Leap of Faith is a fascinating documentary about the making of the classic horror film, The Exorcist. It focuses on director, William Friedkin. This guy's brilliant! He has an impressive knowledge of and appreciation for the history of art, music, and film. He's a spectacular example of someone who brings in his influences from many different media.
Simplicity
You might not think the scariest movie ever made has elegant simplicity - but that's what inspired Friedkin to make the film. His only movie inspiration was the 1955 movie, Ordet (pronounced "Ord"). The movie was shot like a play - everything was intimate. Friedkin approached The Exorcist the same way. He considers his film to be a chamber piece, not spectacle. All of the key scenes are shot in a child's bedroom.
Identify the Spark
Friedkin defended his decision to keep the intro of the movie in - the archeological dig scenes in Iraq. He said it set the mood for the entire film and stated the mood is just as important as any one scene. In the Think Like a Musician project management system, the first stage of managing a large project is to Identify the Spark - the emotional connection you have that will provide the momentum for the entire project's completion. Brainstorm a list of feeling words at the outset of every large project that's on your plate. As Simon Sinek says, "Start With why!"
Spontaneity Over Perfection
Friedkin would prefer to shoot his movie in single takes - or very few. Kubrick liked taking a plethora of takes for any given scene - sometimes over one hundred takes! Friedkin pursued the spontaneous, authentic reactions of his actors. Sometimes you have to simply ACT! Don't dwell on perfection.
Intuition
Learn to trust your intuition - your gut feeling. Fritz Lang, director of the silent 1927 masterpiece, Metropolis, said he made his movies with a "sleep-walking security" - one in which every decision is the correct one and there's no questioning your intuition. This sounds like being in the zone or having peak performance. Friedkin took a similar approach. There's a richness in accepting the ideas that come naturally and not questioning them. There's wisdom in those creative impulses. It reminds me of Malcom Gladwell's excellent book, Blink. He focuses on the exquisite genius of the split second observation - thin slicing, as he calls it. It's what makes it possible for an art expert to take one look at a statue and know it's fake - even though it's seemingly authentic in every physical way. It's a feeling.
Make Room for Reactions
Friedkin said whatever an audience member brings to a movie is what they take away. Allow people to see your work through their lens. We all view the world from distinct viewpoints - expect and accept it.
Scott Snow is a productivity expert, speaker, podcaster, and life coach. He is the founder of Think Like a Musician, whose purpose is to help you learn the time management skills you need to be joyful, productive, & fulfilled in all areas of life. He teaches a unique and innovative approach to managing your crazy, busy life. It's a musician's approach to time management and work-life balance. Call 774-230-3928 now to customize a training for your organization or to inquire about coaching availability.