Ash: A Psychedelic Journey by Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus, known for his innovative work in electronic music, expands his creative boundaries with his new film, Ash, set to premiere in theaters this Friday through RLJE Films and Shudder. The film is described as a psychedelic space odyssey featuring an amnesiac astronaut, played by Eiza González, who discovers her crew members dead and must grapple with an unknown threat, escalating paranoia, and the arrival of a mysterious co-pilot portrayed by Aaron Paul.

Inspiration Behind ‘Ash’

In an interview with Variety, Flying Lotus shared his deep engagement with the project. He expressed that his initial interest stemmed from the script, which felt both engaging and unique. “When I read ‘Ash,’ I was like, ‘No, no, this needs me,'” he explained, suggesting a strong sense of responsibility to protect the material from falling into uninspired hands. His collaboration with writer Jonni Remmler was marked by a year of brainstorming and adapting ideas before production commenced.

Choosing Eiza González as the Lead

Flying Lotus recognized González’s potential for the lead role early in the casting process. He noted, “I felt like at this point in her career she was like the character: She has something to prove.” Their initial discussions solidified the connection, as they shared a mutual interest in themes and aesthetics, particularly drawing from video games and psychological elements of horror, which are evident throughout the film.

Visual Aesthetics and Influences

The visual language of Ash borrows heavily from psychedelic cinema, with Suspiria serving as a notable influence. Flying Lotus aimed to diverge from conventional sci-fi visuals typically characterized by minimalist aesthetics, opting instead for dynamic lighting and vibrant colors. He recalled, “I wanted to try and do something a little different,” recognizing both the challenges of a limited budget and the creative opportunities it presented.

Collaboration with Cinematography Experts

To achieve the desired visual style, Flying Lotus collaborated with a talented team, including industry veterans who had worked on significant projects like Evil Dead Rise. He remarked on the synergy with these artists, emphasizing their enthusiasm for innovative gore effects and a unique approach to visual storytelling.

Scoring the Film

In addition to directing, Flying Lotus also took on the responsibility of composing the score for Ash. He began conceptualizing the music concurrently with the project’s onset. However, he subsequently found that the initial ideas did not fit well with the film’s evolving narrative. “When it came down to it, it was just not the movie that was being shown to me,” he reflected, illustrating a willingness to adapt creatively to the film’s unfolding identity.

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

For those looking to navigate filmmaking with limited resources, Flying Lotus imparted crucial advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. “Fight for all the things that you love and you want, but at the same time, listen to the people around you,” he stated, highlighting how creative compromises can help realize a vision despite budget constraints.

Future Directions in Film and Music

As for future projects, Flying Lotus remains open to various genres but prefers to create original content that allows him creative freedom. He commented, “I don’t want to put myself in my own box here,” indicating his desire to explore possibilities without being tied to established franchises.

Conclusion

With the release of Ash, audiences can anticipate a unique blend of psychological terror and striking visuals. As the film enters theaters, it stands as a testament to Flying Lotus’s multifaceted talents as both a filmmaker and a musician.