Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2007 > March > 06 > Entry
SXSW Interview: Nate Meyer, ‘Pretty in the Face’
Director: Nate Meyer
Film: “Pretty in the Face”
Category: Narrative Feature Competition (World Premiere)
Sites: Official | SXSW
Screenings: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11; 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 13; 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15; all at the Alamo Downtown
Film synopsis from SXSW.com: Dispirited by an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, Maggie’s (26) sexual curiosity leads her through a series of precarious decisions. Daniel (14), overweight and insecure, resents his mother’s obesity and worries he’s destined to for the same fate. United through tragedy, they help each other recognize the ways they sabotage their potential.
Is this your first time at SXSW? If not, what has your experience been like in previous years?
This is my first time at SXSW though I have heard wonderful things about the festival over the years. I am honored and excited to have my film make its World Premiere at SXSW.
What are your impressions of the festival compared to others of its kind around the country, and of Austin as a film town, in general?
Austin is known as being a true indie mecca - for film, music, etc. Anyone paying attention over the last decade can appreciate what Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater and others have done to draw attention to Austin as a killer place to make and appreciate films. Everyone in the film industry that I have told my movie is going to premiere at SXSW has responded with pure enthusiasm.
What do you hope to take away from your time at the festival?
I’m eager to hear an audience’s impression to the film and meet a bunch of other filmmakers. That’s my hope. And taste the region’s best BBQ.
Why should audiences be excited to see your film?
“Pretty in the Face” deals with instantly recognizable and universally relatable issues of feelings of inadequacy, self-image and sexual curiosity. It astounds me that more movies don’t explore these themes because they are parts of all our lives. My goal was to integrate them honestly into a story that doesn’t come off melodramatic or cheesy. The response so far from others is that the film achieves this goal in a unique way.
Are there any other films screening that you hope to see?
I want to see the other films in the Narrative Features Competition, particularly “Orphans” and “Frownland.” I also want to see my good friend Mike Tully’s documentary “Silver Jew” and another good friend Craig Zobel’s Sundance hit “Great World of Sound,” which will be a blast to see with an audience. “Crazy, Sexy Cancer” sounds fascinating, too. I hope I have time to see tons more. In fact, I happen to like movies very much.
Any restaurants, parties, tourist locations you want to get to while in town? If you live in Austin, where do you suggest out-of-towners visit while in town?
Growing up in North Carolina made me a connoisseur of all things BBQ. Several places in the downtown area boast themselves as the best BBQ in the land. I will be the judge.
When you think of Texas and the movies, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
I’m sure I’m not the first to say “The Last Picture Show.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: SXSW Directors Interviews
Comments