Фантомная боль
Милый фильм про то, что нас на самом деле почему-то не меняют события в жизни, которые по идее очень значимые, но зато на нас оказывает огромное влияние какая-то маленькая внутренняя вещь. И фильм основан на реальной истории человека, который потерял ногу, но при этом в его жизни по сути ничего не изменилось:
'Phantom Pain' is based on a script I wrote, which in turn is based on events in the life of one of my best friends, Stephen Sumner.
In June 2004, Stephen lost his left leg in a hit and run motorcycle accident on a country road outside Siena, Italy. Right then, I somehow knew that I wanted to make a movie inspired by my friend's life. Not because the event itself makes for 'a good story' - but because I immediately knew what dangers that event would pose for this specific character: an irresponsible, good-looking, sportive drunk. A story-telling, well-read cyclist. A charmer, a fisherman, construction worker, English teacher, ex-model, looser. A love and attention needing, smooth talking no-good.
When the accident occurred, I immediately thought that it would force Stephen to change his life and become more responsible. But as I watched him recover, I also realized that my expectation was a cliché. Maybe the result of books I read, movies I saw.
Because Stephen didn't really change much - while I thought he should.
I find that fascinating. How much can we really change, no matter how significant the events are that happen to us. How much are we victims of our genes determining our behavior?
'Phantom Pain' is about that. It's about a man - I called him Marc Somner - played by Til Schweiger, who is not affected by loosing his leg. But he is affected by reading a little poem his daughter wrote.
That little four-line poem makes him look deep inside. A place where the key to the door of a different Marc Somner lies.
'Phantom Pain' is based on a script I wrote, which in turn is based on events in the life of one of my best friends, Stephen Sumner.
In June 2004, Stephen lost his left leg in a hit and run motorcycle accident on a country road outside Siena, Italy. Right then, I somehow knew that I wanted to make a movie inspired by my friend's life. Not because the event itself makes for 'a good story' - but because I immediately knew what dangers that event would pose for this specific character: an irresponsible, good-looking, sportive drunk. A story-telling, well-read cyclist. A charmer, a fisherman, construction worker, English teacher, ex-model, looser. A love and attention needing, smooth talking no-good.
When the accident occurred, I immediately thought that it would force Stephen to change his life and become more responsible. But as I watched him recover, I also realized that my expectation was a cliché. Maybe the result of books I read, movies I saw.
Because Stephen didn't really change much - while I thought he should.
I find that fascinating. How much can we really change, no matter how significant the events are that happen to us. How much are we victims of our genes determining our behavior?
'Phantom Pain' is about that. It's about a man - I called him Marc Somner - played by Til Schweiger, who is not affected by loosing his leg. But he is affected by reading a little poem his daughter wrote.
That little four-line poem makes him look deep inside. A place where the key to the door of a different Marc Somner lies.