Dinner with A Brief History of Princess X

Interview with Gabriel Abrantes, director of A Brief History of Princess X

 How did you get into the idea of telling Princess X bronze’s history? And how much is true?!
While I was researching another film, about a Portuguese painter (Brancusi’s best friend), I happened upon this story, and I thought it was just so scandalous.  As far as I know everything in the film is true. As Byron says ‘The Truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction.’

  Did you voice dubbed yourself or is it an actor? How did you work on the text?
There are two versions,  French and English.  In the English version, it is my voice. I worked on the voice over during the edit, trying out a variety of tones and styles. I think this heart on sleeve, sincere voice is greatly disarming, and happens to feel quite strange for me.

  How much do you like Brancusi’s art? Has he been inspiring you in any way? Do you know if he built miniature drafts for the Princess? 😉  
I didn’t always like Brancusi, but these days I love his work. I find it very enigmatic. I had no idea he made miniature drafts of the princess! I would love to see them.

  Is it only Brancusi or are you interested in other artists’ short stories? Do you have more projects of this kind?
I would love to make a whole series with this concept – Masterpieces and Contemporary topics – short films based on one work.  I grew up as a painter, and art is one of my greatest passions. I am very easily inspired by certain works, and empathize quite instinctively with the artist, and as strange as it sounds, even more so with the actual work of art. I’m currently writing extra short 7-10 minute episodes like this one – but I am looking for financing through TV or a web content distributor.

  Do you often go to Museums and do you enjoy guides?
I don’t usually listen to guides – but I do love them – some of them can be so silly, or even downright offensive. And I just adore going to museums.   I love art documentaries – the late John Berger’s Ways of Seeing for example – or art fictions such as Foreman’s Amadeus, or Kurosawa’s Van Gogh short in Dreams (Van Gogh played by Scorsese! What audacity.).

  What were the films that have inspired you the most this past year?
The last film that I went to see in the theatre was Rester Vertical, by Alain Guiraudie.  This film was so beautiful, surreal, sensual, and hilarious. A treat to watch.

  If you’ve already been to the Clermont-Ferrand, could you share with us an anecdote or story from the festival. If not, what are your expectations for this edition?
I’ve never been to Clermont, and regretfully I am in New York at the moment and won’t be able to come this year! I would love to come though!

A brief history of Princess X is being showed in Lab Competition L5.