Here is the fax interview with Mamoru Oshii, the director of ‘Avalon’.

How do you feel just after you finished ‘Avalon‘?

I feel like I directed two films of real picture and animation. I’m so tired for two films.

Your previous animation ‘Ghost in the Shell’ has had a great reputation, even overseas. Why did you think of doing a real picture film for your latest film after five years?

Because I couldn’t find a methodology to continue creating animation. I completely reached a dead end then.

Why did you think of shooting the film in Poland with the local cast and staff? Also, did you have a feeling that something was wrong in producing a film in Poland?

Because I concluded that Poland was the best place for the story. Once I decided to shoot the film in Poland, I wanted to produce the whole film using the local system in Poland. And once I started it, there was no feeling that something was wrong.

Aside from animation, it’s not always possible to realize the initial idea in the film. Do you think it’s an advantage or a disadvantage?

The inconvenience of real pictures is that can be decided by the director’s arbitrariness and at the same time, there must be unexpected accidents because of the inconvenience. Advantages and disadvantages are always on the same coin.

The leading character of this film is a shrewd, cool and stoic woman. She has something in common with the leading character of your previous animation. Why did you describe her with those characteristics?

Because I like the character. I think it’s my ideal of a woman.