Sun In An Empty Room

Video
The Weakerthans have a made a video for their song Sun in an Empty Room.
Below is an interview between Stephen Carroll of The Weakerthans and Benjamin Wienstein, the director of the Sun in an Empty Room video, about the process of making the video.
SC: Benjamin, To start, lets begin with a technical detail, tell me about how how the video was shot and when?
BW: The video was shot in the summer of 2009, over 3 days. The shoot took place entirely within Winnipeg's North End. We had a couple of actors that we cast in Winnipeg (literally 2 or 3). All of the other characters are "real people" that we either discovered during our location scouts, or who happened to be there when we shot. I wanted the video to have a strong sense of realism - blurring the line between fiction and documentary - so, whenever possible, we captured what was actually there. For example, the church scene is a real morning mass taking place... there was no "action" and "cut" that morning, except for very discreet whispers and hand signals between the cameraman and I. There was a guiding principle of controlled chaos - every scene was carefully planned, but designed to allow for the little accidents that add something special. I shot the video on 16mm film.
SC: You directed the video for the Weakerthans song The Reasons back in 2004.
I know your relationship with the Weakerthans, but maybe you could explain how you came to know the band, and your connection to the city of Winnipeg?
BW: I grew up in Winnipeg, and I have known John Samson since we were little kids - our summers were spent down the street from each other in Gimli. A lot of years had passed since we had seen each other. I had been living in the States and only had a bit of familiarity with "Left & Leaving". I moved back to Canada just before "Reconstruction Site" was released. I picked up a copy and listened to it on repeat... for about 8 days straight. I was very excited to do the video for The Reasons. It was great to work with a band I love, and also to re-connect with John after a lot of years. I left Winnipeg in 1993, but in many ways I still consider it home... and when I return, I often feel like I never really left.
SC: This video, takes the song Sun in An Empty Room, which is a meditation on the Edward Hopper painting, and transposes the theme of longing and reconciliation for something departed, a old domicile, a relationship,or a time in ones life, to the changes that have affected a certain generation of residents of the North End neighborhood.
Why is this neighborhood significant to you? Why did you choose to link the two?
BW: When we started pre-production, this was a Winnipeg story - not a North End-specific story. As we started scouting and researching and talking to people, I became obsessed with the North End - its former greatness, and the looming question of whether or not it can re-emerge, or just be left stagnant... or worse. For me, the North End perfectly represents these themes of longing and reconciliation that I felt from the song, and wanted to achieve with the video. So it was ultimately a nostalgic compulsion - but after 16 years as a "Winnipeg ex-pat" my relationship with the city is heavily burdened by nostalgia. Also, The North End embodies some of the elements I find in the Hopper painting... the neighbourhood and the room are abandoned, but permanent.
SC: Change in Winnipeg occurs at glacial pace, but when it is completed it is dramatic.
I know, myself being a lifelong resident of Winnipeg, I am continually examining the City, trying to understand what it is, how it is changing, and what it will become.
As someone who has lived outside of Winnipeg for sometime, how do the changes you have depicted affect you, and how do you, when returning to Winnipeg, reconcile them?
BW: Many of the meaningful childhood elements of Winnipeg remain unchanged to me - the houses, the winters, the schoolyards, the 7-Elevens, and the old hockey rinks. Having been gone for so long, however, the larger-scale changes create a greater feeling of distance. There is a certain sense of alienation from the city as it is today, which seems to push for a connection through the past - a need for a greater understanding of its history. I have never consciously endeavored to reconcile these things, but your question has made me realize that - subconsciously - making this video was exactly that.

[@ollywhelan5377]

This song slaps so much. Heard it from the Heavyweight podcast and it fits the vibe so perfectly.

[@nicholassimpson518]

It doesn't "slap" you utter cretin.

[@ollywhelan5377]

@@nicholassimpson518 What sort of donut posts a comment like that on his professional account? Simmer down, champ.

[@nicholassimpson518]

@@ollywhelan5377 Love your playlist 😂😂

[@ollywhelan5377]

@@nicholassimpson518 That's cause this is a personal account. You've out here shit talking on the internet while also uploading videos for some obscure Korean university. Have a word with yourself.

[@nicholassimpson518]

@@ollywhelan5377 Simmer down, have a word with yourself. What's next, Danny Dyer? Give your head a wobble?

[@crimnos]

This song hit when I was in the process of dividing possessions from a divorce and hit very close to home, so it has a lot of personal meaning to me. Absolutely criminal that this video doesn't have more views.

[@montessaurus]

Hope things are starting to even out for you brother or sister. It is absolutely a goddamn travesty that bands like The Weakerthans never achieved the success they so greatly deserved, but hey.. atleast we got a new Half In The Bag today

[@flowerpottery]

I split up with my husband a year ago, about the time I first heard this song. I completely understand how you feel. I think I like this song so much because it kept me company during my move out. Wishing you well!

[@RobertsAdventure]

Such poetry and so simply real. I still have a very specific old apartment on moving-out day at a very emotional time in my life that's now 25 years ago that this song summons, and it's hard to believe how universal these moments are.

[@TJ-nr9cg]

Same as others, I heard it on heavyweight podcast. Good song.

[@kenmartin1624]

Great video. The story is sad but told so well. I love the editing and how on point the beats were with the imagery. Catchy hook and dirty snare are pluses.

[@humanze]

Really great songs never lose relevance. The lyrics actually seem even more relevant today.

[@LondonerBerlin]

Beautiful

[@CanadianSledDog]

Chills.🥶😍

[@heartlights]

Dear KZbin: seriously i don't need dental implants. Please stop showing me these gross ads.

[@soninChina]

😂😂😂😂

[@soninChina]

This is an amazing song I heard in an equally great podcast. This video encapsulates the way regular Americans feel right now. We just want to work and take care of our families. We don’t need the government over reach. GET OUT OF OUR LIVES. We know how to live. All politicians lie, some less than others. And I’m sick and tired of multi millionaire vapid actors spewing their opinions. Who cares what they think. So, this short video just brought it all into focus. Leave us alone, we’ll be fine. And get Camela’s face off my KZbin. Haha

[@sharkulashairstylist5505]

thank you