Interviews with Aki Kaurismaki
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I decided a long time ago that it was high time to have a section of the site dedicated to one of my Cinematic heros, the Finnish film director Aki Kaurismaki. Like so many Kaurismaki fans, I was introduced to the man's genius via the film Leningrad Cowboys Go America, a deadpan tale of the worst rock and roll band in the world not quite taking North America by storm, and have
sought his other films out since. There was a golden age in the late 1990's when I discovered a video rental shop in Stoke Newington, North London, that had a well stocked supply of obscure world cinema, and I would rent these films to watch first thing in the morning before walking to work. Kaurismaki is unfailingly entertaining in interviews, being both taciturn yet outspoken and retaining the deadpan humour of many of his films. This section contains a selection of Kaurismaki interviews for your interest and entertainment. I am always grateful to receive more, so if you know of interviews or articles that could go here, I would be eternally grateful to hear from you. Interviews: "The Shape of Finns to Come" (NME 1990) "Romantic as a Caterpillar" (FT 2002) "Monsieur Charismatique Goes To Cannes" (Helsingin Sanomat 2002) "I am a Lousy Film-maker" (Guardian 2003) "The Finnish Touch" (Tha Age 2003) "Film-makers on Film: Aki Kaurismaki" (The Telegraph 2003) Links: Official Kaurismaki Brothers site IMDB entry for Aki Kaurismaki Dave Serjeant's Recommended Filmography