The Damon Packard Interview

For my first interview I decided to start with cult film legend Damon Packard. His work has had a great influence on me over the years, as a matter of fact the first time I watched his masterpiece "Reflections of Evil", was just a few days before starting on my latest film, "Pop Skull". Its jarring color palette and sound design no doubt had a profound effect on me and the final outcome of my own movie. I do not exaggerate when I say Damon Packard is one of the most important art filmmakers living today.


For those of you who don't know anything about Packard and his films here is a trailer for "Reflections of Evil".



What was the most disturbing moment of your life?

DP: Honestly i can't think of anything specific offhand, I was pretty upset when they threw me out of Universal Studios for unauthorized filming and nearly confiscated my camera/footage.
The dark shadow of authority, big brother and control structures we live under are the most disturbing things. Punishment and fear, rules, restrictions, fines and fee's, they ruin lives. The fact that freedom can be taken away at any moment just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Law enforcement, courts, judges, prisons, jails, etc, these to me are the most disturbing things, they spoil the fun of life and many of the cold emotionally devoid people who work in these fields are equally disturbing.


My favorite scene from reflections of evil is the part where your character is being harassed by an endless drove of barking dogs. This scene seems to go on forever, always building in its intensity and madness. I can't even start to tell you how brilliant I find that particular sequence's use of sound and and editing. What was the inspiration there and are you afraid of animals?

DP: No i love animals, all animals especially dogs & cats.

When I watch Reflections of Evil I can't help but feel the movie is a sort of insane horror film. To me it gives the impression of how overwhelming and terrifying a large city like Los Angeles can be. Was that your intention?


DP: It was a simple statement about anger, fear, hostility ramped up to exaggerated levels. But it rings true for everyone everywhere, especially large cities full of frustrated angry people who want to kill each other at a moments notice for no reason. It's like that more than ever now, just as Orson Welles once stated. The dragon is unleashed. Your going to see more of it at alarming numbers including businessmen in suits, people are just ready to flip out and commit murder without any hesitation.


Your films are often a sensory overload of sounds, colors and visual effects. One could describe your work, in particular Reflection of Evil, as feeling like a bad acid trip. Have you had any bad acid trips?

DP: Nope, never done drugs.

You seem to have a love hate relationship with Steven Spielberg. From watching your films its sometimes hard to say if you admire him greatly or you want to kill him.

DP: I want to kill him..just kidding. I've stated many times I was greatly inspired by Spielberg in the early days (late 70's early 80's) His visual choreography was what really got me into filmmaking

Lately you've shown a great deal of interest in Japanese animation, specifically Hayao Miyazaki. Have you always been a fan or did you just recently get into that world.

DP: Been a mega-buff of Miyazaki for many years, going back to the original mid 80's VHS release of "Nausicaa" (Warriors of the Wind") He's amazing in more ways that can be described and his success is well deserved.

What was your worst fear as a child and as an adult?

DP: Going bald and not reaching certain goals by age 22, both of which happened.

I've often read that your favorite show is Mash. Can you explain why and do you like the movie?

DP: I'm a MASH-AHOLIC, what more can be said. It's a great show, great characters, good writing, etc Did you know Larry Gelbart just passed away today?

If you had to pick ten of your favorite films what would they be?

DP:
Our Mothers House (1967)
Night Terror (1977)
Secret Ceremony (1968)
The Innocents (1961)
The Pumpkin Eater (1964)
The Hospital (1971)
Cold Night's Death (1973)
That Cold Day in the Park (1969)
Lost Horizon (1973)
Night of the Iguana (1967)

What are five films you think that any film student should see?

DP:
All the Kind Strangers (1974)
Home for the Holidays (1972)
Sarah T Portrait of an Alcoholic (1975)
Addio zio Tom (1971)
The Visitor (1978)


What in your opinion is consciousness?

DP: It is contained within Miyazaki films

Do you believe in life after death? Reincarnation?

DP: Yes and life during death as well.


Hope you enjoyed the interview. Damon is currently raising money for some new upcoming projects, go to this link to help him make it happen. http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-04.1978783974