After delivering a two-hour masterclass at the Cairo Film Festival, acclaimed director Gaspar Noé shared his thoughts on future projects in an interview with Variety. He expressed interest in exploring various genres, stating, “I’m particularly drawn to documentary, war films, and horror. I might even try to blend these three genres. Additionally, I would like to create a movie featuring young children or one aimed at children.”
The Argentinian filmmaker, known for his provocative works such as “Irreversible” (2002) and “Vortex” (2021), spoke passionately to a sold-out audience about his connection to children. He remarked, “Kids are like small adults. They face many dangers and are exposed to everything. Although I don’t have children of my own, I feel very attached to them. The relationship with kids is direct and playful. I want to make a film that captures their fragility and the threats they encounter.”
Noé also reflected on his mother’s influence on his filmmaking. As a social worker, she guided him toward understanding society’s most vulnerable groups. Her love for cinema introduced him to a wide range of films at an early age. He recalled watching the iconic skeleton fight in “Jason and the Argonauts” (1963) when he was just four years old, and being captivated by “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) at six, despite not fully grasping its themes.
His mother’s appreciation for unconventional films exposed him to controversial topics early on. He recounted attending a Fassbinder film with her at the age of ten, where he encountered stories about lesbians without knowing what that meant.
From his father, an artist, Noé learned the importance of playfulness in art. He enjoyed incorporating gimmicks into his films, such as the warning in his 1998 debut feature “I Stand Alone,” which encouraged viewers to leave the theater. He was inspired by an old William Castle film that featured a similar warning.
Noé’s earlier works have often sparked controversy due to their graphic content. When asked if he regretted any of his films or wished he had pushed boundaries further, he responded, “Fortunately, I have no regrets about my past movies. However, some projects I considered years ago no longer excite me. It’s essential to begin production on a film when the subject still captivates you. As life changes and new ideas emerge, some concepts may lose their appeal.”
Fans of Noé will be eager to see if his next project will indeed be a surprising venture into filmmaking for children.
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