About De Palma

"De Palma" (2016) is a documentary film about the life and career of Brian De Palma, one of the 'New Hollywood' directors famously known for their innovative filmmaking in the late 20th century. Largely in his own words, he reflects upon his five-decade-long journey in the film industry, his inspirations, experiences, and his unique approach to storytelling. Behind such influential and diverse movies as "Carrie", "Scarface", and "Mission: Impossible", De Palma unveils his deep passion for films across genres.

Making / Production

The film is directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow. The film interestingly is constructed out of a single interview filmed over a week in 2010 with De Palma at his New York apartment. It then interweaves these interviews with a rich selection of footage from De Palma's career.

Actors

• Brian De Palma - As himself, De Palma opens an intimate window into his thoughts and experiences and offers a masterclass in his unique approach to the cinema.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The continuous interview format is a narrative means that pays homage to De Palma's own style, characterized by long, unbroken one-shot sequences.
• "De Palma" was filmed over a week in 2010 but was released six years later in 2016.
• De Palma previously taught film at Sarah Lawrence College, where Baumbach was one of his students, connecting their paths.

Quotes

• "There's the kind of movie I like, and then there's the kind of movie I'm asked to make."
• "The camera lies all the time; lies 24 times/second."
• "One's need to make narrative cinema is more important than the subject you're dealing with."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film does not rely heavily on a composed soundtrack, instead allowing De Palma's narrations and the clips from his movies to dominate the sound-scape.
• The tension and atmosphere in the documentary are underscored by the occasional score composed by Justin Hori.