An Exclusive Interview with Duronto: Creator of The Offer

November 25, 2024adminlogin#Issue4, Campus0

By: Hiren Shah and Taran Nulu

With Duronto Pablo’s Halloween movie, The Offer, coming out recently, we wanted to get insight into the mind of such a genius director. Read more for an exclusive interview plus some behind the scenes photos!

Inspiration for the film
When asked about the inspiration behind the film, Duronto shared that it had started with a trailer—a lighthouse spoof. Duronto stated that “it was meant to be a small project”, but it had evolved into something larger. “I always wanted to expand and do something larger,” Duronto explained.

The Impact of External Works
Like many directors, Duronto had found inspiration in other films that explore similar themes. Duronto mentioned 2001: A Space Odyssey as one of the key influences, particularly for its exploration of loneliness and isolation, a central theme in The Offer. “A few shots were inspired by it,” Duronto remarked. Other films that made an impact include The Lighthouse and Alien, both of which delve into intense atmospheres of isolation and psychological tension. These cinematic works were shown in The Offer, having a very eerie, immersive experience that defines the film.

Pride and Regrets: Reflections on the Final Product
When it comes to what Duronto is most proud of, there’s a simple yet profound answer: the fact that the film was completed and is now available for audiences. “I’m proud that it was finished and that it’s out there,” Duronto said. However, with a larger production timetable, Duronto admits some aspects could have been improved. The rapid pace of the project meant that, despite several attempts, only a few of the shots made the cut. “Some things could have been done better,” confessed Duronto, who said more time would have allowed finer adjustments to pacing and story structure. “The pacing, in particular, is a little bizarre. I wanted to pad it out a bit more.” Despite these challenges, Duronto remains satisfied with what was achieved, recognizing that the quirky combination of intro, montage, basement scenes, and post-basement moments gives it its uniqueness.

Creation of the Monster
One of the most memorable elements of The Offer is its monster. Duronto explained how the creature came to life, stating, “I wanted something scary.” The initial idea was a gorilla mask, but it quickly evolved when the costume department, led by Moksh, came up with a brilliant twist: a Phantom of the Opera mask placed over the gorilla mask. The result was what was seen in the film.

Picking a Cast
A movie is nothing without its actors, and picking the right ones is one of the most important choices a director will make. When asked how the cast was picked, Duronto replied that he “was going to take whoever said they could, and Taran was the first to do that, followed by Hiren.”

What Makes a Great Film?
Every filmmaker’s dream is to make a great film, and when Duronto was asked whether he considered his film to be great, he replied, saying “I don’t think my film is great, it’s okay.” He followed up by saying that what really matters in a film is that a good and cohesive story is told to the audience. A great film is a combination of several aspects—cinematography, directing, acting, sound design, music, and an airtight script. Duronto also said that, at the end of the day, the camera and audio do not matter—just the story.

Exclusive Behind the Scenes Photos: