A New Voice in Cinema: Hailey Gates and Her Debut Feature "Atropia"
Hailey Gates has made a bold entrance into the world of filmmaking with her debut feature, Atropia, which recently secured a spot in the competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The film offers a sharp and unconventional critique of the military, media, and the entertainment industry, blending surreal elements with slapstick humor to depict the training environment for troops preparing for deployment.
Gates shared insights about the origins of the film during an interview. She initially aimed to create a documentary but found it challenging to capture the narrative she envisioned. Instead, she decided to craft a MASH-style story, drawing from her experiences in the Department of Defense.
As a multi-talented individual with a background in acting, modeling, and journalism, Gates feels that the "9/11 generation" has been underrepresented in cinematic portrayals of its conflicts. She noted that while Vietnam inspired many anti-war films, the Iraq War lacked similar artistic exploration. “There were very few films that weren’t aligned with the government,” she said. “I wanted to fill that void.”
The title of Atropia is derived from a fictional country, a name Gates discovered during her research into U.S. military training sites. These locations often have names like Fort Irwin, with town names that reflect the Greek term "atrophia," meaning atrophy. This concept serves as a metaphor for maintaining military strength through constant challenge.
Filmed over 19 days on a California movie ranch, the production was surprisingly smooth compared to her previous documentary work. Gates recalls the emotional moment of arriving on set and seeing 40 cars, a sign of the team's commitment to bringing her vision to life.
Her experience as an actor influenced her approach to directing. Working with David Lynch on the Twin Peaks reboot taught her the importance of connecting with the entire crew emotionally, not just projecting energy. This lesson shaped her direction style.
The humor in Atropia may seem out of place given its serious themes, but it’s intentional. Gates draws from experimental theater and French clowning, using comedy as a Trojan horse to engage audiences before revealing deeper critiques of U.S. imperialism. “I like presenting moral dilemmas rather than delivering lessons,” she explained.
Despite the risks of making a satirical film about the American military in a climate of growing censorship, Gates remains committed to her vision. “I wanted to show that the empire was built with flimsy plywood,” she said. While the film hasn’t received widespread attention in the U.S., it has sparked interest abroad.
Critics have offered mixed reviews, but Gates isn’t deterred. “It might not be a typical Sundance film, but I prefer something polarizing over something everyone loves,” she said. “If everyone liked it, we would’ve made the wrong movie.”
Gates’ journey highlights the evolving landscape of independent cinema and the power of storytelling to provoke thought and challenge norms. As Atropia continues to make waves, it stands as a testament to the importance of diverse voices in film.
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