A NEW letter from Sue Gaetzman: Dora in White Knuckles
Monday, September 1st, 2008
by Kevin K. Shah
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August 26, 2008
Dearest Kevin,
Am I too late to send my thoughts on the movie? Can you ever forgive me? You are always on my mind and in my heart, it’s just that sometimes I physically don’t have it together. But I am doing much better. I seem to have more energy in the evenings. Mornings are challenging. But it is one of my goals to improve on that. My life has changed in so many ways since hearing of the cancer, I can’t begin to tell you, but I’m sure you can imagine. It seems everything has changed. So, such is life…it’s full of change. We just have to make the best of it and believe that everything is good.
I miss everyone in the cast and crew of your fabulous film. Even if I am too late to have this printed, let me say a few things
just so you know.
I will speak in the 3rd person in case you have time to use it.
“Working with Kevin Shah was a gift from the heavens. I have acted in my share of films and television so I can honestly say that starting with Kevin the director, and including the entire cast and hard-working, diligent crew — my experience was comparable to the best of the best. And I think it is evident when you see the end product. The movie reeks of professionalism with every take. I particularly loved the style in which Kevin chose to direct the actors–as we improvised while loosely staying with the script. It made for a very stimulating and unpredictable exercise and one in which I would love to experience again. I thought the beauty of the film was in it’s honestly displayed in every moment. I found myself mesmerized by these peoples’ lives, feeling at times, a sparkle in my eyes and a smile, and at other times, great sadness. I also enjoyed the music and shots of nature’s scenery, which added mood and texture. It takes a sensitive director to allow that to happen and a crew that was in every way, a part of the transformation. Kudos to Kevin for manning the ship on the ocean from where so many treasures were found.”
Please keep in touch, Kevin, and I promise to do the same, especially since I’m back online. When you get a chance, I’d love to hear from you.
You’re the best.
All my love,
SUE GAETZMAN
Sue Gaetzman plays Dora in the film, Julie’s best friend and the catalyst for the idea that Julie gets in her mind on how she might be able to change her situation with her husband William. It’s Dora’s dark humor that leads Julie down an unexpected path that sets off the chain of events of the rest of the film. When Julie sees how happy Dora is since her husband passed away, she can’t help but wonder what her life might like if William suddenly disappeared. Dora is a multi-layered character, on one hand she enjoys her new found freedom, on the other hand – her experience with her husband’s passing has brought a price. But in her joyful, sincere way – Dora is there for Julie throughout the film, and we get a glimpse into her deepest secret before the end.
Sue Gaetzman played Dora with honesty and courage, she brought to this character layers upon layers, and made her come to life on screen in the most realistic way. Sue and I discussed creating a character that would be likeable despite her dark humor, a woman that clearly is happy with her new life, and wants to share that joy with her best friend whom she sees is stuck. Sue and I talked about how Dora couldn’t simply be a “device” in this film – that although she is a catalyst, she is a human being with her own feature length story – and we wanted to treat her this way, we wanted to feel the presence of Dora in her absence – we wanted the audience and Julie to wake up to possibilities whenever she appeared on screen.
We also talked about drawing from personal experience if possible and if appropriate, and we discussed improvising the lines at length before we began shooting, including incorporating personal feelings of what it’s like to lose a loved one into the picture. Sue’s naturally warm and flirtatious personality endeared the entire cast and crew to her – and her little quirks come out in the most unique way in her portrayal of Dora. To say she’s created a spitfire of a character would be an injustice. Sue Gaetzman’s Dora is a forest fire, and ignites the screen with every scene she’s in.
Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes for continued healing is with you Sue from myself and everyone here at Sabi. Godspeed a full recovery (and a screening of our film which we will attend together).
