Kino Corner: A Ghost Story Breakdown

Introduction

• Hosted by Kino (who humorously explains Kino's absence due to eating Flintstone vitamins).
• Focus on David Lowry's film "A Ghost Story".

Background of "A Ghost Story"

• Directed by David Lowry, post "Pete's Dragon".
• Funded with a portion of his Disney paycheck.
• Filmed in secret in Dallas with a budget of $100,000.
• Opened at Sundance and acquired by A24.

Production Insights

Casting

• Featured Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
• Affleck and Mara previously worked with Lowry on "Ain't Them Bodies Saints".

Budget Considerations

• Utilized condemned houses for filming to avoid extra costs.
• The Picture House was spruced up for filming; nearby condemned house used for storage.
• Demolition scene used three cameras due to limited opportunities for retakes.

Cinematography

• Shot mostly on ARRI Alexa Mini.
• Notable for its 4:3 aspect ratio with rounded corners (vignette) to convey a trapped feeling.
• Combination of medium and close-up shots for emotional impact.
• The pie scene with Rooney Mara is particularly famous.

Filming Techniques

Ghost Representation

• The ghost was filmed separately from humans and composited into scenes.
• Different frame rates used for ghost (33 fps) and people (24 fps) for ethereal motion.
• Costume designed with helmet and petticoats for shape; challenging in Texas heat.

Scene Details

• House demolition captured using multiple cameras.
• Key scenes shot in constrained time due to Texas weather.
• Magicians on set for practical effects like the ghost vanishing.

Editing and Style

• Non-linear storytelling to reflect the ghost’s perception of time.
• Ellipses used to transition between different times and places.
• Editing influenced by Shane Carruth, focusing on emotional progression.

Key Scenes and Symbolism

Notable Scenes

• Rooney Mara's pie-eating scene.
• The ghost's dirtied sheets symbolize his tie to his earthly plot.

Interpretations

• The ghost vanishes upon reading a note left by his wife, creating a sense of closure.
• Narrative suggests a cyclical perception of time.

Additional Information

Dialogue and Character Development

• Dialogue flexibility encouraged; Affleck and Mara contributed to script evolution.
• The prognosticator’s speech: controversial, but considered essential by Lowry.

Musical Influence

• Soundtrack by Daniel Hart, tied to "I Get Overwhelmed" by Dark Rooms.

Conclusion

• Initial intent was a horror film but evolved into an art film with mainstream influences.
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