Meet the 2015 Tribeca Filmmakers #45: Tim Blake Nelson Examines the Callous Self-Interest Plaguing Our Society in ‘Anesthesia’

On a snowy night in New York City, a Columbia professor is brutally mugged on the doorsteps of an apartment building. This haunting meditation of city life traces the chain of events that precipitate the attack, examining the inextricable and unforeseen forces that bring a group of disparate individuals together. [Synopsis Courtesy of Tribeca]

What’s your film about in 140 characters or less?

A disparate group of New Yorkers coalesces around the mugging of a Columbia professor on the eve of his retirement.

Now what’s it REALLY about?

How each of us finds some way to anesthetize him or herself in a society plagued by callous and often blameless self-interest, and whether there’s room any more for real introspection.

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I’m an actor, filmmaker, husband, and father wildly blessed to get to keep telling stories — both on and off the clock.

Biggest challenge in completing this film?

Shooting on location in New York City, often at night, for very little money, and with scant resources.

What do you want the Tribeca audience to take away from your film?

We would love for them to leave the theater seeing the city of New York and their fellow New Yorkers in a slightly different light.

Any films inspire you?

Truly, every film inspires me. I’ve been blessed to work with many of the world’s greatest directors. Each has been wildly generous.

What’s next?

More acting for now.

What cameras did you shoot on?

Alexa.

Did you crowdfund?
If so, via what platform. If not, why?

We did not crowd fund. We found private equity based on script and cast.

Did you go to film school? If so, which one?

I attended the Sundance Writers and Directors Labs. Also, I act in movies, meaning every day is film school.

Indiewire invited Tribeca Film Festival directors to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2015 festival. For profiles go HERE.

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Meet the 2015 Tribeca Filmmakers #45: Tim Blake Nelson Examines the Callous Self-Interest Plaguing Our Society in ‘Anesthesia’