In a recent interview, acclaimed filmmaker Kelly Reichardt revealed the profound and enduring influence of Satyajit Ray on her work, stating, "I always return to Ray." Reichardt, known for her minimalist and character-driven films such as First Cow and Wendy and Lucy, shared how Ray's filmmaking has been foundational to her approach.
Reichardt first encountered Ray's films in an Indian cinema class during art school. She was overwhelmed by his work, saying she had "never seen anything like that". Ray's films resonated deeply with her and remained in her mind long after the class ended. She began with The Apu Trilogy, and then watched every Ray film she could find. One film she particularly loves is Charulata.
When discussing Ray's influence, Reichardt emphasized his "economical" and effortless filmmaking style. She noted that Ray "never does two moves at once," admiring the formal structure he imposed on his films. She also returns to Ray for his sound design. This approach, she believes, never feels displaced from the economy of his characters.
Reichardt specifically cited Ray's Days and Nights in the Forest, which she described as "like the French New Wave meets India" after seeing it screened at Cannes. She sees Ray's influence in the slower, quieter style of cinema that she has grown fond of.
Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, music composer, graphic artist, lyricist and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. Ray directed 36 films, including feature films, documentaries and short films. He received numerous awards, including an honorary Academy Award in 1992.
Ray's debut film, Pather Panchali (1955), won numerous awards and put Ray and post-independence Indian cinema on the world stage. The film introduced themes and stylistic traits that would continue throughout Ray's career. Other noted films include Aparajito, Apur Sansar, The Music Room, The Big City, and Devi.
Kelly Reichardt's latest film, The Mastermind, premiered on Mubi India on December 12. The film takes a spin on the heist film, focusing on JB Mooney, a family man who is obsessed with his own plan and refuses to acknowledge the socio-political climate of the time. Reichardt worked with actor Josh O'Connor in the film. She saw O'Connor in God's Own Country and was shocked that he was the same actor in The Crown. She thought he had a timeless face, body, and posture.
