Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes Screening and Q&A with Matt Reeves

Matt Reeves
Matt Reeves, the writer & director of War for the Planet of the Apes
On Wednesday, July 30, The Los Angeles Film School and Jeff Goldsmith presented a screening of Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, the action drama directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In).
 
The film centers around a struggling humanity faced with an uncertain future, and facing a growing community of sentient apes.

Starring Jason Clarke, Keri Russell, Gary Oldman, and Andy Serkis, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes is an achievement in blending motion capture with location filmmaking and features a stellar script, and stunning performances by its cast. Reeves spoke with Jeff Goldsmith after the screening about the process of creating the Apes world with access to the technical wizards at WETA Digital.

“We were pushing to make the technology grounded.”

The effect is achieved, principally, by Reeves’ dedication to the story.

“What is important is making the story intimate… to do what is right for the emotion.”

Regarding his directing style, Reeves expressed simply.

“”If you can come out with enough good moments, you’ve made your movie.”

In terms of his relationship with JJ Abrams, Reeves recollected.

“JJ Abrams and I met when we were 13… They paid JJ and I $250 to repair Steven SpieIberg’s 8mm tapes.”

Dawn of the Planet of The Apes is in theaters now. You’ll be able to find the episode of the podcast soon here.