Terence Nance talks An Oversimplification of Her BeautyBy Wilson Morales
April 24, 2013
From its premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival to other festivals, Terence Nance’s stunning debut film, ‘An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,’ is finally hitting theaters this weekend.
For the young filmmaker, it’s been a long journey taking a personal experience and making a film out of it. Seen as a feature, documentary and with the use of animation, the film documents the relationship between Terence (Nance) and a lovely young woman (Namik Minter) as it teeters on the divide between platonic and romantic.
Blackfilm.com recently caught up with Nance as he explains what the film is and what the audience should expect from it.
How would you best describe the film? Is it a documentary or a feature?
Terence Nance: It’s a film where one side is what I would call “non-fiction.” That’s how I would title it.
From making the short film to a feature, how long was the process in getting this done?
TN: It took six years before its premiere at Sundance and seven years before it opens in theaters this week. I was in school when I first started this and I would go back and forth while dong other projects. I worked on it for four solid years.
When did you know you wanted to make this story and how did you come up with the concept of shooting it with animation sequences involved.
TN: It all came about from one evening I had with Namik. At the time, I was obsessed with the idea of impulse and I wanted to make things that didn’t dilute my process of that idea.
From what I read, you cut this down from three hours to ninety minutes. How challenging was the editing?
TN: It was a challenge but I knew how long the film needed to be. It wasn’t like I was trying to find the film. There wasn’t a lot of different films to make from within it. There was only one film to be made. From an execution prospective, it wasn’t too difficult.
The way you incorporate the animation in the film is almost innovative to some in the industry. Were you aware of that?
TN: Not when I was making it, but I think when I was done, I had a feeling that I hadn’t seen anything like this before. Not that anything had existed like this, but I wasn’t aware of one. I do think that the animation, at least on some level, is the attraction that is drawing people to the film.
What are your thoughts on love and relationships and will this film give some answers to those probably in the same position that you were in?
TN: This film will tell you what not to do. I don’t think I have a position. I think there is a prescription to any of this. It’s applicable to all situations, but I do think this film is about immaturity and not wanting to embrace the truth and becoming comfortable in an ambiguous state of confusion than advancing to a state of clarity and truth. On some level, it’s very fruitful to a narrative and drama about ambiguity and confusion which is why there is a movie on this.
Where are you and Namik at this stage right now?
TN: We’re good friends.
Having the benefit of touring with the film at festivals, what have you learned as a filmmaker?
TN: I learned a lot. I learned that the festivals are really a viable way to get the world to experience your film. As I started making the film, I didn’t understand the festivals and the way it helps market a film. Through the different labs I was involved with, and making music videos and me starting to make films, I understood its existence and scale and it showed me the power of sharing a film. It’s not a light thing. It can take you around the world and change your resource base as an artist in a way that I don’t think other platforms have. Instantly, there’s a base that’s a world wide network and mobilizing around that has been positive for myself.
Now that the film is coming out, where do you go from there?
TN: It’s on to the next one. I’m finishing writing my next movie and pushing it out. My next film, a documentary, is about skin lighting cream, and my next narrative is called ‘The Lobbyist.’
What’s a good reason to see ‘An Oversimplification of Her Beauty?’
TN: It’s an experience you won’t get with other films. The reason I want to see any film is because I haven’t seen anything like that before and it’s out of curiosity for something new. That’s the best selling point for any film, and my film included. Whatever it is that people come to expect, my film won’t be that. It’s a new voice on the scene.
