The late Dutch cinematographer Robby Muller “had a permanent influence on the film language overall,” according to the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers. His low-tech, innovative style and expressive use of light — on display in such ground-breaking art house features as Paris, Texas, Down by Law and Breaking the Waves, inspired a generation of filmmakers.
Claire Pijman’s documentary Living the Light – Robby Muller, finished shortly before Muller’s death earlier this year, promises an intimate look at the man and his art, seen from his own perspective and those who knew him best.
The Hollywood Reporter can now exclusively reveal the trailer for Living the Light, which will premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 4.
Documentary and art house specialists Wide House have picked up world sales to the film and will be shopping it to international buyers. The group handled such recent Venice docs as The Prince and The Dibbuk (2017) and The Graduation (2016).
“I chose Living the Light – Robby Muller because of the film’s beauty and the fact Robby’s art is like photographers, painters and represents the most famous films of the 20th century,” says Wide House’s Anais Clanet.
Indeed, Muller’s use of natural light and color has been likened to Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. The cameraman was known to wait for hours for nature to provide the right conditions to shoot. In addition to his many art house features —he also worked with Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen on the 2002 short Carib’s Leap —Muller lensed numerous Hollywood features, including Repo Man (1984), directed by Alex Cox; William Friedkin’s To Live and Die in L.A. (1985); and Mad Dog and Glory (1993), helmed by John McNaughton.
The trailer for Living the Light features testimonials from the likes of directors Jim Jarmusch, Lars von Trier and Wim Wenders, all of whom worked with Muller on multiple films. Jarmusch praises Muller’s “playful spirit” while von Trier admits he was “spoiled by Robbie” because he made everything look so easy.
Check out the exclusive trailer for Living the Light – Robby Muller below.
Living the Light – Robby Muller Trailer ENG from Moondocs on Vimeo.
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