Yorgos Lanthimos Discusses the Challenges of Filming ‘Kinds of Kindness’ in New Orleans

Renowned filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos recently shared insights into the production of his latest film, ‘Kinds of Kindness,’ which faced unique challenges during filming in New Orleans. In an exclusive bonus feature clip associated with the digital release, Lanthimos, alongside production designer Anthony Gasparro, elaborated on their criteria for selecting filming locations.

Lanthimos emphasized the necessity of finding a location with a large lake to accommodate a crucial scene involving a boat. He remarked, ‘We needed a place with a big lake, so we could have a boat. We’re looking for a decadent, rich house. It just felt that it was American, so we were looking somewhere in America.’

Gasparro further explained that the selection of locations went beyond mere physical features, noting how the atmospheres of the chosen sites resonated with the characters. He admitted that some of Lanthimos’ initial location choices puzzled him, but he recognized their potential once he observed the artistic staging of the actors and camera placement.

Gasparro stated, ‘He could point the camera in that corner, where there’s nothing going on, but he’ll find the most interesting thing and bring out this performance, and they’re always just astounding. You’re like, ‘Oh yea, that’s why you’re Yorgos.’

In an earlier discussion about the film’s theatrical release, Lanthimos highlighted the location-dependent nature of the film, explaining that the process was about discovering and connecting with sites that would anchor each story segment. He delved into the importance of figuring out how various locations could contribute to the film’s narrative.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ was filmed during the extensive post-production period for Lanthimos’ notable work, ‘Poor Things.’ Critics have described the film as a departure from mainstream success, encapsulated by its uniquely inhospitable aesthetic.

The official synopsis for ‘Kinds of Kindness’ describes the film as a triptych fable, depicting a man striving for control in a life beset by choices, a policeman confronting the mysterious return of his wife, and a woman on a quest to find a significant individual destined for greatness. ‘Kinds of Kindness’ from Searchlight Pictures is set to be released digitally on August 27 and will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD on October 8.