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Director/Screenplay/Producer/Starring: Ren Sudo

Born in 1996, from Tokyo. In 2016, while attending university, he became a finalist in the 31st MEN'S NON-NO Exclusive Model Audition, and made his acting debut the following year in 2017. “Wonder Wall” (NHK BS Premium), “JOKER x FACE” (Fuji Television), “Television Serial Novel Natsuzora” (NHK), “Taiga Drama Idaten~Tokyo Olympic Story~” (NHK), stage play “Washi” He has not only appeared in a wide range of dramas, movies, and plays, such as ``We Know Nothing'' (Nitosha), ``Oi Handsome!!'' (Tokai Television/Fuji Television), and ``First Love, First Love'' (Netflix), but also directed and directed. Also active as a producer. His first directorial, producing, and starring work ``Backlight'' was released in the summer of 2021. He also directed and starred in his second film, ``ABYSS '' (co-screenwriter: Aya Watanabe).

Interview and text: Fumio Koda

Editorial staff and writer for CINEMORE. My favorite movies are ``The Goonies'' and ``Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.'' My recent favorites are 4K digitally remastered classics by Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu.

Photography: Kazunari Aoki

"ABYSS The Abyss"

September 15th (Friday) Shibuya Cine Quinto and other nationwide roadshows

Distribution: FOL

(C)Movie “ The Abyss” Production Committee