“Straight Circle”, interview with director Oscar Hudson and actors Luke Tittensor and Elliott Tittensor

During the 69th BFI London Film Festival, director Oscar Hudson and actors Luke and Elliott Tittensor explored the profound themes of identity and nationalism in their film, “Straight Circle”. Hudson discusses the origins of the project, driven by his interest in non-places and the impact of the war in Ukraine, which inspired him to examine these universal themes. The film doesn’t focus on a specific conflict but on the essence of every conflict — emphasizing the absurdity and isolation created by borders.

The Desert as a Character in “Straight Circle”

Hudson explains the significance of the desert landscape, which serves a crucial narrative purpose: illustrating two soldiers who forget which side of the border they’re on. More profoundly, the emptiness reflects a void of meaning, allowing the characters to strip away their identities and associations. Hudson wanted an authentic environment where viewers could feel a tangible connection, which is why the film’s setting had to be real. The desert is an actual space, not just a backdrop, making it a vital character that enhances the film’s raw, visceral experience.

Ambiguity and Interpretation

Hudson intentionally avoided a didactic approach, leaving ample space for audience interpretation. While the film addresses the futility of borders, the title “Straight Circle” represents perspective: from afar, a border appears as a circle, but up close, it looks like an infinite line. At its core, the film explores what unites people beyond the arbitrary divisions on a map, emphasizing shared human experience despite physical boundaries.

The Tittensor Twins on Physicality and Character

Luke and Elliott Tittensor discuss the challenges of embodying their respective roles. Luke highlights the extensive character development, including accents and prosthetics, which helped him fully inhabit his character. His Lancashire accent, close to their own origins, added an earthy authenticity. The physicality between the brothers contrasted sharply, reflecting their characters’ opposing natures.

Twins, Symbolism, and Connection

Elliott adds that building their characters and honoring the script was a key challenge. Filming in Vanirkepan, South Africa, immersed them in an environment that shaped their performance. Luke emphasizes the symbolic use of twins in the film to illuminate themes of difference and disconnection. Elliott notes that twins serve as a powerful metaphor for relationships and connections, especially since identical twins originate from the splitting of an embryo, symbolizing unity and division simultaneously.

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