Peter Chase

I managed to contact Peter Chase via his Facebook page and explained to him that I was doing research on Gilles and L'appartement.

Unfortunately his response was short and not so sweet.

I worded my message to Peter in such a way as to try to find out a little about Gilles, whilst hoping that he would agree to take part in a documentary whereby he would reveal lots more detail.

It doesn't hurt to publish my message along with Peter's response, so here it is:

Me.
Hi Peter,

Let me first say that I am a huge fan of your work. I have discovered some excellent films through simply watching the films that you have composed for.

I'm so glad that you've started a Facebook page for yourself as I have intended to get in touch in the past but could not manage to find an email address to reach you on.

The reason for my wanting to get in touch is primarily regarding Gilles Mimouni. I am an avid admirer of L'appartement - from the moving performances and the captivating narrative, to the subtle cinematography and of course your haunting score. The film is, in my eyes, a complete masterpiece.

As far as my research leads me to believe, L'appartement is the only feature film that Gilles Mimouni has written and/or directed. I have found mention of him having directed a TV drama for French television a few years ago, but alas nothing more. It has always struck me that the themes present in L’appartement may be some sort of metaphor for Gilles himself. Mysterious, deceptive, untraceable…It really has proved impossible for me to find anything much out about him.

For some reason I am driven to know more about Gilles. How can such an incredible film be made without a follow-up?

I have been toying with the idea of making a short documentary film into Gilles for a little while now. I’m not certain that a documentary of this sort would have much commercial appeal, but as a young cameraman/editor here in London, I have all the tools at my disposal to realise such project and would at least like to attempt to delve a little deeper into Gilles’ story – if only to satisfy my own questions and those of his fans. I am half French too, which helps when it comes to communicating in French!

Would you be open to being interviewed about your relationship with Gilles and your work on L’appartement (amongst other films) in Paris?

I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Max A-----, 25, London.




And Peter's response.
Thank you for your support. I'm sorry but I would rather not be interviewed for a documentary.



I was hoping this lead would pay off. Where there's a will...