Bursting the Scranton Bubble with Lindsay Barrasse

The bubbles we live in. Ever since that day in November 2016 that’s caused everyone to have residual shell-shock whenever we flip on the news, “bubbles” have become the topic du jour for anyone hoping to discuss the dynamic social structure we are now or — depending on your naiveté — have always been navigating. These conversations tend to be held with a negative slant, but having distinct communities in cities isn’t always destructive — in fact, it often adds depth and a profound complexity to a city that may have otherwise been discarded with no more than a cursory glance. Take Scranton. It has all the makings of being a setting for David O. Russell’s next film (post-industrial, perhaps bleak). But thanks to a thriving local art scene, it’s become a haven for progressive creative types. I had a conversation with Lindsay Barrasse, a well-known cinematographer, director, and producer in Scranton, about her philosophy on film and what it’s capable of, especially coming out of — dare I say it? — these bubbles.

A: How does being behind the camera affect the way you watch movies?

L: When I watch a film, I don’t just sit there and take it in. I really observe everything and engage with it — the set design, what’s going on in the background, the camera movement and angles — and how those movements make me feel.

A: Does that engagement detract from your enjoyment? I know that after writing, it’s hard sometimes to read something and hold back internally commenting on what works and what I would have done differently.

L: It does often make it more difficult. I catch myself being too judgmental sometimes, focusing on camera movements, focus pulling, head room… I question why the director chose a close up shot instead of wide shot or vice versa. But it’s a good thing to take notice. It makes me more of a perfectionist when I’m working on a project.

A: I like the idea that artists can enjoy each other’s work while also critiquing it.

L: Yeah, and it makes sense because we’re our own critics, too. All the mental notes I take when watching films are also for myself.

A: What would you say the overall mood of your work is? What’s your style?

L: I love wide shots and being able to see the whole picture. I want the viewer to be in the story. I also love movement and the use of a steadicam. I’m not sure what others would say about my style but I hope they get some Terrence Malik, Sofia Coppola, Ridley Scott, and Alfred Hitchcock mixed up in there.

A: A pretty intense mix. What about your ideas on what film can do for us socially? We’re in the midst of a pretty… turbulent time, to say the least.

L: Definitely. I think that art can have an important social function, and we’re living in a powerful age right now where the messaging and underlying themes in media are taken up with greater scrutiny than possibly ever before.

A: What do you mean?

L: I’m thinking of the documentary Miss Representation. Everyone needs to watch it. It really opens your eyes to the ways that women are brainwashed into what we’re supposed to look like, and act like, and think like and it becomes really problematic when young girls don’t get a more realistic view of women. It is so important that we break out of those dated molds of how women should be represented in film and in all media. If someone tells a joke, or says something that makes fun of women, such as the infamous “get back in the kitchen,”say something. Don’t brush things off. Things should not be forgiven because its just “guys being guys” or “having a sense of humor.” Those little jokes, sayings, negative words, have a larger impact than people know.

A: What about how women treat other women? We aren’t always our strongest allies.

L: Women can support other women by getting involved in our communities, seeing if there are women’s groups and organizations to join. I joined
the Junior League of Scranton a few years ago to do just that. I’m also a member of UNA Women and I try to participate in women’s meet ups as often as I can. Facebook can be a positive force as well. For all the trolls out there, there are many channels I belong to where women can share with, support, and advise each other. I belong to this one group called “Successful Women,”a local group for the northeast area, and it’s just a wonderful array of wonderful women. The group is filled with mothers, mothers-to-be, single ladies, business leaders, politicians, you name it. I was having a medical procedure done about a year ago to remove cancer from my cervix and felt scared and alone. Often women are told, or personally feel, that’s it’s not appropriate to talk about any issues “down there.” Periods? What are those? So during this time, I felt very on my own. But then I posted my questions, fears, and concerns in the group, and thanks to those women and their responses, I felt supported.

A: That’s incredible. After seeing women pitted against each other during the 2016 election, it seems like we need to be reminded that we’re in this together.

L: Definitely. And it’s easy to do it. Just get out there, and support each other.

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