Sometimes, I struggle to understand why a film with a massive budget, say, billions of rupiah, ends up with a story that feels unsatisfying to watch, at least for me.
I imagine the people involved in production are often national big names. I've seen them on TV or podcasts, delivering impressive dialogues. But when it comes to their work, why does it feel so different?
Do the story creators share the same unease I feel? I'm genuinely curious, especially given the huge investments at stake.
I don't want to focus on criticism. Instead, I'm introspecting: Could someone viewing my own work from the opposite side feel the same way? If so, and if I found out, I'd be deeply embarrassed. Beyond that, I'd want them to tell me directly and share their complaints so I can improve. I've attached my private email for anyone to send feedback (4d54ie1xp@mozmail.com).
Back to films.
I often think about Christopher Nolan's level, like in one of his films, TENET. Out of many, this one deserves an 11/10 for its story and complexity when enjoyed. I wonder when Indonesian films will at least approach that quality.
With nearly 300 million people, isn't there someone who can get close?
Sometimes I think, if that opportunity landed on my desk, I'd set that standard. No matter the risks, even to my career, I'd aim to make it surpass TENET, or at least match it, if it's that challenging.
It might sound boastful or unrealistic, but that's what I'd do. I don't know how, but with the time given, I'd ensure it's better, whatever the benchmark.
I chose the attached photo of my child for the cover of this article.
It's one of those moments that truly made me pause, this was taken just minutes after they were born. I cried without knowing why (exactly a few seconds after leaving the nursery), perhaps that was the moment I truly grew up.
Whatever it was, it's one of the best things that's ever happened in my life, far exceeding any standards I'd set before.
Just an addition
At that time, the pediatrician told me, "Generally, babies don't open their eyes right after birth. And among all the babies born today, only your child opened their eyes. Moreover, they seemed to already have a high level of curiosity about things around them, the sign being that their eyes could already follow my and the doctor's direction. Wherever I moved, their eyes would follow. That's rare. Even more unique, they were the only one who stayed awake and alert until the parents arrived, whereas all the other babies were sound asleep when their parents came.” At least, that's what the attending doctor said.