Debut feature film
Magnus Meyer Arnesen gets inspiration from life to tell emotional stories through his films. Being inspired by European art house cinemas and Hollywood films, Magnus brings the true emotional essence of life to the silver screen.
His debut feature length film “As I Fall” is loosely based on his personal experiences. While talking about the plot of the film, Magnus said: “It is a fiction film based on some of my life experiences.”
He also co-wrote the script along with Kristian Landmark.
The film is about the unconventional relationship between a father and son as they cling to one another under the looming threat of addiction and separation.
While writing the scripts of his films, Magnus really emphasizes on the characters. Talking about the characters, Magnus explained: “Characters in my films are based on my father, my brother; I work in this way, very closely.”
“I always use myself and personal experiences in my films.”
“As I Fall” premiered in cinemas in Norway in 2018, and received great reviews so far. The film began making rounds at different international festivals - in November last year at the Black Night film festival, which is one of the biggest film festivals in Eastern Europe.
Directing style
As a director, Magnus focus on working closely with the actors. When he was asked how he plans his work he replied: “My strength probably is working closely with the actors, and my focus is to obtain genuine and authentic performances from them.”
Describing his directing style, Magnus stated: “I also focus to bring social realism in my films.”
“I try to portray a very down to earth realistic style.”
“This is my style for now, but may be in future I will change it a bit, and try new things,” said a hopeful Magnus.
The director thinks it is very important for a director to have a good relationship with the cinematographer.
“Gladly I had a very good understanding with Ivar Taim, who shot my debut feature film.”
Film school experiences
European art house films and different film movement inspire Magnus greatly. He also made a few documentaries when he was attending the film school in Poland.
Real people and real life experience were the themes of his documentaries. “At the film school, I got hands-on-experience of shooting with a 35mm camera, and I loved that experience.”
Magnus graduated from the Polish National Film School in Lodz in 2010. “I really needed the experience of the Polish film school in my life to be a better director and scriptwriter,” said Magnus in excitement while reminiscing his days in Poland.
In 2017, he attained a second master’s degree from the Norwegian film school. Before going to film school, Magnus also attended an art school.
Future projects and plans
The brilliant film-maker won numerous international awards for his films and was nominated for an Amanda award in 2011.
His next project is also a drama film. Plot of the story involves a couple that is trying to conceive a baby to keep their relationship alive. About this project Magnus said: “I don’t want to rush the project, as I want to make it properly.”
Life experience and habit of watching films inspired Magnus to be a director. “Growing up, I always loved watching film, and those films inspired me to be a director.”
The versatile director, with very clear visions- also made some dark comedy films before getting into drama films.
“For now I will continue to make drama films, but I might navigate the directions, and then we will see”
“But I will never make a horror film, which is too much for me,” explained Magnus.
As Stanley Kubrick is one of his favourite directors, Magnus also believes: “I can see myself making a sci-fi film as well.”
