Fresh Air: 'Nickel Boys' Director RaMell Ross Makes The Camera 'An Organ'

Episode Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Tonya Moseley
Guest: Romel Ross, Filmmaker, Photographer, Professor, and Writer

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley sits down with the multifaceted filmmaker Romel Ross. Ross, renowned for his Academy Award-nominated documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening, delves into his latest project, the adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Nickel Boys. Nominated for both Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, the film offers a harrowing portrayal of two Black teenagers navigating the brutal realities of a 1960s Florida reformatory academy, inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys.

Filmmaking Philosophy: The Camera as an Organ

Ross introduces a groundbreaking approach to filmmaking by transforming the camera into what he describes as "an organ." This technique involves attaching body-mounted cameras to the actors and employing continuous, unbroken takes, immersing the audience directly into the protagonists' perspectives.

Romel Ross [04:56]: "To make the camera an organ is to acknowledge first that the camera is something that others use. It's something that abstracts. It's something that produces sort of false positives."

This methodology ensures that the narrative remains an extension of the characters' consciousness, fostering a visceral connection between the audience and the protagonists, Elwood and Turner.

Sentient Perspective: Collaborative Innovation

Collaborating closely with cinematographer Jomo Frey, Ross and his team developed the technique they term "Sentient Perspective." This process relies heavily on the actors' ability to engage with the camera as if it were a character themselves, creating an intimate and authentic viewing experience.

Romel Ross [03:46]: “The camera operator is sitting there as the character, and then you shoot it from both scenes. It offers an assurance that while you're encountering this image, you know that it's from a specific person's consciousness.”

This innovative approach not only challenges traditional filming techniques but also deeply personalizes the storytelling, making viewers feel as though they are experiencing events through the characters' very eyes.

Adapting 'The Nickel Boys': Balancing Truth and Mythology

Ross discusses the delicate balance required in adapting Colson Whitehead's novel, which intertwines factual brutality with almost biblical mythology. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the story's rooted truth while infusing it with his unique visual language.

Romel Ross [06:36]: "I think it's what wasn't on the page. My first thought is, like, what's the world look like then?"

Ross's approach focuses on envisioning the 1960s from a Black perspective, questioning how historical narratives are shaped and seeking to present a more authentic, subjective truth.

Micro Narratives and Visual Symbolism

A significant aspect of The Nickel Boys is the use of micro narratives—recurring imagery that deepens the overarching story. Ross explains how elements like alligators and images of Martin Luther King Jr. serve as symbolic threads that enrich the narrative.

Romel Ross [08:37]: "If you're showing images that Jo Monfre and I made, and it's from a black point of view... we get to do something almost impossible: thickening time."

These visual motifs not only enhance the storytelling but also comment on the historical portrayal of Black individuals, challenging the predominantly white lens through which most Black histories have been documented.

Personal Journey: From Athlete to Artist

Ross shares his personal trajectory from a promising basketball player at Georgetown, sidelined by injuries, to a sociologist and filmmaker. This shift was further influenced by the loss of his mother, propelling him into the world of photography and film as a means of self-discovery and identity formation.

Romel Ross [34:07]: "I needed to see myself. I'd always been disciplined and basketball-obsessed... I never had to reflect on the composition of myself."

This introspective journey is reflected in his work, where Ross continuously explores themes of identity, community, and the subjective nature of truth.

Hell County: A Deepening Connection

Before adapting The Nickel Boys, Ross created Hale County This Morning, This Evening, an ethnographic documentary that received critical acclaim and a Peabody Award. Ross elaborates on his long-term relationship with the community in Hale County, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over mere observation.

Romel Ross [18:26]: "I think if every image made by every other person across time had always been as if that person was your brother or sister, we would have a different relationship to humanity at large."

His commitment to portraying Hale County authentically stems from his deep ties to the community, allowing him to present a nuanced and personal narrative that contrasts sharply with external, often detached, representations.

Experimental Art: Shipping Himself in a Boxcar

In a revealing segment, Ross discusses an avant-garde performance art piece where he secretly shipped himself in a boxcar, an act inspired by Henry Box Brown's historic escape from slavery. This daring experiment not only served as personal catharsis but also influenced the visual elements in The Nickel Boys.

Romel Ross [21:37]: "My goal was to exist... It was terrifyingly loud... it's just a project with deep meaning to me."

This bold endeavor exemplifies Ross's fearless approach to art, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling to explore deeper themes of existence and liberation.

Conclusion: The Intersection of Personal and Political

Romel Ross's work on The Nickel Boys exemplifies his commitment to melding personal narratives with broader socio-political commentary. By redefining the role of the camera and embedding himself deeply within the communities he portrays, Ross creates films that are not only visually innovative but also profoundly impactful.

Romel Ross [36:54]: "I take it so seriously as a knowledge production of identity."

His dedication to authentic storytelling challenges audiences to engage more deeply with the histories and identities depicted, fostering a more inclusive and truthful cinematic landscape.

Final Thoughts

Tonya Moseley's conversation with Romel Ross offers invaluable insights into the mind of a visionary filmmaker dedicated to reshaping how stories are told and perceived. Through his innovative techniques and profound personal experiences, Ross invites viewers to look beyond the surface, experiencing narratives through a deeply human and empathetic lens.

Listen to the full episode of Fresh Air to explore Romel Ross's transformative approach to filmmaking and gain a deeper understanding of his powerful adaptation of The Nickel Boys.