Podcast Summary: "David Koepp's Ghost Story Told From the Ghost's POV" – All Of It, Hosted by Alison Stewart

Release Date: January 28, 2025
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Introduction to the Episode

Alison Stewart opens the episode of "All Of It", WNYC's cultural exploration show, by outlining the day’s lineup focused on powerful women in music. However, the primary feature of the episode delves into the new film "Presence," a haunted family drama uniquely narrated from the ghost's perspective. Stewart introduces the guests: David Koepp, the acclaimed screenwriter known for hits like Jurassic Park and Mission Impossible, and Kalina Liang, the lead actress portraying Chloe in "Presence."

Overview of "Presence"

"Presence" is described as a "New York Times critic's pick," centering on a family that moves into a seemingly perfect home, only to discover it is haunted by an unseen presence. The film explores the complex dynamics within the family, highlighting secrets and underlying resentments. The story is uniquely told from the ghost’s point of view, employing the camera as the ghost itself, which presents a fresh narrative style.

Notable Quote:

Cristina De Rossi, Anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College, London:
"Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things."

Interview with David Koepp: Crafting a Ghost Story

Initial Inspiration and Conceptualization

David Koepp shares that the inspiration for "Presence" originated from a discussion with director Steven Soderbergh, who envisioned a narrative entirely from a ghost’s perspective. Koepp emphasizes his affinity for “aesthetic concepts that restrain you,” likening "Presence" to his previous work such as Panic Room, which is confined largely to a single location.

Notable Quote:

David Koepp [04:13]:
"It's always binary. For me. It's a one or a zero. You know, you either hear an idea or you have an idea, and either your mind swims with possibilities or it's kind of inert and it doesn't."

Writing Under Constraints

Koepp discusses the unique challenges of writing "Presence," noting that the ghost, represented by the camera, acts as the fifth character in a story primarily focused on four family members. This constraint required innovative storytelling techniques, such as ensuring each scene could be captured in a single shot without traditional close-ups.

Character Development and Themes

Koepp elaborates on the evolution of the ghost’s character—from a "frightened, uneasy presence" to a more "confident" entity capable of influencing events. He also touches upon the film’s exploration of trauma, suggesting that traumatic experiences heighten one's sensitivity to the supernatural.

Notable Quote:

David Koepp [12:06]:
"I think there's a reason that it's a really durable means of storytelling because they're essentially hopeful to have a ghost story. The very premise means that there's an afterlife. Something comes beyond. So that's hopeful, and we're drawn to them."

Conversation with Kalina Liang: Bringing Chloe to Life

First Impressions and Preparation

Kalina Liang reflects on her initial reaction to the script, expressing excitement and intrigue upon reading it multiple times. To authentically portray Chloe, a character grappling with loss and trauma, Liang engaged in journaling from Chloe’s perspective, immersing herself deeply in the role to deliver a genuine performance.

Notable Quote:

Kalina Liang [08:22]:
"I really wanted to show this character as raw and as authentically as I could. So I actually did a lot of journaling as the character."

Navigating Interactions with a Difficult Sibling

Liang discusses her approach to acting opposite a challenging character like Tyler, the eldest son, portrayed as a misunderstood athlete with underlying rage. She describes a pivotal moment where her character, Chloe, gains sympathy for Tyler, illustrating her growth and the complexity of their relationship.

Notable Quote:

Kalina Liang [10:43]:
"For Chloe, she's going through such a time of immense pain and loss that she has nothing to turn to. When Ryan comes along and is willing to listen to her, she immediately latched onto him because she was desperate for some sort of human connection."

Exploring Themes: Trauma and the Supernatural

The discussion delves into how "Presence" uses the supernatural as a metaphor for trauma. Koepp explains that trauma can open individuals to perceiving things beyond the ordinary, a concept embodied by Chloe's ability to sense the ghost due to her traumatic experiences.

Notable Quote:

David Koepp [12:06]:
"I was working on this idea I had that it's trauma. Because I know in my own life, during periods that I would describe as traumatic, I've felt more open to people around me and maybe had a little easier time perceiving their own difficulties or their own pain."

Behind the Scenes: Filming During the Strikes

Alison Stewart probes into the challenges faced during the production of "Presence," particularly filming amidst the writer’s and actor’s strikes. Koepp recounts the difficulty of finalizing the script right before the strikes, leading to his absence during the shooting process. Despite this, he maintains that the strong collaborative foundation with Soderbergh ensured the film's success.

Notable Quote:

David Koepp [19:46]:
"It was a bummer because you work hard on something and you're collaborating and you do a few drafts. And I really wanted to be a part of it to watch and, you know, talk to actors and watch how they did this remarkable thing."

Innovative Filmmaking Techniques

The use of a camera strapped to the actor to represent the ghost posed unique creative challenges, particularly the absence of traditional close-ups and the requirement for continuous single shots. Kalina Liang praises this approach, likening it to “theater on screen” and highlighting the liberating experience it offered actors to perform truthfully and spontaneously.

Notable Quote:

Kalina Liang [22:14]:
"I could just forget about everything and live in this world and exist as the character and just respond so truthfully and spontaneously and authentically with the cast in the room or the presence, which is Steven. And that feeling is magical."

Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

As the conversation winds down, Koepp hints at the film's depth, suggesting that understanding "Presence" fully may require multiple viewings. He also briefly mentions his previous collaboration with Soderbergh on "Black Bag," emphasizing their long-standing creative partnership.

Kalina Liang expresses excitement for audiences to experience "Presence" and engage with its intricate storytelling.

Notable Quote:

David Koepp [23:24]:
"I do think it's clear. And I'm curious after we go off to see what your people in your office thought."

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking her guests, David Koepp and Kalina Liang, for their insightful discussion about "Presence." The episode offers listeners an in-depth look into the creative process behind a film that redefines the traditional ghost story by narrating it from the spectral viewpoint, enriched by themes of trauma, family dynamics, and innovative filmmaking techniques.

Key Takeaways:

• "Presence" stands out as a ghost story told from the ghost’s perspective, utilizing the camera as the unseen protagonist.
• David Koepp emphasizes the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, particularly in crafting a narrative confined to a single location and a continuous shot format.
• Kalina Liang highlights the emotional depth required to portray a character dealing with trauma and the unique challenges of acting within the film’s innovative structure.
• The film explores deep themes of trauma, isolation, and familial relationships, making it a compelling addition to the horror and drama genres.
• Steven Soderbergh’s direction played a crucial role in creating the film's atmosphere of dread, essential for the story's impact.

For those interested in contemporary storytelling that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres, "Presence" offers a nuanced and emotionally resonant experience.