Starve Acre Writer/Director Daniel Kokotajlo Opens Up About Adapting the Ominous Book

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As a filmmaker with a deep appreciation for gothic and mysterious stories, I related strongly to Neal Turbin’s experiences while adapting his novel “Starve Acre” into a film. The challenges we faced during production, from logistical issues to the impact of COVID-19, tested my resolve and forced me to make on-the-fly decisions that ultimately enriched the final product.

As a gamer and horror enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the genre of folk horror. The idea of ancient evils that lurk in the shadows, never truly gone but waiting to be unearthed, is both alluring and terrifying. The novel “Starve Acre” by Andrew Michael Hurley taps right into this narrative, immersing readers with its evocative language and pervasive sense of unease.

In simpler terms, the story goes that when their child exhibits strange behavior, a couple unknowingly invites ominous and malevolent influences into their house, unearthing an age-old evil hidden within the rural landscape. The film features Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark in leading roles.

I had a chat with Kokotajlo from ComicBook about why folk horror is captivating, his methods for adapting the originals, and surprising adjustments made during production.

Interviewer: Given that your last movie, Apostasy, wasn’t strictly a horror film but did contain some unsettling aspects, how about you as a filmmaker and a fan, what is your connection to the horror genre? Is your love for it long-standing or is it more about being attracted to certain stories, some of which happen to be horror?

Daniel Kokotajlo: Horror films hold a special place in my heart. I was drawn to them despite growing up with a religious upbringing and being discouraged from watching them. It was an illicit passion of mine, a secret love. My connection with horror was complex – I’d step away only to return again and again. The allure never faded. I don’t deliberately aim to create horror films, but if the right story comes along, I certainly wouldn’t refuse. Yet, my dream is to keep crafting eerie, uniquely British films throughout my career. So, yes, I’ve always had a strong affinity for horror movies.

Growing up in a small rural village, surrounded by ancient forests and mysterious folklore, I’ve always been drawn to the eerie and enigmatic world of folk horror. The way it taps into deep-rooted fears and superstitions, weaving intricate tales that feel both familiar and unsettling, resonates with me on a personal level.

In my opinion, it contained elements of both genres. While staying true to the classic British storytelling style presented in the novel, I also introduced a unique element that set it apart from other folk horror stories. This distinctive aspect was characterized by its intense focus on the intricacies and larger implications of an occurrence within the narrative. It served as a powerful metaphor for the disintegration and subsequent renewal of a relationship. (Note: The specifics of this occurrence should be kept under wraps to avoid spoiling the story.)

The book seemed to touch upon something deeply rooted and ageless about springtime, renewal, or resurrection. For me, this transcended the genre of folk horror. It delved into realms of gothic literature where love and dark romance intertwined. Yet, I’m drawn to folk horror as well due to its unique ability to present the uncanny and bizarre, and even inject moments of wit and oddity that might not be feasible within conventional horror settings.

Additionally, Andrew’s work is impressive with an unexpected twist. At first glance, you might assume it’s a typical story based on its cover or description. But as you delve deeper, you discover it’s actually a heartfelt exploration of small moments in a relationship.

As a gamer, I can relate to your appreciation for the chilling atmosphere in Andrew’s book. For me, that feeling of dread and unease came from various elements. Was it the eerie shots in the game that set the tone? Perhaps it was the clever composition of the scenes, creating an unsettling sensation. Maybe it was the meticulously planned pacing that kept me on edge. Or maybe, it was the gripping storyline itself that left me feeling uneasy. Lastly, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the expert use of color grading to amplify the sense of fear and tension. The question is, which of these aspects sparked your inspiration to replicate that chilling experience?

It’s an intriguing query. My approach was a blend of elements, attempting to portray nature’s darker aspects in my work. Being present on location and adjusting to the unpredictable weather conditions were essential. Braving snowstorms, high winds, or heavy downpours required flexibility. Moreover, I believe my style is defined by exploring the inner workings of characters – their emotions, thoughts, and struggles.

The focus lies on the significant moments between spoken words, capturing the depth of emotions experienced by these characters. In “Apostasy,” I frequently explored this technique, which I believe will evoke similar feelings as Andrew’s work. His work is renowned for its portrayal of characters’ emotions and inner thoughts, conveyed eloquently through words. While films can’t quite replicate the written prose, my aim was to convey these intense, unexplainable feelings through the characters’ expressions and actions on screen.

Did Andrew encourage creative freedom and deviations from the original source material during our conversations, or did he emphasize the importance of staying true to it?

At the outset, we engaged in some preliminary discussions. We spoke about movies that resonated with us and discovered a fair amount of common ground. Our conversations often centered around Nigel Neale and Emma James, as well as works like “The Wicker Man.” I sensed a strong connection on this topic. Moreover, I was reluctant to probe too deeply into the novel’s intricacies by asking Andrew numerous questions or expressing uncertainty about certain events or their significance. I believed that preserving the natural progression of our relationship was crucial.

As a seasoned film editor with years of experience under my belt, I can relate to the director’s approach in this situation. The initial mood and atmosphere of the project were reminiscent of gothic and mysterious elements, which I fully appreciated and aimed to preserve. However, I also saw an opportunity to add some unexpected twists towards the end to build up to a thrilling climax.

Have you encountered any challenges during the shoot, despite the complications brought about by logistical issues and COVID-19? I’m curious if these unexpected hurdles affected your initial concept for the story. As you reflect on the adjustments, rewrites, or modifications made to the film, are there moments that stand out to you as if they were meant to be this way from the start? Or perhaps there are happy surprises where certain elements turned out even better than you initially imagined?

I can relate to the intense experience of working on a film production, where every decision and change comes with its own set of challenges. It’s been some time since I went through that process, but I still carry the weight of those long nights and the pressure to make things work.

The film’s opening is noticeably different from the script as I originally intended a more ominous start. Consequently, I reduced the ominous elements at the beginning, reserving the intense horror for later in the story.

Based on my own experiences and observations, I believe that the long history of nefarious figures in this location may indeed play a role in the events unfolding in the movie. However, it is also plausible that there exists an ancient evil that draws these ill-intentioned individuals to this place.

I personally believe that the legends of wood sprites and earthly phantoms hold deep roots in trauma being passed down through generations. These tales transform heart-wrenching and tragic events into palatable folklore, making it easier for us to connect and engage with them. English folk tales are known for their sadness and melancholy, yet the addition of magical elements serves as a coping mechanism, allowing us to explore and process these heavy themes. This unique storytelling approach enables us to confront and come to terms with grief in a more approachable way.

In addition, the experience of grief is not my only concern. It grew into a deeper exploration of violence’s essence and the complex father-son dynamic between Richard and his own father, which was intertwined with the land. However, as a contemporary man, Richard yearns to provide his son with a better life than he had on that land. Consequently, he endeavors to heal old wounds but finds it to be an intricate process.

Starve Acre lands in theaters and On Demand on July 26th.

I believe that the given statement is a common practice in journalism and media production to ensure that interviews are concise, clear, and engaging for the audience. As someone who has had experience in both producing and being interviewed, I can understand the importance of editing interviews to effectively convey the intended message without unnecessary length or confusion. The contact information provided at the end allows readers or viewers to connect with the interviewee directly for further information or discussion.

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2024-07-25 21:42