Introduction
The Safdie Brothers, Benny and Josh Safdie have emerged as notable figures in contemporary cinema with their unique style and approach to filmmaking. As independent filmmakers, they have an insightful perspective to offer budding creative talent, making the study of their work and techniques an enriching experience for students. This article aims to guide educators in designing a curriculum that shares the Safdie Brothers’ creative brilliance with their students, helping them appreciate and understand the duo’s passion for authentic storytelling.
Early Life and Influences
Begin by providing an overview of Benny and Josh Safdie’s early life and the factors that influenced their passion for filmmaking. Born in New York City to a family with a creative background, the brothers started developing films while attending college. Their father, Alberto Safdie, shared his love for cinema by taking them to an array of film screenings. This exposure shaped their cinematic vision rooted in organic storytelling, evident since their first feature film, ‘The Pleasure of Being Robbed’ (2008).
Key Films
Introducing the key works of the Safdie Brothers is essential to gaining insights into their evolution as filmmakers. Provide your students with summaries and screenings of several films from their diverse portfolio:
1. The Pleasure of Being Robbed (2008)
2. Daddy Longlegs (2009)
3. Lenny Cooke (2013)
4. Heaven Knows What (2014)
5. Good Time (2017)
6. Uncut Gems (2019)
Discuss the common themes found in these films: gritty realism, flawed characters, crime motifs, urban landscapes, intense emotions, and moments of dark humor.
Filmmaking Style
Encourage your students to study the Safdie Brothers’ distinct filmmaking style by focusing on several key aspects:
1. Realism: Explain how the brothers often draw from real-life experiences and non-actors to create authentic, relatable stories.
2. Guerilla Filmmaking: Discuss their penchant for shooting on location, using handheld cameras, and employing practical lighting.
3. Editing: Highlight how their fast-paced editing style amps up tension and creates a sense of urgency in their narratives.
4. Sound: Explore the use of original scores and dynamic sound design in creating immersive atmospheres.
Collaborations
The Safdie Brothers have had numerous influential collaborations with filmmakers, actors, and musicians. Delve into these partnerships that shaped their career:
1. Ronald Bronstein: Emphasize the importance of long-time collaborator Bronstein’s role as a writer, editor, and actor in their films.
2. Arielle Holmes & Buddy Duress: Discuss how working with non-actors Holmes and Duress in ‘Heaven Knows What’ added raw authenticity to their storytelling.
3. Robert Pattinson: Examine the mainstream attention brought by Pattinson’s involvement in ‘Good Time.’
4. Adam Sandler: Analyze the impact of Sandler’s performance in ‘Uncut Gems’ that garnered acclaim for both the actor and the Safdie Brothers.
Wrap Up
By exploring the creative world of Benny and Josh Safdie, students will gain a deeper understanding of this influential filmmaking duo’s work while honing their own perspectives on storytelling and cinema. The Safdie Brothers’ passion for realism and gritty narratives serves as an inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers aiming to capture authentic human experiences through their lens.
