Renowned filmmaker Neil Burger, celebrated for directing visually striking films such as The Illusionist, has taken a groundbreaking approach with his latest project, Inheritance. In an engaging discussion with The Mary Sue, Burger recounted his experience crafting an international thriller using an iPhone, a choice that brings a refreshing cinematic perspective to the narrative.
Immersive Storytelling with Inheritance
Burger emphasized that opting for an iPhone was not merely a stylistic choice but a strategic decision to immerse viewers in a “you are there” atmosphere. The device’s handheld capabilities allowed the crew to capture genuine, spontaneous energy in vibrant settings without causing disruptions.
“We shot it this way not just as a gimmick or a substitute for a motion picture camera, but because it gave us access, ” Burger elaborated. This approach provided the opportunity to film in bustling locales like Cairo’s crowded markets and busy airports, enabling the narrative to unfold in its natural environment around the characters.
A Commitment to Authenticity
One of the most remarkable features of Inheritance is its unwavering dedication to authenticity. Burger explained how the production team filmed full dialogue scenes aboard a plane during an actual flight.“We were in flight, flying over the Atlantic from JFK to Cairo when those scenes took place, ” he noted, showcasing the testament to the realism his team aimed for. The absence of artificial setups—such as boom mics or elaborate lighting—allowed for capturing the essence of life as it naturally unfolded.
This unique methodology extended to filming in high-security locales, such as passport control, where Burger revealed that scenes were captured “on the fly.” “If you’re going through passport control or you’re on a plane stealing the shot, there’s no wide shot and then a close-up, ” he explained. Instead, the film adopted a fluid style that intensified the emotional impact of the scenes.
Breaking New Ground in Cinema
What truly distinguishes Inheritance from other films shot on smartphones is its grand scope and ambition.“We’re the first movie that shot an international thriller on an iPhone that has this scope, that goes around the world, ” Burger remarked. While prior films have utilized smartphones, Inheritance innovatively explores the medium, crafting a new cinematic language that marries raw authenticity with visually captivating storytelling.
The cast’s commitment to this innovative vision significantly contributed to the film’s success. Leading actress Phoebe Dynevor, well-known for her role in Bridgerton, fully embraced the unfiltered filming style. Burger praised her willingness to engage in the unconventional process, which involved minimal touch-ups and an expedited shooting schedule.“She had this tough, kind of badass quality inside her, ”he remarked.
Now available for viewing, Inheritance is a must-see for thriller enthusiasts who appreciate innovative storytelling. Burger’s choice to harness the power of an iPhone infuses the film with a unique energy that stands apart in the industry. It serves as a bold demonstration that compelling storytelling is driven not by equipment but by vision and creativity.
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