A Journey Through the Cinematic World of Abel Ferrara
Abel Ferrara, a name that resonates deeply within the independent film scene, has recently released his memoir titled Scene. This book offers an intimate look into the life and career of one of American cinema’s most enigmatic figures. Published by Simon & Schuster at a price of $59.99, Scene is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of Ferrara’s journey from the streets of the Bronx to the world of filmmaking.
Early Beginnings and the Grindhouse Era
Ferrara’s early career was marked by a series of short films in the 1970s, which eventually led him to the grindhouse scene. His first feature, 9 Lives of a Wet Puss (1976), was a testament to his audacious spirit. Though it might have seemed unassuming at the time, it set the stage for what would become a remarkable career. Disguised under the pseudonym Jimmy Boy L., Ferrara laid the groundwork for a legacy that would see him become one of the most celebrated independent filmmakers.
Over the past five decades, Ferrara has directed, written, or contributed to over 30 features across the globe. His work includes notable horror films such as The Driller Killer and Ms. 45, as well as collaborations with iconic actors like Christopher Walken and Harvey Keitel. His partnerships with Willem Dafoe and his contributions to documentaries further highlight his versatility and depth as a filmmaker.
The Memoir: A Glimpse into the Personal and Professional
In Scene, Ferrara takes readers on a journey through his life, reflecting on the people and experiences that shaped him. He introduces us to his Italian-American father, a bar owner and bookmaker, and his beautiful, blonde Irish-American mother, who he describes as “every bit the Marilyn Monroe to my father’s Joe DiMaggio.” These personal anecdotes provide a rich backdrop to his professional endeavors.
Ferrara also reflects on the numerous women in his life and the collaborators he has worked with, including Asia Argento, Al Pacino, Gerard Depardieu, and Juliette Binoche. Central to his evolution as a filmmaker is his long-time screenwriter, Nicholas St. John, whose partnership with Ferrara ended due to the challenges inherent in the film business.
Behind the Scenes: The Struggles and Triumphs
Rather than focusing on the films themselves, Ferrara delves into the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs. He discusses his battles with investors and producers, drawing parallels between his commitment to his work and the Hippocratic Oath. His experience with Warner Bros. on Body Snatchers (1993) was a pivotal moment, leading to his insistence on having final cut on future projects.
Ferrara confesses that he prefers reading books to watching films, citing the “more bang for your buck” aspect. He also expresses a deep fascination with acting, stating that it is the “hit I’m constantly chasing.” While he admires the visual masterpieces of directors like Welles and Kubrick, it is the acting that keeps him engaged.
Influences and Inspirations
Ferrara alludes to the influences on some of his films, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on The Driller Killer and I Spit on Your Grave on Ms. 45. However, he does not elaborate, leaving readers to infer that his primary inspiration was the low-budget nature of these films, which managed to rise above their modest origins.
A Confessional Style
Scene is reminiscent of Charlie Sheen’s The Book of Sheen, but it stands apart in its confessional style. Describing himself as “a street rat,” Ferrara presents a persona that is more akin to a character in a Scorsese gangster movie than someone from a privileged background. Through his own eyes, he portrays a man who has grown up on the wrong side of the street, living by his own rules, and constantly on edge.
A Character in His Own Story
Josh Safdie, who cast Ferrara in Marty Supreme, noted that Ferrara’s presence in the film is a spot-on portrait of its author. The dog that accompanies him in the film softens him, yet there remains a hardness that is palpable. For Ferrara, Scene is a reflection of his life, filled with both the good and the bad.
Unlike Sheen, Ferrara has no regrets, except perhaps for his 16-year heroin addiction and the end of his partnership with St. John. He makes no apologies for his “wicked, wicked ways,” citing a Native American parable about the two wolves inside each of us. At 74, Ferrara is focused on what lies ahead, cementing his place as a character in his own story.
