Rattana Pestonji
Encyclopedia
Rattana Pestonji was a Thai film director, producer, screenwriter and cinematographer
and is regarded as the father of contemporary Thai film
. Although his filmography was brief, his films placed Thai cinema on the world stage. He also pushed for innovations, and was one of the first Thai directors to use 35-mm film
. He died just as he was giving a speech to government officials to call for support of a domestic industry he saw as coming under threat from Hollywood films.
, to a family of Parsis (Indian Zoroastrians
). At an early age, he showed an avid interest in photography. He was so adept at dismantling and reassembling his camera, that it was decided he should study engineering at the University of London
.
Between studies in London, he was able to take photos and he picked up several awards in photographic competitions.
He returned to Thailand with an engineering degree, but continued to pursue his interest in photography and found a job as a film salesman. It was then he began to explore an art form that was still in its infancy – cinematography
.
, Scotland and Rattana was given the Alfred Hitchcock
award. He made another short called White Boat in 1939 and it was shown at the New York World Festival.
Rattana continued his work in film sales, but he was given his big break into filmmaking in 1949 when he was asked by Prince Bhanu Yugala to act as a cameraman on the film Phanthaay Norasingh (Oarsman Norasingh). Rattana showed great talent as a cinematographer.
Around this time, Rattana formed his own studio, Hanuman Films Company. He directed his first feature film, Dear Dolly in 1951.
s were the industry standard in Thailand, Rattana wanted to use 35 mm stock, which was more expensive and technically difficult to work with, but it allowed for the sound to be recorded along with the image.
His first 35-mm film was the drama, Santi-Weena, on which he worked as cinematographer only. It was directed by Tawee na Bangchang (better known as "Kru Marut") with a screenplay by Vichit Kounavudhi
.
Santi-Weena was among the first Thai films to be sent to an overseas competition, the 1954 Asia Pacific Film Festival
in Tokyo. It was a sensation, sweeping the awards for best cinematography, art direction and the Golden Harvest Award for best Asian cultural presentation.
Still, Rattana would run afoul of the Thai government, and upon his return from the festival, he was charged $5,000 tax for the $16,000 Mitchell Camera
he won, and was fined 1,000 baht for failing to clear his film with the Thai censor.
For Rongraem Nark, (literally hotel hell, but entitled Country Hotel
in English), he employed the use of one camera on a single set, similar to Hitchcock's 1948 film, Rope
. The film had a bit of everything – rustic comedy, music (including a full ballad by a Filipina singer), rough-and-tumble action and dark, thrilling drama.
His first color film was 1958's Sawan Mued (Dark Heaven
), which featured songs and some dramatic battlefield scenes.
Next was Prae Dum (Black Silk
), which is regarded as Thailand’s first film noir
(though Country Hotel had film noir elements as well). It is regarded as Rattana's best work. He performed almost all the major tasks himself, acting as writer, producer, director, cinematographer and editor. For his efforts, Prae Dum was included in competition at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival
in 1961.
His final film was made in 1965, Nahmtaan Mai Waan (Sugar Is Not Sweet
). A romantic farce, it is a vibrant film that takes visual cues from the pop-art style of Western films of the time.
Frustrated, he retired from filmmaking. However, he continued to be involved with the industry and was a tireless lobbyist. He co-founded and headed the Thai Film Producers Association.
On the night of August 17, 1970, at the Montien Hotel in Bangkok, Rattana was set to address film producers and Thai government officials in a meeting called to discuss ways of supporting the film industry.
Finally, at 9 pm, after an address by Economics Minister Bunchana Atthakorn and speeches by numerous other filmmakers and officials, Rattana's time to speak came. Here is an accounting of his speech:
Rattana faltered then collapsed to the floor. He was rushed to nearby Chulalongkorn Hospital, but he died three hours later of a massive coronary.
, in a fatal accident during the filming of a stunt.
A few days after Rattana's death, the government did set up the Thai Film Promotion Board, which would be responsible for promoting and encouraging investment in Thai films. But to this day there is still no direct government support for the Thai film industry and foreign films continue to dominate the domestic cinema landscape.
Movies made in the Thai studio system, such as Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
, fare better in local cinemas, while indie directors
such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul
are left to seek funding from overseas backers.
Still, Rattana's legacy is recognizable. His films are cited as a major influence by Wisit Sasanatieng
, a Thai film director whose acclaimed Tears of the Black Tiger
(Fah Talai Jone) was shown at the Cannes Film Festival
in 2000.
The studio that Rattana started, Hanuman Films Company, is still operated by his family. It is now called Santa International Film Productions and it provides technical support and equipment to foreign film productions. Santa Pestonji directed a remake of Santi-Weena in 1976. The original version of Santi-Weena has become a lost film.
Rattana's films are periodically shown in retrospectives at film festivals. The 10th Pusan International Film Festival
screened Sugar Is Not Sweet
, Black Silk
, Country Hotel
and Dark Heaven
. He was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival
.
The R. D. Pestonji Award, the top prize of the Thai Short Film and Video Festival
, is named in his honor.
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
and is regarded as the father of contemporary Thai film
Cinema of Thailand
The cinema of Thailand dates back to the early days of filmmaking, when King Chulalongkorn's 1897 visit to Bern, Switzerland was recorded by Francois-Henri Lavancy-Clarke. The film was then brought to Bangkok, where it was exhibited...
. Although his filmography was brief, his films placed Thai cinema on the world stage. He also pushed for innovations, and was one of the first Thai directors to use 35-mm film
35 mm film
35 mm film is the film gauge most commonly used for chemical still photography and motion pictures. The name of the gauge refers to the width of the photographic film, which consists of strips 35 millimeters in width...
. He died just as he was giving a speech to government officials to call for support of a domestic industry he saw as coming under threat from Hollywood films.
Early life
He was born Rattan Pestonji (also sometimes referred to as R. D. Pestonji or Ratt Pestonji) in BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, to a family of Parsis (Indian Zoroastrians
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Greater Iran.In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil...
). At an early age, he showed an avid interest in photography. He was so adept at dismantling and reassembling his camera, that it was decided he should study engineering at the University of London
University of London
-20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the...
.
Between studies in London, he was able to take photos and he picked up several awards in photographic competitions.
He returned to Thailand with an engineering degree, but continued to pursue his interest in photography and found a job as a film salesman. It was then he began to explore an art form that was still in its infancy – cinematography
Cinematography
Cinematography is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for cinema. It is closely related to the art of still photography...
.
His first films
In 1937, Rattana shot his first film, a short called Tang, about a young Thai girl. Tang won the Amateur Cine Competition in GlasgowGlasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, Scotland and Rattana was given the Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock
Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE was a British film director and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood...
award. He made another short called White Boat in 1939 and it was shown at the New York World Festival.
Rattana continued his work in film sales, but he was given his big break into filmmaking in 1949 when he was asked by Prince Bhanu Yugala to act as a cameraman on the film Phanthaay Norasingh (Oarsman Norasingh). Rattana showed great talent as a cinematographer.
Around this time, Rattana formed his own studio, Hanuman Films Company. He directed his first feature film, Dear Dolly in 1951.
Pushing for innovations
In each of his films, Rattana sought to experiment and raise the standard of production. At a time when post-dubbed 16 mm film16 mm film
16 mm film refers to a popular, economical gauge of film used for motion pictures and non-theatrical film making. 16 mm refers to the width of the film...
s were the industry standard in Thailand, Rattana wanted to use 35 mm stock, which was more expensive and technically difficult to work with, but it allowed for the sound to be recorded along with the image.
His first 35-mm film was the drama, Santi-Weena, on which he worked as cinematographer only. It was directed by Tawee na Bangchang (better known as "Kru Marut") with a screenplay by Vichit Kounavudhi
Vichit Kounavudhi
Vichit Kounavudhi was a Thai film director and screenwriter. His works include the docudrama Son of the Northeast.-Early career:...
.
Santi-Weena was among the first Thai films to be sent to an overseas competition, the 1954 Asia Pacific Film Festival
Asia Pacific Film Festival
The Asia Pacific Film Festival, first held in 1954, is film festival held annually in an Asian country designated by the Board of Directors of the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific.Awards are handed out for:*Best Film*Best Director...
in Tokyo. It was a sensation, sweeping the awards for best cinematography, art direction and the Golden Harvest Award for best Asian cultural presentation.
Still, Rattana would run afoul of the Thai government, and upon his return from the festival, he was charged $5,000 tax for the $16,000 Mitchell Camera
Mitchell Camera
Mitchell Camera Corporation was founded in 1919 by Henry Boger and George Alfred Mitchell. Their first camera was designed and patented by John E. Leonard in 1917, from 1920 on known as the Mitchell Standard...
he won, and was fined 1,000 baht for failing to clear his film with the Thai censor.
Career as director
Undaunted, Rattana continued his work, working as cinematographer on the romantic drama Chuafah Din Salai (Dying Forever) and then taking the director's chair for Rongraem Nark.For Rongraem Nark, (literally hotel hell, but entitled Country Hotel
Country Hotel
Country Hotel is a 1957 comedy-drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.-Plot:Noi runs a rural bar and guesthouse called the Paradise Hotel. He tends bar and arm wrestles any challengers...
in English), he employed the use of one camera on a single set, similar to Hitchcock's 1948 film, Rope
Rope
A rope is a length of fibres, twisted or braided together to improve strength for pulling and connecting. It has tensile strength but is too flexible to provide compressive strength...
. The film had a bit of everything – rustic comedy, music (including a full ballad by a Filipina singer), rough-and-tumble action and dark, thrilling drama.
His first color film was 1958's Sawan Mued (Dark Heaven
Dark Heaven
Dark Heaven is a 1958 musical-comedy-romance-drama film directed by Rattana Pestonji and written by Suwat Woradilok.-Plot:A poor orphan girl, Nien, is on the run after stealing some food that a wealthy man had purchased to feed some dogs...
), which featured songs and some dramatic battlefield scenes.
Next was Prae Dum (Black Silk
Black Silk
Black Silk is a 1961 Thai crime drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.Considered the first Thai film noir, Black Silk was also among the first Thai films to be exhibited at overseas film festivals, screening at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.-Plot:Seni, a club...
), which is regarded as Thailand’s first film noir
Film noir
Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s...
(though Country Hotel had film noir elements as well). It is regarded as Rattana's best work. He performed almost all the major tasks himself, acting as writer, producer, director, cinematographer and editor. For his efforts, Prae Dum was included in competition at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival
11th Berlin International Film Festival
The 11th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from June 23 to July 4, 1961.-Jury:* James Quinn * France Roche* Marc Turfkruyer* Satyajit Ray* Gian Luigi Rondi* Hirosugu Ozaki* Nicholas Ray* Falk Harnack* Hans Schaarwächter...
in 1961.
His final film was made in 1965, Nahmtaan Mai Waan (Sugar Is Not Sweet
Sugar Is Not Sweet
Sugar Is Not Sweet is a 1965 Thai romantic comedy film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji. It was the director's final feature film. The film was featured in a retrospective program to the director at the 2005 Pusan International Film Festival....
). A romantic farce, it is a vibrant film that takes visual cues from the pop-art style of Western films of the time.
Death while giving a speech
While Rattana was artistically respected, his films – featuring unhappy endings – were mostly commercial failures.Frustrated, he retired from filmmaking. However, he continued to be involved with the industry and was a tireless lobbyist. He co-founded and headed the Thai Film Producers Association.
On the night of August 17, 1970, at the Montien Hotel in Bangkok, Rattana was set to address film producers and Thai government officials in a meeting called to discuss ways of supporting the film industry.
Finally, at 9 pm, after an address by Economics Minister Bunchana Atthakorn and speeches by numerous other filmmakers and officials, Rattana's time to speak came. Here is an accounting of his speech:
Rattana faltered then collapsed to the floor. He was rushed to nearby Chulalongkorn Hospital, but he died three hours later of a massive coronary.
Legacy
Rattana's death was the first of two tough blows for the burgeoning Thai industry in 1970, for later in the year, it would lose its biggest star, Mitr ChaibanchaMitr Chaibancha
Mitr Chaibancha was a Thai film actor who made 266 films from 1956 to 1970....
, in a fatal accident during the filming of a stunt.
A few days after Rattana's death, the government did set up the Thai Film Promotion Board, which would be responsible for promoting and encouraging investment in Thai films. But to this day there is still no direct government support for the Thai film industry and foreign films continue to dominate the domestic cinema landscape.
Movies made in the Thai studio system, such as Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
, fare better in local cinemas, while indie directors
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Apichatpong "Joe" Weerasethakul is a Thai independent film director, screenwriter, and film producer. His feature films include Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, winner of the prestigious 2010 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or prize; Tropical Malady, which won a jury prize at the 2004...
are left to seek funding from overseas backers.
Still, Rattana's legacy is recognizable. His films are cited as a major influence by Wisit Sasanatieng
Wisit Sasanatieng
Wisit Sasanatieng is a Thai film director and screenwriter of Chinese descent...
, a Thai film director whose acclaimed Tears of the Black Tiger
Tears of the Black Tiger
Tears of the Black Tiger is a 2000 Thai western film written and directed by Wisit Sasanatieng. The story of a tragic romance between Dum, a fatalistic, working-class hero, who has become an outlaw, and Rumpoey, the upper-class daughter of a provincial governor, it is equal parts homage to and...
(Fah Talai Jone) was shown at the Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
in 2000.
The studio that Rattana started, Hanuman Films Company, is still operated by his family. It is now called Santa International Film Productions and it provides technical support and equipment to foreign film productions. Santa Pestonji directed a remake of Santi-Weena in 1976. The original version of Santi-Weena has become a lost film.
Rattana's films are periodically shown in retrospectives at film festivals. The 10th Pusan International Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Busan International Film Festival , held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan , South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia...
screened Sugar Is Not Sweet
Sugar Is Not Sweet
Sugar Is Not Sweet is a 1965 Thai romantic comedy film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji. It was the director's final feature film. The film was featured in a retrospective program to the director at the 2005 Pusan International Film Festival....
, Black Silk
Black Silk
Black Silk is a 1961 Thai crime drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.Considered the first Thai film noir, Black Silk was also among the first Thai films to be exhibited at overseas film festivals, screening at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.-Plot:Seni, a club...
, Country Hotel
Country Hotel
Country Hotel is a 1957 comedy-drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.-Plot:Noi runs a rural bar and guesthouse called the Paradise Hotel. He tends bar and arm wrestles any challengers...
and Dark Heaven
Dark Heaven
Dark Heaven is a 1958 musical-comedy-romance-drama film directed by Rattana Pestonji and written by Suwat Woradilok.-Plot:A poor orphan girl, Nien, is on the run after stealing some food that a wealthy man had purchased to feed some dogs...
. He was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival
2004 Bangkok International Film Festival
The 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival started on January 22 and ran until February 2. The Golden Kinnaree Awards were announced on January 31.-Golden Kinnaree International Competition:* Best Film: The Barbarian Invasions...
.
The R. D. Pestonji Award, the top prize of the Thai Short Film and Video Festival
Thai Short Film and Video Festival
The Thai Short Film and Video Festival is an annual film festival held in Bangkok, Thailand, devoted to short film, student film, animation, experimental film and documentary films.Established in 1997, it is organised by the Thai Film Foundation....
, is named in his honor.
Filmography
- Tang (short) (1937) –
- White Boat (short) (1939)
- Phanthaay Norasingh (Oarman Norasingh) (cinematographer) (1949) –
- Tukkata Jaa (Dear Dolly) (1951) –
- Santi-Weena (cinematographer) (1954) –
- Chuafah Din Salai (Forever Yours) (cinematographer) (1955) –
- Rongraem Narok (Country HotelCountry HotelCountry Hotel is a 1957 comedy-drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.-Plot:Noi runs a rural bar and guesthouse called the Paradise Hotel. He tends bar and arm wrestles any challengers...
) (1957) – - Sawan Mued (Dark HeavenDark HeavenDark Heaven is a 1958 musical-comedy-romance-drama film directed by Rattana Pestonji and written by Suwat Woradilok.-Plot:A poor orphan girl, Nien, is on the run after stealing some food that a wealthy man had purchased to feed some dogs...
) (1958) – - Phrae Dum (Black SilkBlack SilkBlack Silk is a 1961 Thai crime drama film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji.Considered the first Thai film noir, Black Silk was also among the first Thai films to be exhibited at overseas film festivals, screening at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.-Plot:Seni, a club...
) (1961) – - Namtarn Mai Warn (Sugar Is Not SweetSugar Is Not SweetSugar Is Not Sweet is a 1965 Thai romantic comedy film written and directed by Rattana Pestonji. It was the director's final feature film. The film was featured in a retrospective program to the director at the 2005 Pusan International Film Festival....
) (1964) –
Further reading
- Sukwong, Dome and Suwannapak, Sawasdi. A Century of Thai Cinema, Thames and Hudson, 2001. ISBN 0-500-97603-1