I don't particularly like the idea that there's an arc to the story and that therefore in this scene you have to convey this bit of information or emotion. I like more the feeling that, of course, there is a shape to the story, but that each scene should feel right, should be true at that moment, and that gradually you accumulate these moments of truth until you get enough of them together that it becomes a story that's interesting.
Michael WinterbottomWhen you start being enthusiastic about whatever it is you like, that is the golden age for you.
Michael WinterbottomThe great thing about not having a script is there's nothing you have to shoot that day. When you start filming, you can shoot anything you want. There's no pressure to shoot anything. Whatever interests you that day is what you're shooting. That's a big liberation that makes it more enjoyable and more relaxed. I think if you have that kind of framework it can make it a much more satisfying thing to work on and to watch as well.
Michael WinterbottomA lot of the aspects of the world of the film are amalgams of things that already exist.
Michael WinterbottomThere's still a 1950s view of cinema, that there's one audience and they all want to see the same thing.
Michael WinterbottomI prefer to take actors and put them in real settings and real locations and real situations rather than create artificial locations that serve the characters. It's just much easier when you are walking down the street with your actors to do that in a real street that's still open with people on it, rather than to close it off and bring in extras.
Michael Winterbottom