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

The film “Straight Circle” made a compelling debut at the 82nd edition of Venice International Film Festival,  in the Settimana della Critica section, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of war, borders, and nationalism. Directed by Oscar Hudson and with the twins Luke and Elliot Tittensor as the main characters, the film intricately weaves themes of conflict and unity through the story of two soldiers who lose their sense of identity amid a stark desert landscape. With stunning set design, nuanced performances, and symbolic storytelling, “Straight Circle” stands out as a significant cinematic work presented during the Settimana della Critica.

The interview

During our interview, it emerges how “Straight Circle” employs visual techniques to emphasize cultural differences and the divisions that separate opposing sides. The opening sequence, a split-screen depicting two contrasting cultures, sets the tone for the film’s deep dive into cultural identity. Oscar Hudson, drawing on his anthropology background, crafted a universe where the soldiers’ customs and rituals—though exaggerated and playful—serve as allegories for broader societal divisions. The hybrid British cultures, infused into the world-building, create a surreal environment that underscores the arbitrary nature of borders and cultural boundaries, as well as the nonsense of every conclict.

Actors Luke and Elliot Tittensor (who are twins) portray the two soldiers, playing a central role in conveying the complex emotional layers of the story. Their physical transformations—gestures, postures, and accents—were meticulously worked out with a team including movement and acting coaches. The goal was to visually differentiate the two characters progressively, illustrating their internal journeys from confusion to clarity.

“Straight Circle” is a visually arresting and thematically rich film that resonates with contemporary global issues. Its innovative use of visuals, cultural symbolism, and deep character work makes it a standout at Venice Film Festival, promising to spark conversations about identity, conflict, and the human condition well beyond the festival’s closing night.

Plot