Director Robert Zemeckis Discusses 'Here,' a Unique Film with a Fixed Camera

Director Robert Zemeckis has brought forth a unique film titled Here, where the camera remains stationary, allowing the flow of time and events around it. The movie, which primarily unfolds within the living room of a New England home, spans approximately 120 years, from the early 1900s to the present.

The Inspiration Behind Here

The film is adapted from a graphic novel of the same name, which Richard McGuire originally published in 2014. This graphic novel builds upon a six-page comic strip created around 25 years ago. Zemeckis first encountered the book about a decade ago, describing it as a cinematic piece that sparked his immediate interest in forming it into a film.

Zemeckis recalls, "As soon as I opened the book, I basically saw — not exactly, but in a general sense I saw the movie." He believed the graphic novel's visual storytelling methods could translate beautifully to cinema.

Previous Attempts and Innovations

This isn’t the first attempt at bringing Here to life. In 1991, film students Tim Masick and Bill Trainor crafted a short film based on the concept. Years later, during the 2020 Venice Film Festival, a virtual reality version was introduced. Yet, with Zemeckis at the helm, the film has reached a new level of connection and creativity.

With a history of using cutting-edge technology in his films, Zemeckis's venture into Here represents another challenge. While films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Forrest Gump have achieved critical acclaim, his experiences with motion-capture technologies haven’t always fared as well. Despite some failures in recent years, he felt a mixture of excitement and doubt while making Here.

The Filming Process

Throughout production, Zemeckis and his team were uncertain about whether their approach would work. He mentions, "There was doubt throughout, because there was no comparable film that you could look at to see if it could work or not." However, as the project progressed and editing began, it became clear that they had successfully woven together their visual narrative.

Actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright portray a couple whose ages span from youth to old age. The film employs digital techniques to enhance their appearances, ensuring that their facial expressions correspond with their ages depicted in the story. Zemeckis emphasizes the importance of acting in the film, noting how the actors focused on adjusting their performances to reflect their characters' age changes.

Reflections on Time and Space

Viewers may find themselves reflecting on their own experiences over time. Zemeckis shares a personal connection to this theme, mentioning a 600-year-old house he owns in Tuscany. He often thinks about the lives and events that have transpired within those walls. Sharing an anecdote, he recalls meeting an elderly man who pointed to a window, proudly stating he was born in that very room.

The Future of Filmmaking Technology

The evolution of technology in filmmaking continues to advance. Zemeckis acknowledges the recent digital recreation of performances, yet he firmly believes that human actors bring an essential warmth to performances that technology cannot replicate. He asserts his preference for live performances over fully animated characters.

Here opens in theaters on November 1, inviting audiences to witness its innovative approach to storytelling.

Zemeckis, Film, Innovation