Director: Adam Morris
Writer: Adam Morris
Cast: Guy Samuels
Synopsis: Achilles looks to explore the Achilles syndrome, known as the fear of failure. Even the legendary Achilles has moments of self-doubt.
With The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival will be returning once again from 26th – 29th May, I got an opportunity to ask Director Adam Morris a few questions about the film ‘Achilles’ which has been selected to play at the festival on Saturday 28th May at 9 pm.
Q. What can we expect from the film?
A. The film explores the concept of multiple selves. That we are each made of more than one conscious self, and in particular looks at the dark self within, responsible for anxiety. How would we react if confronted by this abusive self? If we don’t tackle the demons inside, will we be imprisoned by our own darkness forever?
Q. How did the idea for the film come about?
A. I and my producer David Freedman hit upon the idea of a character confronting their self from a cinema screen. Many people, especially in the arts, suffer from anxiety, such as a fear of failure or imposter syndrome. After hearing a therapist referring to our ‘other selves’ and the Achilles Syndrome, we decided our little Super8 ?lm for the Straight8 film competition would be the perfect vessel to explore this crippling fear.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. The films takes influence from the surreal, dark worlds of Lynch and Buñuel, the cinematic noir of Hitchcock and the multi-strand, non-linear narrative of Berberian Sound Studio.
Q. Were there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?
A. As the film was shot on Super8, in one take wonders with in-camera editing, we tried to plan meticulously. Although there were minor elements which were adapted, the majority of the film was largely shot to script.
Q. What were your favourite moments whilst making the Film?
A. Finally getting back the film from the lab! As it was processed via Straight8, we didn’t get to see the film for 6 months! We were able to put together a previse from rehearsal takes which was a great indication of what to expect and see how the story worked. But we didn’t know for sure and essentially worked blind to create the sound and music. When we received the final cut and saw no major issues or fundamental flaws it was a relief!
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. We had several nightmares with locations and cast and crew availability, which then caused more of the same through date changes and logistical issues which would put a strain on the easiest of productions, let alone a film within a film, shot on Super8, in one take wonders with in-camera editing. Our smoke machine also died midway through our house location shoot, which meant a hell of a lot of vaping instead!
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film?
A. A visually striking, entertaining, and puzzling film that I hope will stick with people. Guy Samuels is brilliant playing multiple versions of Achilles. Plus, I hope the film gives a sense of understanding and empathy for those who suffer from anxiety and the fear of failure.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
A. Yes, I have several projects in the works at the moment. Most notably The Broomway, a short ?lm centred around a historical yet lesser-known part of Southend. Written by Achilles producer David Freedman, the film is set to be an exciting mystery thriller shot in and around the Estuary.
Q. If someone is looking to direct their first film, what advice would you give them?
A. Makes sure it’s something you care about, look for references on aesthetic and narrative, be prepared for anything to happen and keep it simple. Don’t start with a one-take wonder Super8 film!
The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival runs from 26th to 29th
You can find out more about the end and purchase tickets on the website here: https://www.southendfilmfestival.com/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
