Hala Matar’s ‘Electra’ Is Where ‘Mr. Ripley’ and ‘Saltburn’ Meet — And the Director Is Delighted

As a young, aspiring filmmaker, I find Form’s journey incredibly relatable and inspiring. Coming from Bahrain, a place not typically associated with the world of cinema, she has broken boundaries and made her mark by creating authentic stories that resonate universally. Her struggle to maintain her unique voice in an industry that often pushes for formulaic storytelling is something I can certainly understand.

Hala Matar is pioneering as she is the initial female director from Bahrain to create a full-length film. She shared this unique distinction with The Hollywood Reporter. Raised in the Middle East and educated in theater at school, Matar continued her studies in America at the University of Virginia. Unintentionally, she signed up for a cinematography course, but it ultimately shaped the direction of her life.

As a visual communicator at heart, I found it resonating deeply with me. Dialogue-centric forms like theater often seem less effective for my expressive needs compared to this medium.

On Thursday, I’ll be thrilled to see my latest creation, Electra, debut at the Oldenburg Film Festival. Known for its support of indie films, this prestigious event will be a fantastic platform for my project co-written with Daryl Wein and Paul Sado. In our film, we’ve created an enticing backdrop of a lavish Italian palazzo. The story unfolds around Dylan, portrayed by Daryl himself, and his photographer girlfriend Lucy, played by Abigail Cowen. They find themselves staying with a somewhat obnoxious rockstar, Jack Farthing, and his artist partner, Maria Bakalova.

However, it’s not always easy to tell who people truly are, and what started as a potentially career-boosting article about a well-known musician unexpectedly turned into a tale of woe, much like the story depicted in the movie. The film’s title hints at this transformation, suggesting a narrative reminiscent of ancient Greek tragedies. Some viewers might find it to be a blend of Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999) and Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” (2023).

Matar opened up to THR about the origin of Electra, the reason behind her secrecy regarding who inspired these characters (hint: we’re all familiar with them), and how being Bahraini has driven her to delve into Western cinema with a liberation she aspires to see mirrored in other Arab filmmakers.

How did Electra come to fruition and when did this journey start?

Two years past, I found myself deeply captivated by Italian cinema. My admiration leaned particularly towards filmmaker Fellini, with his masterpiece 8½ being my top pick among all films. The dream of creating a movie in Italy has long been nestled within me, a dream that was not only fueled by my affinity for the art but also bolstered by another script I’d penned, which too was set in Italy. In addition to this, I had once resided in Rome for a short while, keeping that intention alive. Moreover, during our travels, my co-writer Daryl [Wein] and I stumbled upon a stunning palazzo. This architectural marvel became the backdrop for most of our film, so we crafted the story around the location itself.

I primarily aimed to delve into the subject of self-identity during my writing process. As I penned down my thoughts, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” served as an inspiring backdrop in my mind. In essence, it seemed like a captivating stage play since we all resided within the palazzo during filming, making it an immersive and enjoyable collaboration with fellow actors and crew members.

It seemed like Electra had a similar atmosphere to that of Mr. Ripley, and I found her somewhat reminiscent of a fusion between The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn.

Absolutely, isn’t it intriguing? Since I had seen Saltburn earlier, it struck me as peculiar because this movie clearly predates the release of Saltburn. When Saltburn finally came out, I couldn’t help but laugh a bit, thinking about the time difference between the two films. In my opinion, that would make for an amusing comparison.

Hala Matar’s ‘Electra’ Is Where ‘Mr. Ripley’ and ‘Saltburn’ Meet — And the Director Is Delighted

And it’s great that you all lived in the palazzo while shooting. It took about three weeks, right?

Absolutely, it was quite an extraordinary project. It challenged my skills as a director, yet it boosted my confidence in myself by the end. Fortunately, I had talented actors to work with. I’m quite pleased with the final result. However, we could only manage a maximum of five takes due to time constraints. Remarkably, we were able to accomplish this since everyone was residing there. This might have been possible because in Italy, shoot days are limited to 10 hours, including lunch. Therefore, time is truly of the essence.

This film also feels like a love letter to Italy in lots of ways.

Definitely. I mean, I have two other scripts that are also set in Italy, so 100 percent.

Could you share with me the process behind creating those characters, as they all seem incredibly genuine? What served as your inspiration for them?

Initially, the story revolves around Dylan, our primary protagonist, who along with Lucy, seems to assume alternate identities. To put it another way, all the characters might not be as genuine as they appear. This is because many of them are either struggling with insecurities that drive them to mimic other characters or attempting to hide from past traumas by assuming new personas.

As a gamer, I’ve found these characters to be intriguingly alike yet distinctly different. One is a discontented rock star, struggling with his professional growth. Another is a flamboyant performance artist, masking her insecurities beneath layers of extravagance and volume. However, revealing too much about Dylan and Lucy might spoil the movie’s magic. All I can say is they’re both running away from something, adopting false identities to fulfill their hidden agendas. Being immersed in the realms of music videos and art curation has given me a unique insight, allowing me to encounter characters similar to these on my creative journey. That’s how they were born.

Did you take any inspiration from real-life people that you’ve met along the way in your career?

Absolutely, but I’m not able to mention specific individuals as they are quite renowned. [Giggles.] However, I have collaborated with certain individuals in the past, and it was an enjoyable experience because they were genuine personalities I had the privilege of working with. It was intriguing to create these characters with the actors and then bring them to life on screen. At times, the actors would suggest people they could relate to more closely as well.

Could you elaborate a bit more on how identity is woven into the broader narrative of Electra? Are there any other themes that stand out to you? And please, no plot reveals, but what do you envision viewers gaining from this movie experience?

In terms of self-expression, I’ve faced similar challenges. Following college, I found myself immersed in the art world, owning a gallery in New York City at a relatively young age. My living space was the gallery itself, and I surrounded myself with influential figures from the artistic community. For roughly two years post-graduation, I might add, I struggled to express my true self as a filmmaker due to deep-seated insecurities. I felt like I was assuming another role, and this experience in my early twenties significantly shaped my journey towards authenticity as an artist.

The key takeaway from this narrative is the concept of unresolved matters, illustrated by the film’s climax and the turmoil it portrays. Dylan’s actions, which were driven by a desire for personal gain but tainted with dishonesty, serve as a cautionary tale. This story underscores the importance of facing truth in relationships or business ventures. When things are left unresolved or without closure, they can linger in your thoughts, potentially causing distress and leading to disastrous outcomes, as demonstrated in the movie. Therefore, the message is clear: strive for honesty and aim for a proper resolution to avoid such perils.

And it’s as much a film about that as it is about vengeance…

You’re right. The most important theme in the movie. That’s why it’s called Electra!

These Greek tragedies, do you take an interest in them?

Absolutely, I do. My preference leans towards classical subjects and literature, such as Shakespeare or Greek works. The foundation for all my stories lies in these classics, but I put my unique spin on them. I believe the reason behind my choice of title is due to its shared theme of revenge and family dynamics that it portrays.

I’m curious if you could tell me more about your background since you’re from Bahrain, as it’s not common to find Bahraini filmmakers, particularly female ones.

Indeed, I should mention that I’m the first female director from Bahrain to have produced a feature film. However, I won’t limit myself to creating films that solely explore Arab themes, as I believe Arabs are often stereotyped in this regard. Instead, my work aims to challenge these expectations. I hope that people from my region will find inspiration in my films, realizing that they too can craft a simple love story if they wish. This may be the reason why I’ve been drawn to Western themes, as growing up in Bahrain sometimes felt restrictive. Consequently, my films are set in the West because it offers me a sense of liberation when writing stories based there. I hope that people from my part of the world can also experience this freedom, as it can be quite challenging.

As a gamer, I can only imagine how exhilarating it must have been to bring Electra to Oldenburg! The journey to securing its premiere there – what an adventure! Now, let me tell you about this film festival that’s all about independent cinema. In an era where indie movies are often overshadowed by big-budget productions or streaming platforms, this kind of event is invaluable. It provides a platform for indie films to shine and showcase their unique stories, offering a breath of fresh air amidst the dominance of larger projects.

I’m incredibly thankful to be here, as I believe the audience is perfect for Electra. Additionally, it’s truly inspiring to be surrounded by fellow filmmakers who share the same passion and motivations for creating films, and who strive to maintain a unique vision while staying authentic.

On just my second day, the individuals I’ve encountered so far are truly inspiring when it comes to championing independent cinema. I wholeheartedly concur with your sentiments, as there are numerous studio films that adhere rigidly to a formula and it can be quite challenging for filmmakers to stand out while pitching ideas and seeking funding. The industry often pushes one towards formulas, attempting to suppress individuality in the process. Navigating one’s own path and finding unique sources of support is indeed a challenge, as it may require venturing outside traditional avenues, such as relying on studios for backing. Embracing originality and creating genuine films is something I will always strive for, as I believe the purpose of filmmaking lies in pushing boundaries and producing authentic works. Here’s hoping that this message resonates and persists.

2024-09-12 14:55

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