Based on the novella The Trouble with Marlene by Billie Livingston, Sitting on the Edge of Marlene is a dark and bittersweet comic drama playing at VIFF 2014 (September 25th to October 10th) as part of the BC Spotlight series. Directed by Ana Valine, the film tells the story of a mother/daughter con artist duo who just can’t catch a break. Sammie, a clean living 16 year old is forced to join the family con business with her mother, Marlene, who struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. The film not only gives us a compelling story line but also a meaningful insight on family dysfunction and addiction. TICKETS.
Today we have director Ana Valine on the blog telling us a little more about the film, find out what she has to say:
VIFF: What inspired you to make this film?
Valine: The inspiration for making this film came from a novella by BC author Billie Livingston. I loved the way she filled out the characters and built so much tension in the love.
VIFF: What’s the main message you want people to take away from your film?
Valine: The thing I love about this story is that it’s not straightforward. So as far as messages go, I’m more interested in hearing what people are going to take away with them. I have my own ideas so it will be interesting to see how people respond and what the similarities and differences are.
VIFF: Who is the filmmaker that inspires you the most?
Valine: Fellini and Julie Taymor inspire me. I love the theatricality of their visuals, the exaggeration and the play around themes.
VIFF: What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers in BC?
Valine: Haha. Advice for aspiring filmmakers…just make them. I’m really excited to see the film Violent. I love this kind of free and bold approach to filmmaking. Pure movie madness!
VIFF Blog 