INTERVIEWS

Video Interview #2: Derek Cianfrance on 'The Place Beyond the Pines'

by Alex Billington
April 3, 2013

When it comes to filmmakers that I love talking with, Derek Cianfrance is at the top of the list. I first met him at Sundance years ago for Blue Valentine, and have followed him since then up to the release of his next film, The Place Beyond the Pines, now playing in select theaters. I initially interviewed Derek on Pines at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and met with him again recently in New York for another chat. This time we talked about violence, specifically in The Place Beyond the Pines, as well as balancing how much of his own self he puts into his films, and what his most important values are as a storyteller/filmmaker. It's another outstanding interview with Derek and a fascinating discussion that I highly recommend listening to.

Here's my 2013 interview with The Place Beyond the Pines director Derek Cianfrance, recorded in NYC:

It's great he understands why there's a divisiveness, and that it's important there even are opinions. "I like living, breathing cinema… I appreciate putting it out there, having people see it; love it, hate it, whatever. Hopefully they don't feel indifferent, that's the worst." He also references two films that have influenced his life: John Cassavetes' The Killing of a Chinese Bookie and Jean-Luc Godard's Contempt. Directed and co-written by Derek Cianfrance, the triptych generational drama stars Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, Bradley Cooper, Rose Byrne, Ray Liotta, Emory Cohen and Dane DeHaan. It's in theaters now.

The Place Beyond the Pines, co-written by Ben Coccio, premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Fest. I reviewed it there, calling it "very mesmerizing but draining to watch." I initially interviewed Derek at TIFF last year.

Derek Cianfrance's The Place Beyond the Pines is now playing in limited theaters, check your local listings. Focus Features is releasing the film and will be expanding it throughout April - for more info visit their site.

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