It’s another big week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome writer/director/producer RENJI PHILIP live to the show talking about his new film, THE WAKE OF LIGHT, plus our prerecorded exclusive interview with none other than musician/actor/songwriter and all-around good guy FRANK STALLONE talking about the new documentary about him, STALLONE: FRANK, THAT IS.
Joining us live at the midpoint of the show is RENJI PHILIP talking about his new feature film THE WAKE OF LIGHT. Visually and emotionally exquisite, the film has the thematic and emotional feel of an existential Malick, but with more visual clarity (and some fabulous sun flares!). Complementing some beautiful performances and the thematic cinematography is a beauteous score punctuated with the exquisite delicacy of piano music. Take a listen as Renji goes deep into the making of THE WAKE OF LIGHT and the cinematic tools and components he employed to create this emotionally experiential film; working with his cinematographer Rainer Lipske, finding unscripted imagery to create powerful montages, his journey to find the perfect location (Sutter Creek, California), casting and writing roles specifically for some longtime collaborators like Rome Brooks and William Morton, bringing on actor Matt Bush, the importance of music to Renji’s creativity and creative process, and a real treat with this film – score and not only the work of composer Josh Mancell but that of fellow composer and pianist Josh Kramer whose piano pieces here are almost ethereal.
But before we get to Renji, we’re talking STALLONE: FRANK, THAT IS with the man himself, FRANK STALLONE. STALLONE: FRANK, THAT IS, is an up-close and personal documentary on Frank from writer/director/editor/producer Derek Wayne Johnson. Thanks to archival materials, interviews from individuals in Frank’s professional life that span more than 50 years including some heartfelt reunions, and some “Frank on Frank”, by film’s end you really know more about what makes Frank tick, who he is, where he came from, what he loves, where his heart is, and that Frank Stallone is far from over.
A “must hear” interview, take a listen to this exclusive conversation that goes beyond the documentary as Frank and I stroll down memory lane together talking about Staying Alive, Rocky, Philly and the Philly music and radio scene in the 60’s and 70’s, his mom Jackie, his brother Sylvester, surprises in the documentary, and so much more.
