When it comes to exploring the Criterion Closet, RaMell Ross, the writer and director of “Nickel Boys,” took the opportunity seriously. His goal was to recreate the feeling of discovering cinema for the first time in the library of the Rhode Island School of Design, where he pursued his MFA degree. Ross immersed himself in the shelves of titles, selecting Volker Schlöndorff’s “The Tin Drum” and delving into the works of Wong Kar-Wai, whom he greatly admired and studied.
Ross emphasized the importance of digesting work rather than simply encountering it. He referenced French director Chris Marker and his films “Sans Soleil” and “La Jetée,” quoting a line from the latter that resonated with his own work on “Nickel Boys.”
In a recent interview with IndieWire, Ross discussed how the visual language of “Nickel Boys” was influenced by the distinct perspectives of the characters Elwood and Turner. Elwood views the world optimistically, while Turner approaches it with cynicism and strategy. Ross translated these outlooks into visual storytelling in the film.
During his time in the Criterion Closet, Ross also praised Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson,” Charles Burnett’s “To Sleep With Anger,” and the “Qatsi” documentary series, highlighting the importance of experimental documentarian Godfrey Reggio in understanding the visual world.
To watch the full Criterion Closet video featuring RaMell Ross, click here: [insert link to video].
By engaging with a diverse range of cinematic influences, Ross demonstrates his commitment to expanding his creative horizons and drawing inspiration from a variety of sources.
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