Tea With BAFTA: Ryusuke Hamaguchi

Sponsored by Jaguar, BAFTA’s Guo Guo interviews their nominee for EE BAFTA’s Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi for their “Tea With BAFTA” segment. Guo Guo discusses Ryusuke’s film Drive My Car Ryusuke while also bringing up related topics such as avoiding writer’s block, the impact of Ryusuke’s mentor, and how he treats others on set.

"I think whether I’m writing an original or I’m doing an adaption, I think it’s always important to remember I am doing this for a film that is through audio, visual expression that I am able to express these things.”

The first question presented to Ryusuke regards his ability to avoid writer’s block. Ryusuke admits that, for him, he never experienced it during the filming of Drive My Car. If he ever felt an inkling of that happening, Ryusuke returned to reading the original story of Uncle Vanya that the film is based on. He tries to not be overtaken by the original story too much while also keeping the respect he has for the original work. For his film, Ryusuke didn’t want to change the main characters of Kafuku and Misaki too much from their initial portrayal. Ryusuke knew that for the film, he needed to go beyond what occurred in the original story in order to create a modern adaption of Uncle Vanya through Drive My Car.

“Always do what the producer says. That’s because the producer is the one bringing the funding…There’s still a certain freedom despite acknowledging that.”

When asked about the best advice he ever received on his journey, Ryusuke references his mentor Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Ten years ago, Ryusuke asked Kiyoshi what to do if he encounters a producer who gives an order he feels unable to answer. To that, Kiyoshi advised Ryusuke to do as the director says since that person brings in the funding. However, Kiyoshi believes there is a certain freedom in following those orders. For example, if the producer asks for you to depict a certain type of relationship, you still have the ability and freedom to interpret that order in your way. Kiyoshi taught Ryusuke to answer certain needs while also keeping true to himself.

'“I think for both myself and the producer, I think what’s utmost important is respect.”

Ryusuke was then asked about his views on an ideal producer and his approach when encountering a producer he doesn’t agree with. For Ryusuke, it was a new experience to work with producers with deep ties to the film industry. The only time he experienced a disagreement with a producer was during his past works Asako I and Asako II. Through that experience, Ryusuke was able to meet a producer he trusts. For Ryusuke, respect is the most important thing to have on set. Mutual respect being present allows good listening to occur between individuals. He expresses happiness knowing that he is working with the same team from Asako I and Asako II for his current film Drive My Car.

“I do think that at the end of the day, the people who are burdened with the most psychological risk…are the people who are standing in front of the camera; the subjects themselves.”

When asked about his process for working with the crew and cast members, Ryusuke replies that the actors’ emotions are the most important thing to follow. If actors are treated badly, then their work falls apart. Ryusuke makes it a point to work with crew members who understand the importance of the actors’ emotions. He believes that once the actors become the central focus, the crew can figure out what is necessary. Ryusuke also expects the same kind of respect between the actors themselves.

“It was really through hearing how the audiences are reacting that I’m finally starting to understand what this film really is about.”

Guo Guo then asks Ryusuke about the biggest takeaway from Drive My Car. Ryusuke claims that he initially didn’t understand what the film was about. Despite elements of life, death, loss, or healing being present, he didn’t think about those while working. Ryusuke only gained an understanding of the film after hearing the reactions from the audience. Through their reactions, he sees Drive My Car as a universal story. The interview ends with the last question asking Ryusuke about the advice he would give to his younger self. He would say that it’s okay to not do things you don’t like because it means you were trying to be honest to yourself. You don’t have to do what you feel uncomfortable doing. One day, the time will come when you want to make a move on the things you care about.