UNDER THE INFLUENCE – Jim Schembri’s Interview with Nicholas Verso

UNDER THE INFLUENCE: Director Nicholas Verso makes no apology that his Australian supernatural teen drama Boys in the Trees reflects his love of American cinema.

As part of the new wave of young Australian filmmakers, writer/director Nicholas Verso is open and unashamed about his predominantly American movie influences, something he agrees is due largely to growing up at a time when Australian films lacked cultural impact.

In this lively, frank interview, Verso discusses the cinematic environment he grew up with, along with the meaning and message behind his moody end-of-school drama, Boys in the Trees.

A still from the film.

Set in 1997 – before the time of iPhones, Instagram and ubiquitous internet – his dark tale tells of a quiet, weak-willed Corey (Toby Wallace) who is confronted by the truth behind his relationship with his mate and reigning school bully Jango (Justin Holborow) and the meek, put-upon Jonah (Gulliver McGrath).

Courageous to a fault, Verso also confronts criticisms of the film via ‘The Schembri Challenge’.

Please enjoy.

 

Click play for the interview with Nicholas Verso

 

Click play for a trailer for Boys in the Trees