DIRECTORS STATEMENT by Sarah Hudson
"I joined the production of Joie de Vivre through the writer, actor, and co-producer Emma Raine Walker. I was instantly attracted to this script as I’m fascinated with 1920s film. The 20s were an exciting era for cinema: the medium was very new and open, and filmmakers were exploring and pushing the boundaries of what was possible. I’m constantly struck by how fresh and vivid some of these films are, despite being made almost a century ago!
Our goal here was to create a film that looked and felt authentically from the 1920s, despite having a small crew and a shoestring budget. Indeed, how we made this film is very representative of microbudget 2011 indie filmmaking: we shot on a DSLR instead of on film, we shot mainly on location primarily with available light, and we collaborated together with an international and diverse cast and crew who had come to Vancouver, Canada from all over the world.
While we embraced a contemporary mode of production, the romantic stylized story for Joie de Vivre echoes the elegantly simple narratives of this time period. Having been deeply moved by this chance encounter, awoken for the first time how beautiful and cruel life can be, Lorraine matures at the end of the film into a modern woman, capable and in control of her own life. Joie de Vivre is a celebration of the classical age of silent cinema as seen through 21st Century eyes."
Sarah Hudson, 2011
Our goal here was to create a film that looked and felt authentically from the 1920s, despite having a small crew and a shoestring budget. Indeed, how we made this film is very representative of microbudget 2011 indie filmmaking: we shot on a DSLR instead of on film, we shot mainly on location primarily with available light, and we collaborated together with an international and diverse cast and crew who had come to Vancouver, Canada from all over the world.
While we embraced a contemporary mode of production, the romantic stylized story for Joie de Vivre echoes the elegantly simple narratives of this time period. Having been deeply moved by this chance encounter, awoken for the first time how beautiful and cruel life can be, Lorraine matures at the end of the film into a modern woman, capable and in control of her own life. Joie de Vivre is a celebration of the classical age of silent cinema as seen through 21st Century eyes."
Sarah Hudson, 2011
WRITERS STATEMENT by E.L.Walker
"I wrote Joie de Vivre after watching two very famous silent films, 'Way Down East' and 'Pandora's Box'. Both films gave me the inspiration I needed to get this project going. I began to research the 1920's period, along with various classic musical scores and came across 'Ave Maria'; the music pretty much wrote the film for me.
I also studied the style of acting and was in complete awe at how the actors used their eyes and facial expressions; they didn't need dialogue, as you really felt their emotions. Silent films created the international language everyone could understand. Upon pre-production of the film, I was really surprised at the amazing reception I received from the cast / crew who eagerly jumped aboard this project and really gave it their all.
I sincerely hope, Joie de Vivre does justice to the silent films and helps to make the modern film-makers aware of this amazing era...which should never be forgotten."
E.L.Walker, 2011