Gary Lundgren

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"You have to allow yourself to be surprised. That's the whole point." - Mike Leigh.

Leigh on his improvisational, collaborative process with actors — foundational to his method of developing films through extended rehearsal with no fixed script.

Chapter 2 of "Holy Grails", Gary's book on creativity is released. Read for free all year at https://www.garylundgrenfilm.com/holy-grails.

"When I say I'm an artist, you might imagine me all frazzled in a paint-splattered smock and beret, whipping a sable brush around in some fancy studio loft. But for me, the art life is mostly a way of living — where each day begins with genuine curiosity..." - Gary Lundgren, Holy Grails

Gary Lundgren

In times like these, when the darkness of the world overwhelms and confounds — I sometimes disappear into the light of music. A wonderful piece of writing on an all time favorite song CEREMONY was published today. It’s my favorite kind of music writing, where a work is celebrated by a true fan. Well done Mark Richardson. It’s hard to fathom this being a Joy Division song — where Ian penned the lyrics after a hospital stay and before his su***de. It’s a song that looms between darkness and light, su***de and life, Joy Division and New Order. First recorded in May of 1980, it stands at the gates like a monument to all the great music that would come after. ❤️🎵 These pics are from our visit to the glass museum in Tacoma last August.

This is an all-timer for me, a true indie film that shook me when I first saw it. And, the movie still haunts me as one of those perfect character studies that never got the attention it deserved - even after winning the grand jury prize at Sundance. Tom Noonan wrote, directed, edited and starred in WHAT HAPPENED WAS, and even created the beautiful score himself. I love that he used Voices Carry and wrote such a stunning part for Karen Sillas. And here’s the thing about Tom — he was not only a brilliant actor and filmmaker, but he was generous, kind and thoughtful. For many years he chose to correspond with me, especially during those early film festival days, offering real mentorship and encouragement. He was quick to listen and slow to speak - but when he did, he usually had something meaningful and memorable to say. I’ve found much of what he said about the film industry to be true and prophetic. I was lucky to know him. Sad day. Flights of angels, good sir. 💔

Christmas at home this year was really nice and peaceful. 🎄🎉 2025 is done and we’re excited for a better 2026. I wrote down some thoughts about new years and have shared my final playlist for December. Link in comments! I’ll be doing something different in '26. 👀 Happy new year everyone! ✨