For the first time yesterday I watched the movie “Pi” which was directed and written by Darren Aronofsky. What a kick-ass movie! Just brilliant work for a first feature film. It’s quite clear that Aronofsky strives to make intelligent movies (The Fountain, Requiem For a Dream) that leave you thinking and questioning things well after you’ve finished watching his films. But what really strikes me about Aronofsky is how down to earth he seems judging from countless interviews of him I’ve watched. It’s refreshing. I just love his whole “I’m a Brooklyn guy” who makes indie films attitude.
I came across the “Pi” official website where Aronofsky documented his thoughts before, during and after making Pi. Reading about his trials and tribulations of making a low budget feature. Having already made my first low budget feature I could really relate to Aronofsky confusion, stress, anger and joy he experienced while making Pi.. Here are some excerpts from his 1996/1997 production diary.
Friday April 5, 1996 Retreat
I am in the country at my college roomate’s parents’ place. It’s nice and I am about to embark on the first draft of 
. In many ways this is the most important week of my life. I feel a little weak but I must move ahead. This most likely will be the first film I make. It’s not that bad. It’s only taken me five fucking years to make my first feature after SS. These are the rules for this draft:
1. Always move forward. If you have a problem type through it.
2. Only take a break after something good happens on the page or you accomplish a goal.
No breaks for confusion — (type through it).
3. Ten pages a day minimum.
4. Only go back to add something. Do not remove contradictions, just make a note.
5. Do it. Suffer, live, cry, struggle for one week. You’ll feel like a million bucks by the fifteenth.
6. Have fun.
DAY ONE 10/14/96 THE SHOOT BEGINS
Starts with the circle. The entire crew and cast joined hands and we all formed an economic and artistic partnership. A socialist collective. I made a speech from my soul. I thanked all and offered everyone a chance to take risks, a chance to make there own, a chance at a meaningful collaboration. I almost cried. My mom did. She’s craft services. We shoot — no more excuses.
Monday October 21, 11:40 pm End of Week One
Week one ended hard. We did the hallway in Joanne Ovadia’s building. We didn’t have landlord permission and it gave everything an edge. They are Hasidic and we were filming on a Saturday so we secured little interaction. There was a vicious Hurricane outside and it coincidentally rained out the first game of the World Series, Yanks vs. Braves. I’m glad the series is on but it may also cause a problem. The fact that the Yanks are getting their asses kicked means less baseball interest from the crew. More focus.
The day was a long one and was almost 20 hours. Hard. Matty had a vicious headache attack. But, he stuck in there.
After wrap I had my ceremonial cigarette and then I got a beer at Capt. Walters a couzine bar in Sheepshead Bay. My mind was racing with the compromises I had to make. Film is about compromises. It’s so hard to get everything. It’s a thin line between weighing what is positive and what is negative in this world. What hurts the film and what is important to get. Very confusing.
Today started well but we really slow down in the afternoons. After lunch is always a bitch. It takes forever to get set-ups.
To read Aronofsky’s entire production diary click here.