For this series of interviews, I’ve chosen 8 questions as a tribute to the iconic 8mm camera, diving into the vision and passion of each filmmaker/actor.
Nathan Hill is an Australian actor, writer, producer and director. His interest lies mainly in directing horror and thriller style genre movies.
Is there a movie from your childhood that sparked your love for cinema, or was it something that developed gradually?
I saw ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ when I was very young, maybe 5 years old on an old black and white television, which was lucky because the movie was also in black and white, the 1939 version starring Charles Laughton.
Which filmmaker inspires you the most, and why?
I would say Roman Polanski. His ability to build suspense and terror is like no other. I prefer real human heroes and villains, as opposed to ones that wear capes, so to me he is the master. ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ & ‘The Ninth Gate’ being my favourite.
If you could organize your own film festival, what kind of films would you show, and why?
I actually did run my own festival once, titled ‘Out are the Lights’. It was predominantly short horror films that we showcased, in Melbourne Australia. It ran for 3 years at the glorious Capitol Theatre on Swanston Street. Our proceeds we used to donate to the Variety Club for charity, so it was a good cause.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced as a filmmaker/actor, and how did you overcome it?
I once cast someone in a film that did not go according to plan. I shot 3 days of footage and was getting in quite deep before I realised I would have to replace them. It was embarrassing and a big headache, but for the longer life of the film I had to re-cast. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself otherwise, ending up with the wrong cast in a full length film, that would have been a disaster. Movies are like photo albums, they capture your lifeline and you aim to only look back fondly.
Can you describe a moment on set that has left a lasting impression on you?
I had to kiss an aboriginal actress in a movie once, a very attractive woman. The kiss was so intense and so emotionally driven that for a moment I actually forgot I was making a movie! I had to take a break and reset before I could go any further.
If you had the chance to make a film about your own life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
I’m a big fan of ‘Val’ and ‘The Kid Stays in the Picture’. I like bio-pics but done doco style. I think I’d rather do that than have someone reenact me in a fictional version.
What are your top three favorite movies of all time, and what makes them so special to you?
‘The Lost Boys’, ‘Enter the Dragon’ & ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (animated Ralph Bakshi version). As a teenager growing up, and in my formative years, these were the 3 films that had the most impact that resonated with me spiritually. Sometimes we don’t know what our taste is until we
experience it. It could be any genre at any given time, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
If you could share one life lesson with our readers, what would it be?
Read a synopsis, do a little research before you invest/watch a film. Know your genre and your taste. Don’t waste your time watching something that you don’t like, only to leave hate mail or bad reviews afterwards. No one is forcing you to watch something you don’t want to watch.
If you want to know more about filmmaker Nathan Hill, take a look here!
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