I want to create art that lifts people: A Conversation with Clementine Narcisse
Illustration by Shamma O. (@hiptolazed).
I’ve gotten into movies at a very young age, probably just like anyone else. But there was a large chunk of my adolescence that lacked in the intellectual build-up of film reception. Recently, I started going back into film after being an observer of film Twitter—a community of kids that are, obviously, interested in film. I can’t remember when I followed Clementine, but I can remember that she caught my attention when she started creating film edits. At 16 years old, she managed to catch the attention of directors like Ava DuVernay, and we’re lucky to have the opportunity to (virtually) sit down with Clementine and have a conversation together.
JOOD ALTHUKAIR: Clementine, at what point in your life did you realize that you’re interested in working in the film industry?
CLEMENTINE NARCISSE: I really started getting into films when I was around 10 or 11, but I realized I wanted to make films when I was 13. I saw La La Land in theaters when I was in eighth grade, and right when it finished, in my mind I was like; “OK, this whole filmmaking thing is what I want to do.” I really started sinking my teeth into that directly after by starting to write so many plots and all these ideas, and I never really stopped doing that.
There must’ve been a lot of films that left an impact on you, but do you have a specific movie that you saw that changed the way you view life?
I think the amount of times I’ve seen Frances Ha is way higher than my watch count for any other movie. It inspires me so much, and I think I’ve become so much more comfortable with myself as a messy person in reality after watching it so many times. I see a lot of myself in the main character, and it’s definitely changed my perspective on how I view myself and what my position is in life.
Art by Lavinia Bennett (@laviniabennettt).
You’ve gotten recognition from groundbreaking directors like Ava DuVernay. Who’s one director that you wish to work with, and why?
The idea of working with Greta Gerwig is literally like a dream to me. I’ve seen videos of her directing scenes from Lady Bird with Saoirse Ronan and Lucas Hedges running around this flower park, and her energy is just so warm and motherly. The way she directs and acts and writes just perfectly emulates the type of vitality and spirit that I’m a sucker for.
Have you created any films before? What was your favorite part in the whole process?
I did a four-week-long film intensive this past summer in New York, and in the last week, we all had to make our own short films. It was the first time I had to direct actors and other crew members, even though they were my friends. There were about 7 people that I had to direct around for the majority of that day, but to be honest, it wasn’t really that stressful for me. I had to work around a lot of last-minute problems that occurred with the locations—because it had been raining. But the whole experience of figuring things out and creating this project that I can call my own with all these incredible people was ultimately so fulfilling.
I know that cinematography plays an important role in making a film worthy of being watched. But on the other hand, there are lots of productions that focus on that aspect but seem to be lacking in complexity when it comes to the storyline. What do you think of this? Can a movie be viewed as a masterpiece even if it doesn’t have a good plot?
I hope most people agree with me when I say that I definitely feel like that's true. Some of my favorite movies kind of have no story at all, so when my mom asks what they’re about I just kinda sit there awkwardly. A lot of the time, execution is way more important than a set-in-stone story to me, and sometimes traditionally great cinematography or great editing isn’t the best way to present that story depending on who’s in charge of that.
Who inspires you to be who you are, and who/what do you aspire to become?
A lot of directors who are earlier in their directing career are people that inspire me most. They’re on their first one or two films and have already made so much noise within the film industry with their films, you know? Lulu Wang, Greta Gerwig, Ari Aster, Barry Jenkins are a few in mind. In the end, I want to create art that lifts people. Connecting to films emotionally has gotten me through some really tough times in my life, and hopefully, I can make something that people can confide in, if needed.
We’re holding this interview in December of 2019, which marks the end of a decade. What are some 2019 productions that you won’t be forgetting?
I haven’t been able to stop talking about Parasite ever since I saw it. I’ve seen it 3 times and I’m going to go for a fourth time soon. I literally cannot imagine writing something as good as Parasite, it always leaves me at a loss for words. I’ve been very vocal about Us and Midsommar and I’m so happy that original horror films are still getting so much love from audiences. This year has so many good films though that I have so much love for though! Uncut Gems, Waves, Knives Out, Marriage Story, I could go on for days.
Art by Lavinia Bennett (@laviniabennettt).
It has been such a pleasure interviewing you. What’s one thing do you advise aspiring filmmakers to do?
I know probably a thousand people and their grandmothers have said this, but it’s really true; it’s so important to just read and write as much as you can. My whole life I’ve been talking about how much I want to write and be a writer when I grow up, but I spend so much of my life just, not writing when I have the opportunity to either write or film or do whatever it is that I want to do, and I really regret that. It’s important and it’s the easiest way that you can improve! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, this was very fun! ◆
Jood is the founder of this site. Find her on her Instagram here.