Konstantinos Pateronis

1. What is the story behind your film?

My film "Fatal Perfection" is based on the Ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, the man who fell in love with himself. The approach I took with it, though, is a bit more "modern" than the age in which the myth originates.  

The story is set during the years of the American Revolution between the members of a family. Narcissus, a young bachelor, is more interested in his own beauty than the world around him and the important events that take place in his society.

The motivation and idea for the creation of this story is largely a statement about developments in our current society. This makes my film relevant in terms of what is being portrayed in a socio-psychological way. Our obsession with image and appearance seems to be reaching new extremes in the face of the use of the internet and the way we are exposing ourselves.

For moments of daily use on social media platforms, individuals in today's society crave to be the "center of the universe" like Narcissus in the myth, where image, youth and beauty are considered the most important attributes an individual can have.

With this film I saw an opportunity to bring an ancient myth to life, bring it forward in history, and ultimately speak to us in this day and age.


2. What should people take away, gain, realize after watching your film?

In the age of social media and the virtual world, most people have become more egocentric and image conscious than is healthy. It removes us from the importance of a truer, more meaningful connection with others and can be  alienating and unrealistic.

The myth of Narcissus also highlights that beauty and image does not last forever. It warns that self obsession can lead to unpleasant and tragic consequences. It also ridicules self obsession and encourages us to think of how this comes across, while underscoring the importance of true human connection versus lack thereof.

3. Do you think that films can change people for the better or for the worse?

In my opinion films and storytelling are a powerful way to convey important messages to the audience that can capture emotions and thoughts that speak to our humanity. This connection to the viewers should aim to better our society and cultivate a certain ethos for us. It could be highly destructive and disorienting, if they have a different purpose.


4. How was the creation of your project at the time of COVID-19?

"Fatal Perfection" was in the film festivals circuit when COVID-19 hit. Unfortunately this caused the cancellation of a large amount of festivals and, even though it was being considered by many, it was unable to screen at most of them. This started a painful and lengthy period of uncertainty for the film and my dream of sharing it with the world began to shatter.


5. What creation style did you use in the production of your project?
What cameraman elements did you use?

As the film is a period piece, I wanted to capture the world of the 1700s United States in as authentic a way as possible. For that reason I brought a linguist on board to help me recreate the manner of speaking of that era. In addition, I am a strong believer that the audience should never feel separation between themselves and the story, and rather feel as if they are a fly on the wall or even part of it. So I chose the use of anamorphic lenses for a wider field of view and greater depth of field with minimal distortion at the center of the image.

6. How did you select the actors for your project?

To be honest this was a bit challenging, because Narcissus had to have a certain look to be accurate to the myth, but also very talented to be able to portray the character as best as possible. Fortunately, Michael Nelson was cast for the role, who is an amazing actor along with the rest of the cast.


7. Why do you think your film should appeal to distributors?

"Fatal Perfection" is a period piece that allows the audience access to a different time in history, and unfortunately these types of films are not produced often due to their high budget.

The cinematography of the film incorporates elements that create a more poetic image. It also has a high production value due to the costumes, quality of acting, and plot twists of the story.

My film carries a message that applies to almost everyone nowadays as self-image has taken a front seat in our everyday lives. Even though it is a myth taking place in a different era, there are strong parallels to our modern existence. I believe that my film will evoke thought and relatability in the audience.

8. At which festival has your film been screened?

"Fatal Perfection" has been screened so far and won awards at the Los Angeles Film Awards, Oniros Film Festival and the European Cinematography Awards .


9. How did your acquaintances react when they first saw the film?

I received positive feedback from everyone, because they liked the idea that is based on an Ancient Greek myth and could deeply relate to its theme.


10. If you could change something in your film, what would it be?

I think I would have included more scenes related to the American struggle for independence and Narcissus' part in it.


11. Which movies are your favorites and why?

I love period pieces, because they can travel us back in time and experience key events of the past and the audience can "meet" important figures in history.


12. What topics do you like to address in your stories?

I tend to tell stories where the characters are not perfect. They have more of a mortal look than most films in the western world even if they are not as likable.


13. What is your motivation in making films?

My strong passion for filmmaking and storytelling through worlds with endless possibilities and paradoxes.


14. Which contemporary filmmakers motivate you the most?

Theodoros Angelopoulos, Lars Von Trier and Oliver Stone are my all time favorite directors ever since I was a kid, because of their unique techniques and the characters in their stories.


15. What projects do you plan to shoot in the future?

My next project is going to be a film on my grandfather's life, a really important person to me, who lived up to 98 years old and experienced all the great events of the 20th Century including World War II, the civil war and the military junta in Greece during the 50s and 60s and the social revolution that succeeded.