The speaker reflects on their journey as a filmmaker, pondering how attending film school might have influenced their work. However, they ultimately express satisfaction with having developed their skills and style independently.
At its core, this statement touches upon the balance between formal education and self-taught experiences in creative fields like filmmaking. The speaker suggests that while there may be benefits to structured learning environments, such as film school, where one can gain technical knowledge and theoretical understanding of cinema, they believe their unique path of figuring things out on their own has been valuable. This independent approach likely fostered a distinctive voice and perspective in their work, which might not have emerged if they had adhered to a conventional educational pathway. It also implies that the speaker values the challenges and lessons learned through trial and error, believing these experiences shaped them as an artist.
Riley Stearns is an American filmmaker known for his unconventional storytelling style and dark humor. Born in 1983, he has directed several acclaimed films including "The Vast of Night" (2020) and "Sharper Knife Than the Sword" (2015). His work often explores themes of identity, technology, and small-town America. Stearns's statement reflects his belief that creativity thrives when artists forge their own paths rather than following prescribed routes.
