Recently, I had a chance to speak with Producer, and now Director Edward Bass, on his latest project. That project is “Belle,” the true life biopic of Belle Gunness, one of America’s most prolific serial killers. It was interesting hearing everything from his point of view. It is a story that many know, but few from this generation hear about. But this will change, very, very soon, when Mr. Bass brings this film to the big screen. With much to say, and sounding very energetic over this project, Edward Bass gave quite the insight on his film. So without further a-do, here is what he had to say:
JR: What actress/or actresses are you targeting for the part of Belle, and why?
EB: It’s a process, and we are in conversation with an actress right now, but I can’t disclose anything at this time. I mean, Belle’s character is very complex, and this could be a very defining role for any actress.
JR: What made you want to tell this story?
EB: It’s a unique story. It takes place during an interesting era, and it also exposes a legendary character that few very people know of. It’s a story, that when you talk about it, you can hear a pin drop.
JR: What is your interpretation of the Belle Gunness story?
EB: My interpretation is very close to the true story. It’s not a documentary, it’s the telling of it, the perspective, and it’s in my point of view. When I was young I always wondered why people killed. What makes Belle interesting, is not just why she killed, but how she killed. With all the madness in her life, she still made time to bake cookies, be a mother, and also, be a productive person of the community. I like films that make you question humanity and everything about it. These are the things that intrigue me about her story.
JR: What type of tone/or visual style are you aiming for, for this film?
EB: In terms of color, it will be soft. It will be a divine view of the world, inside the brain of a serial killer. You will see the world through Belle’s eyes. It will be dark, grim, and you will see evil at its finest. The goal is to express all of this, purely, in visual terms.
JR: What makes this story stand out from the rest of the films out there about serial killers?
EB: This movie is not really a story about a serial killer, it’s a love story. It’s about a killer who wasn’t caught by the law. Belle is a victim of love. Can she escape the killer inside her? When she meets Andrew she doesn’t care about killing anymore, because she has satisfaction in her life. She’s found love. What person in this world doesn’t have a need for love?
JR: Reflecting back on what you’ve accomplished, how does this story stand out from the other films you’ve produced?
EB: I’ve spent a lot more time on this project. I have a lot more emotions tied into this film.
JR: There is much talk that this will be your first film as a director. Explain to us why you chose this film, as your first project?
EB: The project almost seemed to choose me. It had all of the elements that I liked. It has a uniquely empowered woman. The story was a good basis for a script. I like the pure fact that she got away with it. It’s a character study; it’s a film where the characters really speak to each other.
JR: What exactly made you want to step into the director’s chair, as opposed to finding a director for the film?
EB: It’s the material. I believe I can give life to these characters. I feel like I’ve lived with the entire cast. I feel I know them. It’s almost like having a child; you don’t really want to send them away to school. I want more time with them. It is much easier for me to take on the role, because I know the characters most.
JR: Where do you plan to shoot this film, and why?
EB: Indiana is a possibility, but I also like England. England is where you get great actors, and that’s where people respect a well written script.
JR: hat actors are you targeting for the male leads?
EB: You know, I’m really not sure yet. There are a lot of good prospects out there.
JR: As a co-writer of this film, what can we expect in terms of genre?
EB: It’s a psychological thriller.
JR: After “Monster,” do you think the world is ready for another serial killer?
EB: Yes. The story is entirely different. The period is different. The motivation is different. Belle killed for money, she supported an orphanage, took care of her kids, served the community, and much, much more. The story is completely, different. No one is on the run here. Everything she did, she did in plain sight, yet no one knew about it. Belle had a plan, she stuck to that plan, and the killings went on, for many years, many years.
JR: Lastly, when can we expect to see a glimpse of the film?
EB: Soon, very soon.
