Moviegoing Memories is a series of short interviews with filmmakers about going to the movies. Seamus Murphy's A Dog Called Money is MUBI GO's Film of the Week of November 8, 2019.
Seamus Murphy. Photo by Justin McKie.
NOTEBOOK: How would you describe your movie in the least amount of words?
SEAMUS MURPHY: A kaleidoscopic film essay that traces inspiration back to the mystery and strength of the people and places at its source. This is the world from which one PJ Harvey album emerged.
NOTEBOOK: Where and what is your favorite movie theater? Why is it your favorite?
MURPHY: It’s got to be the BFI in London, where I have seen so many extraordinary films. No ads, not too much popcorn-crunching and the added enjoyment of reading a well-chosen review or article on what you have just seen, printed and on offer at the entrance/exit.
NOTEBOOK: What is the most memorable movie screening of your life? Why is it memorable?
MURPHY: Fellini’s 8½, many years ago. It was my initiation into the world of serious cinema but it was also weirdly familiar. Because if you have ever dreamed you have already experienced a Fellini film. The sweep and poetry of the camera, the spooky, sophisticated vision and the sly, urbane humor. But I realized later it was also what was invisible—the sound of it—that was so moving and dramatic and stayed with the pictures in your mind long afterwards.
NOTEBOOK: If you could choose one classic film to watch on the big screen, what would it be and why?
MURPHY: Pather Panchali by Satyajit Ray, for its beauty, humanity, simplicity and mastery. And at the end there are two more films to watch in his Apu Trilogy.