Filmmaker Paul Greengrass on rage, rebellion and ‘The Uprising’
Summary
Paul Greengrass discusses his new film, The Uprising, which depicts the 1381 Peasants' Revolt and its connection to the Robin Hood legend. He explores how the plague and inequality fueled the rebellion, drawing parallels to modern societal rage. Greengrass also reflects on his documentary roots, his childhood, and the emotional impact of his previous works like United 93.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Paul Greengrass and his new film The Uprising
The connection between the Peasants' Revolt and Robin Hood
Writing during the pandemic and modern parallels to inequality
The aftermath of the plague and the spark of rebellion
Casting Andrew Garfield as the everyman Plowman
Woody Norman as the troubled King Richard II
Greengrass writing lyrics and his philosophy on film scores
Reflections on United 93 and the passengers' courage
Interviews with families and the privilege of making United 93
The Lost Bus and capturing the trauma of the Camp Fire
Greengrass's childhood in a seafaring family
Childhood loneliness and the power of cinema
Early rebelliousness and transition to documentary filmmaking
War zone experiences in Beirut and Northern Ireland
Understanding rage, violence, and the filmmaking process
Review of the film Filina and show credits
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