Lodge Kerrigan’s films are all his own. All bias opinions aside (he is a PINNLAND EMPIRE favorite), I can’t think of any other director who makes the films he does. Like other great filmmakers, his work doesn’t come without influence (both direct & indirect/subconscious). If you listen to the commentary track on the criterion release of his debut
Clean, Shaven, Kerrigan shouts out films like
The Tenant &
Repulsion on more than one occasion as a source of inspiration (inspiration not influence).
With him being so open about the films that drive his own work, it isn’t too farfetched to assume other filmmakers inspire & influence him.
Lodge Kerrigan is on record shouting out the works of Chantal Akerman. While some of these comparisons below may seem like a reach (and others are absolutely not a reach) they all fall under the umbrella of being influenced/inspired by the work of Chantal Akerman.
It should be noted that outside of specific visual moments and mild thematic similarities, Akerman & Kerrigan make very different films (performances, editing, etc). These are the kinds of comparisons I love. It’s very unique (and a little difficult) to make movies that are all your own while still tipping your hat to a filmmaker that played a role shaping your love of/for cinema & filmmaking.
Note the similar framing, editing, outfits & positioning of the actors.
Enjoy...
