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NR: What was the
hardest process in producing "Patient J"?
AS: The whole process is challenging, Its hard to put my
finger on any one thing, but I would probably say being patient,
staying the course and being focused.
NR: How long did the
production take to complete?
AS: I’ve had the idea of doing Patient J for about 5 years. It
was just an outline. Then in the summer of 2004, I met Paul (Molnar,
the star) and he said he'd always dreamed of playing the Joker.
Within three months the script was completed and we started filming
the week after Halloween. The film was completed the following
Halloween making (the production) a total of 15 months.
NR: How much did the
overall production cost?
AS: Everyone is surprised at the budget. They say it looks
more than what it actually was. The total was just under 5 grand.
NR: Bat-in-the-Sun
productions: How was it started and when?
AS: It was started in 2001 with just me and my dad doing the
music, and with each project it has grown.
NR: How did you come
up with the idea for Patient J?
AS: I like story and psychology the most. That’s why I love the
Batman and Joker so much. It’s who they are in their heads that I
find the most interesting. The idea of exploring the Joker through
an interview has been done before. I just wanted to do my own take
on that.
NR: Does Paul Molnar really look like The Joker (sans
prosthetics)?
AS: I would say so, Paul would probably agree, too. That’s
one of the reasons why we went forward with the project.
NR: Did Paul do any
research (for the role)? Did he study the cartoons, Jack Nicholson's
(version of) The Joker, or did he read any "Batman" comics in order
to prepare himself for the role?
AS: Paul is a longtime fan of all the Batman movies and
comics. He already had a good feel for playing the character even
before I met him. We filmed a lot of trial stuff, testing different
ways to look, sound and act. We have some hilarious outtakes of
this.
NR: Describe your
objectives coming from the beginning of this project? What did you
want to create?
AS: The main objective was to produce something better than
the film before. It’s an ever growing process.
NR: Having seen
Batman Begins (I assume) did you compare your story or characters to
theirs in any way?
AS: The script for Patient J was written long before "Begins"
came out.
NR: What happened to
Robin's pants (In the Film)?
AS: We were going retro for that flashback. It was suppose to
mirror the 60’s show and really show just how campy it was. It is a
nice contrast for what actually went on in that scene.
NR: Several
characters looked as if they jumped straight out from comic books.
Was this an inspiration for costume design?
AS: I tried to stay true to the original comic drawings and
era’s. I love the original Bob Kane Batman with the wide ears and
short gloves. Then you got Robin from the 60’s TV show with shorts,
and in the end Batman is more of the Jim Lee style of the Dark
Knight. Even though comic book characters sometimes look corny and
wear spandex, they can still come across with real life drama and
emotion. It depends on how they are presented.
NR: What do you plan
to do with Patient J now that it is completed?
AS: It’s now a part of my professional reel, like a resume. It
helps me get noticed, but the main thing is what I learned, having
gained the experience is priceless.
NR: What can you say was the best experience with this project?
AS: It’s being with the people on the set. To be able to laugh
and share in a field you love to do. It's the best reward. After its
over, you miss that connection.
Many thanks to
director Aaron Schoenke for granting us the interview!
You can learn about the short film Patient J which is also available
at:
http://www.batinthesun.com/
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