Even a brief reference to the titles and subject matter of Guillermo Arriaga’s work is enough to realize his raw material: death. It’s breath penetrates the screenplays, the novels, leaving an impression on the silver screen, whether its in 'Amores Perros,' '21 Grams,' or in 'The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,' the latter directed by Tommy Lee Jones.
Even when Arriaga ventured into directing with 'Rogelio' (2000), the dark inspiration was very much there: Rogelio cannot accept his death and carries on visiting his friends.
'Though I belong to a culture in which death is very prominent, I believe it’s some kind of personal obsession,' confessed the Mexican author, adding that what has determined his work so far, 'is an obsession with death and a passion for life.'
Indeed. Robust, with dark, piercing eyes, the 47-year-old Arriaga is full of life. A multifaceted man, Arriaga earned an award at the recent Cannes Film Festival for his screenplay 'The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,' while his works have been translated into a number of languages.
A guest at the 46th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Arriaga spoke to Kathimerini.
You can find the full interview here
Find Guillermo Arriaga's works at Amazon.com
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