“The H@llow man”, interview with director Kamel Laaridhi

Kamel Laaridhi, the director of  The H@llow Man, discusses his latest film at Venice Critics Week, where it was showcased. The film explores themes of memory, technology, and societal control through a thought-provoking narrative set in a near future. This interview offers insight into his creative choices and the philosophical questions embedded within the film.

The use of future settings to reflect present concerns

Laaridhi explains that although The H@llow Man is set in a future world, it is fundamentally a story about today’s society. He chose to incorporate hypnotherapy as a key element because he envisions a future where biochips in the brain could be manipulated or controlled. The film’s narrative deliberately blurs the line between past, present, and future to evoke a sense of uncertainty and to challenge viewers’ expectations of science fiction. He wanted the audience to feel suspended in a world that feels both familiar and unsettling, emphasizing that the real focus is on current societal fears about technology and control.

The philosophical role of poetry in a futuristic context

A striking aspect of  The H@llow Man is the use of poetry as a tool for resistance. Laaridhi highlights that poetry, often dismissed as a lesser art form, becomes a vital means of expression and defiance in her film. He believes that poetry can serve as a counterbalance to technological domination, offering a space for human emotion and individual voice. The film’s ending features a well-known poem, reinforcing his idea that art and poetry remain powerful in resisting oppressive systems. For him, poetry embodies the enduring human spirit amid technological evolution.

Aesthetic choices and influences behind The H@llow Man

Visually, Laaridhi aimed to create an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere that aligns with the film’s themes. He draws inspiration from video art of the 1970s and the surrealist works, emphasizing montage techniques that create a sense of distance and reflection. His approach involved using specific framing and editing styles to immerse viewers gradually into the film’s world, encouraging them to question the rationality of what they see. These aesthetic decisions serve to deepen the film’s philosophical core, making The H@llow Man a compelling blend of visual poetry and speculative storytelling.

Plot