Anton Corbijn’s movie language

Anton Corbijn claims he had to create his “own language” when learning how to make films.

The photographer turned film director has never had any formal training in either field, and said he had to make up his rules as he went along when making his first film ‘Control’.

He said: “I didn't really know how to make a film when I made Control. I had to create my own language, just as I did when I started taking photographs.

“Film-making is extreme for me. I can't use lights. I need others to help me to put shots together. Directing film is the hardest thing I have ever done.”

The modest director also claims he relies on other people to help him realise his films, because he never learned certain aspects of his craft at all.

He added: “I know just enough not to look stupid. Mostly that means I know who to ask."

Explaining his latest film ‘The American’ – about a US hitman hiding out in a remote Italian village – Anton said, unusually, that he really wanted the actors to be walking as a large part of it.

He added to the Guardian: “I wanted to make a thriller in which you see people walk a lot. I like to watch people walk. I love body language. I don't like fast editing.”

‘The American’ was released last Friday (26.11.10) in the UK.