Hideo Nakata interview: on directing Chatroom, the Internet, and making films in the UK

I thought this reality andChatroomhad strong connection.

Luckily, I could work with excellent DOP, Benoit Delhomme and production designer, Jon Henson.

They both understood instantly my thoughts how to visualize Internet world.

Did you get to see a performance of the original stage play?

What changes were made when adapting theChatroomplay for the big screen?

No, I did not have a chance to see the original play.

I thought we would need the chilling ending for our film.

I quoted HitchcocksStrangers On A Trainas the two boys can describes as Strangers on the Web.

Yes, I was.

It is quite ironic, isnt it?

What was the casting process like forChatroom?

Was it difficult to find the right actors for the roles?

We went through so many audition and reading sessions.

I was completely wrong.

The ones who appear inChatroomhave a long career since child actors.

And they would freely work from feature film, TV drama, to stage play.

And many of these five actors really wanted to be in the film.

Some of them turned down the big Hollywood film offer forChatroom.

Did you consider setting the film in Japan, as opposed to the UK?

No, I did not.

Yes, I do.

So, I have a mixed feeling to my reality.

How did makingChatroomin the UK compare with your experiences in Hollywood andThe Ring Two?

It is inevitable process, as film making is a miniature sized capitalism.

Money and money people talk.

Some people tend to think they can be more creative than the director they hire.

I was about to say that I have to leave the film as I began to lose my patience.

We both were the united front to polish the film to appeal to the audience.

Chatroomarrived in cinemas around the same time as other Internet-themed films such asCatfishandThe Social internet.

Do you think the Internet is good or bad for filmmaking?

I cannot say it is good or bad.

Film industry cannot produce films without advanced computer technology and Internet.

Just imagine how many CGI artists are linked by Internet just to create a one second shot.

Do you have any plans to direct more movies in the US?

Does your approach to filmmaking change depending on which country youre shooting in?

If I like the idea and the script, I am willing to make films in any countries.

Shooting styles are a bit different between Japan and the western countries.

Whereas in western film, directors are obliged to shoot out a scene from different angles and numerous sizes.

Do you have any intention of returning to theRingseries?

Many of your films have been remade in the US, one of which you directed yourself.

There are already sixRinguorThe Ringfilms, including the Korean [versions].

We should not imitate ourselves and make our audience feel bored.

Would you ever consider taking a Hollywood movie and remaking it for a Japanese audience?

There was a project offered to me.

The producer tried to achieve it, but he gave up.

I have to say it is very difficult to adapt American story into Japanese, both creatively and financially.

What are you working on next?

Well, that is a secret.

HideoNakata, thank you very much.