Bob McAndrew is a writer / director / acting teacher from New York City, NY USA, who counts among his former students such actors as Christopher Walken, Richard Dreyfuss and Chris Cooper. In this interview he talks about the ideas behind his new film noir ‘Strictly Taboo.’
Your experience in moviemaking is so varied. How has this influenced the way you see the world around you?
I see the world as a place full of possibilities. What interests me most is to help people solve the conflicts in this world. I believe we are placed on this earth to love one another. We live in a world that is full of conflicts. Film has the power to transform people’s lives and that is my goal as a filmmaker.
What kind of role models should film school students look for?
They should look for role models that are non-violent. Individuals who can solve problems by using reason oppose violence. They should look for characters that are capable of overcoming great obstacles without using force.
‘Strictly Taboo,’ is a film noir transgender love story. It seems that noir is a style that is gaining, once again, in popularity. Please comment.
Film noir was a prominent genre from the mid-1940s to the late 1950s. It is a genre that deals with characters whose actions/attitudes are cynical and sexually motivated. Film noir is characterized by strong female characters who appear to manipulate other people. It is a genre that is regaining in popularity because many films today investigate human nature and human psychology. Film noir is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is also engaging in its subject matter.
Why have you chosen to direct such a delicate issue?
I have chosen to direct this film because I believe it is a story that needs to be told. It is the perfect moment to tell the story because the subject matter is a worldwide phenomenon. Furthermore, I believe it will give people a greater understanding of individuals seeking to change their gender.
The film’s central character must transcend his “All-American Boy” conditioning and accept a transgender woman for who she is. What themes are you exploring?
I’m exploring the theme of forgiveness and how it relates to the human heart, namely that the heart has reasons that reason will never comprehend. I’m also exploring the theme of individuality and the courage that it takes to be an individual in a society that is constantly demanding you to conform to its rigid principles and values.
At what stage are you with the filming?
We have launched our crowdfunding campaign to finish the development phase. We want to shoot the film next summer with a budget of $4,000,000.
Where will moviegoers be able to see the movie?
Moviegoers will be able to see the movie at their local theatre (AMC, Cinemark, etc.). We intend to shoot a first-class production that will have worldwide impact.
