Director Simon Aboud discusses the film This Beautiful Fantastic
Modern-Day Tale of Love, Growth, and Magic: A Chat with Simon Aboud
Embrace the enchantment as we delve into the heartwarming world of "This Beautiful Fantastic," a contemporary fairy tale that combines the charm of unexpected friendships, the magic of personal growth, and the timeless beauty of a blossoming garden.
Get ready to lose yourself in this whimsical journey set amidst the enchanting backdrop of London, where a recluse Bella Brown, with dreams of children's book authorship, and a curmudgeonly old widower, Alfie Stephenson, form an unlikely bond, transforming each other's lives like only fairy tales can.
Meet the Mastermind Behind the Magic
Simon Aboud, the acclaimed British writer-director, opens up about the making of this exquisite film, painting a vivid picture of a tale brimming with emotion, beauty, and, yes, a hint of magic.
A Unique Blossom: The birth of This Beautiful Fantastic
"At its core, this story is about a man navigating towards death, and a young woman seeking sense in life, who find one another and build an extraordinary bond," says Simon Aboud, sharing a glimpse into the heart of this deceptively layered piece.
Mercilessly versatile, Aboud's creation defies categorization, weaving together elements of a heart-stirring adult fairy tale, a delicate romantic story, and a captivating coming-of-age comedy.
Emotional Depth and Cinematic Beauty: The Director's Touch
For Aboud, the emphasis is always on chasing emotional truth and crafting captivating character journeys. Balancing the delicate blend of heartache and warmth, he painstakingly crafts each shot to breathe life into the story.
The garden itself, playing a pivotal role in Bella's life, significantly influences the film's visuals, embedding itself into the fabric of the cinematography, creeping into both the foreground and background.
Timeless Riviera: Building the Backdrop
Set against the backdrop of a quintessentially English haven, 'Somewhere between now and then,' the film reflects a nostalgic Art Nouveau English charm, both in architecture and sourced locations. In an effort to maintain an air of timelessness, Aboud consciously avoids incorporating modern-day gadgetry for a more authentic experience.
Musically Enchanted: The Power of Melody
Music plays a leading role in this enchanting tale, harmoniously weaving an enigmatic fusion of piano and strings that lends grace to the story's ebb and flow, complementing the ever-changing seasons. In key moments, the music builds to a crescendo, powered by a contemporary female vocal, amplifying Bella's raw emotions even further.
The Director's Dilemma: A Double-Edged Sword
As both writer and director, Simon Aboud faces the unique challenge of striking the perfect balance between his creative visions. While the writing process captures his directorial perspective, he Learn more about it soon must find the objectivity to translate that vision into visual reality once the hat of authorship is set aside.
Independence and Creation: The battle for control
Small, independent films are a labor of love, with limited resources and tight schedules. Despite the hardships, this artistic freedom enables Aboud and his team to bring their vision to life unencumbered. Ultimately, they find solace in the knowledge that their passion fuels their prosperity.
A Gift to Pursue Passion:
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Aboud shares his unwavering belief in the power of passion and joy when pursuing one's dreams. "When you can infuse these elements into your work, you become wholly engaged, and that engagement shines in your final product."
The Elements of Magic:
When asked about the film's magical components, Aboud explained that striving for timelessness and realism anchored the narrative while allowing for moments of enchantment to bloom over time. Key aspects contributing to the film's fairy-tale feel include:
- Transformation of the Garden: Like the mythical forest of olden tales, Bella's garden evolves from a neglected husk to a masterpiece of nature, symbolizing the characters' internal growth.
- Unlikely Friendship: The bond between Bella and Alfie transcends the boundaries of their seemingly irreconcilable differences, echoing the unity found in classic fairy tales.
- Personal Growth and Redemption: Characters emerge from their struggles not only stronger but also wiser, driving home the timeless message that we all have the power to grow and change.
- Horticultural Magic: Alfie's extraordinary gardening skills, combined with the garden's symbolic significance, contribute to the film's aura of the enchanted.
- Symbolic Storytelling: The garden serves as a backdrop for the characters' journeys, illustrating themes of hope, renewal, and the beauty of connection, thereby maintaining a fairy-tale feel.
Experience the magic for yourself by watching "This Beautiful Fantastic" available on Amazon Prime Video or Movies Anywhere.
Embarking on the cinematic world of 'movies-and-tv,' This Beautiful Fantastic offers a unique fusion of 'entertainment,' blending the charm of heartwarming fairy tales, evocative romantic stories, and captivating coming-of-age comedies.
Set amidst the enchanting backdrop of London, this film immerses viewers in a whimsical journey filled with unexpected friendships and the charm of personal growth, ultimately creating an entertaining Yet timeless experience.
