the alchemist cookbook movie same as book?

One of my all-time cinematographer heroes is Robby Müller, and Joel and I grew up kind of idolizing Jim Jarmusch. Since for this film we placed importance on slowing down a bit and creating something a bit more poetic and solitary, the approach to camera became one of stillness and movement out of necessity.

Joel and I were pretty much on the same page here. I wanted a departure from the sort of “in your face” handheld visuals that we used with Buzzard, our last project together. For The Alchemist Cookbook, we talked a lot about moving the camera only when motivated to do so, and about photographing the woods as a presence - a character really - and not so much just a setting. The visual rules Joel and I set up are specific to each film, and are amongst the first things we discuss when developing a project. As far as collaborative art goes, I’ve never been more aligned with anyone, so I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work and grow alongside Joel.ĭid you and Joel ever set up rules for yourselves for the sake of developing a language? Like, we’ll only shoot a close up if this happens, or we’ll do this to get this across/stay true to the character etc? Were there any films you and Joel specifically referenced as inspiration for the look of Alchemist? The Alchemist Cookbook was a new endeavor into a different filmmaking experience for both of us, and his trust in me as an image maker was clear from the beginning. There’s a trust that I can’t really put into words, but we know that it’s there.

He and I were really the only two buddies in our tight group that pursued visual arts of any sort through college and beyond, so it made sense that one day we could ultimately work together on a professional level, too.

We’ve made music, watched films and made little movies together starting in high school.

Joel and I are first and foremost friends…he’s always been one of my closest.

The alchemist cookbook movie same as book?