Reading any sort of creatively thought out piece of writing all come with a few common denominators. Visualizing vivid imagery, elements, character enactment, and complex actions all intricately designed to paint a picture in our minds. The words drafted on that white lined piece of paper provoke different perceptions and emotions among an audience while reading the same text. Have this imagination come to visual properties and film literature is born, something that Grant Loutner desires to pursue.
Grant Loutner, a junior at NHS, shares the student experience of navigating a passion he knows best, film literature. His dreamscape first sparked at a young age being introduced to murder mystery and thriller films. Ever since then he has submerged himself in drafting various scripts and film projects, one most eminent is his recent writing.
“I have this thriller idea for it. I’ve always liked watching the movies that take place in the 80s, so going towards the setting with that would be cool.” Loutner said. “I like the FBI type of climax where they catch the killer too, where they try to find him in the Southern part of the United States.”
Loutner at times of motivation looks to those of more experience in the film world to guide his ideas into composition. Directors like David Fischer and M. Night Shyalaman’s unique takes and twists are characteristics he most admires. One most notable director would be the infamous West Craven
“He’s one of the greatest horror film directors. I like how impactful his movies are in the film industry. Most of the recent movies that have come out I’ve seen have been impacted by him,” Loutner said.
Speaking of movie framework, those close to Loutner notice a trend when sitting next to him in the cinema. Loutner’s mind visualizes past the surface, and creatively envisions all the aspects that make a film great. Junior Logan Basu, a friend of Loutner, can testify to this.
“I know people who critique movies, I critique movies, but not to the extent that Grant does. We saw Long Legs together, the new horror movie, and his big thing was the lighting, the spacing, the atmosphere, the cinematics,” Basu said.
With that comes admiration of Loutner’s drive and persistence with his goal. Although he isn’t the most talkative right off the bat, he certainly has an endeavor seen by many. Basu says that Loutner’s lack of expression doesn’t mean he has a lack of love for film.
“One thing I do admire is his passion for writing. He takes it very seriously, based on my friends and what they’re into, Grant has the most passion by far” Basu said.
Basu and Loutner have acquaintanced each other through the typical school routine. They met in health class and eventually accompanied each other with their interests. Loutner’s was pretty clear.
“He sent me one idea through instagram, it was a short story he planned on writing and he showed me a project he did in film literature class. He had to make a movie trailer, he’s a really big horror, thriller psychology movie guy” Basu said.
Loutner’s English 10 teacher, Mr. Doibi while not familiarized with his works, was shocked when he first heard the news.
”He did all the things he was supposed to do. I’m looking forward to seeing maybe if he comes by for block 8 to see how he grows, but as a sophomore he was right where he needed to be,” Doibi said.
Loutner’s future goals for pursuing film literature takes him further down the rabbit hole. He says that his dreams of making a film stretch long-term, which enables the possibility it might reach sometime in the next decade.
“I’ve just been doing my own research on the different colleges and what it takes to get there, so I’ve been looking at that and trying to prepare myself,” Loutner said.
The art of film takes years to develop. The best directors take over a decade to create their magnum opus. Despite the challenge, Loutner has some words of encouragement and advice for those desiring to pursue film literature alongside him.
”Stick with it, I know it’s a difficult thing to get into but don’t give up and stay consistent,” Loutner said. “Don’t let procrastination affect you since that’s a big issue in writing.”
