Disturbing Cinema

Disturbing Cinema: What can you tell us about your segment Manna? Michael Todd Schneider:  There are great lengths some may go to obtain a higher level of being. We discovered a cult who will go to great lengths to create and consume their very own food of the gods. Disturbing Cinema: How was your experience working with Amanda L. Manuel? Michael Todd Schneider:  We had a great time. Instant blood brother and sister bonding. Through the spirit of cinema and dreaming.  Disturbing Cinema:  What makes “Manna” unique from all the other segments?  Michael Todd Schneider:  It began as it’s own thing. Originally it was to be used to raise funding for a feature version of its own. Amanda sought me out to fulfill that vision. But a mere two weeks before filming it was decided to expand upon this and create an international anthology. So it continued to grow into something much larger then it’s initial purpose. A chance to put my own stamp and personality into it. Al...

Disturbing Cinema: This was your first acting role in a feature length film. How did you prepare for your role as Olga? Elena Fokina: Yes! This was my first acting role in a big feature film, but not my first acting role in general! I've acted before on stage, and in dance films. My preparation for the role as Olga started as any other preparation for a movie role which is studying the script, and sinking into the character. Then together with the choreographer of the film Damien Jalet, we choreographed the solo of Olga's death scene, and then finally performed it in the location with Luca Guadagnino. Disturbing Cinema: Olga's last dance is a very disturbing and iconic scene in the film where your character Olga dies by getting contorted with the result of broken bones, urination, salivation, and blood. What would you say was the most challenging part about bringing this dance scene to life? Elena Fokina: It was such an exciting journey to film this scene! We were filming...