Movie Talk with Nicholas Hytner
Description
Nicholas Hytner discusses his film Lady in the Van 2015 starring Maggie Smith which is based upon the true story of London playwright and actor Alan Bennett befriending an eccentric, old lady who lives in the back of her van on his Camden street, before eventually moving onto his driveway and living there for 15 years. The film explores his often strained relationship with the old lady and his struggle on whether or not to write about her. Hytner says it was originally a play written for Maggie Smith by Bennett. Next is The Madness of King George 1994 based on Bennett's play and starring the 'magnificent' Nigel Hawthorne about King George III spiralling into madness. Hytner reflects on his transition from theatre director into the world of film, a hugely nerve wracking experience made easier by the astute hiring of the experienced Director of Photography - Andrew Dunn and film editor Tariq Anwar who he credits with teaching him how to make a film. The Crucible 1996 was an extraordinary experience for Hytner because he adapted the play for the screen alongside Arthur Miller in his garden. He discusses his love of the great Hollywood era of heavy and intricate dialogue. However, he talks of wanting to leave the shallow world of Hollywood after making The Object of my Affection 1998. As much as it was smart and witty, it was of a certain time and has 'washed away with the tides of history' he happily admits. When Hytner returned home he became the Director of the National Theatre for 12 years and set up National theatre live, where live plays were recorded and distributed to cinemas, which proved to be hugely successful. The History Boys again written by Alan Bennett, was a smash hit stage play that was made into a film, directed by Hytner and starring many talented up and coming British actors. Hytner then left the National and started up a new theatre company with associate Nick Starr called The London Theatre Company, their most famous production being the internationally acclaimed War Horse.