An Interview with David Mun, Director of House of Good and Evil

by Mike Haberfelner

April 2013

Films directed by David Mun on (re)Search my Trash

Your movie House of Good and Evil - in a few words, what is it about?

House of Good and Evil is a psychological thriller about a young couple trying to start all over in their relationship after a fight and losing their unborn baby.

How did you get involved with the project in the first place?

Many years ago, an actor friend reached out and asked if I was interested in shooting the movie. Of course I jumped on board before reading the script and after that, I was glad I did. We shot a short based on the feature script, generated some buzz, but as any independent filmmaker can tell you, projects can fall through at any given moment.

Other jobs came and I tool thine jobs and years later Blu called me and said he was ready to make this movie this time and asked if I was interested in directing. I jumped on quicker than he could even finish asking.

What can you tell us about House of Good and Evil's writer and producer Blu de Golyer [Blu de Golyer interview - click here], and what was your collaboration like?

Blu has lots of drive and passion for this project. I always say as long as you can possibly go, without being discouraged by rejection, you will make it. In this business you will hear lots of "nos" but that doesn't stop people with determination and that's Blu.

With House of Good and Evil being a horror film - is that a genre you can in general relate to, and why (not)?

I grew up watching lots of different genres of movies. Horror isn't something in particular I can say I relate to or any genre for that matter. I think there are many great stories and great performances or technical achievements that also make a great movie. 

The one horror movie that really gets to me, I can't even listen to it, is The Exorcist. Maybe it's because I grew up in a religious household as a kid or the supernatural stuff that's in the movie scared the crap out of me, but I think that is part of the experience you want audience members to feel.

How would you describe your directorial style in House of Good and Evil?

I don't know if I have a directorial style. I think every script is different and that moves one to make the choices they make.

Even though I had a clear vision of what I wanted in the movie, collaboration is still an important process in making a movie as well. If anyone had an idea they wanted to share, I'd listen. 

What can you tell us about your key cast, and what was it like working with them?

The cast was amazing to work with. We did a few rehearsals and tackled some of the key moments in the movie.

Upon shooting, I didn't have to worry about them at all. They all were all prepared.

I think one key element of House of Good and Evil is its location - so could you talk about your location for a bit?

Throughout the years in making this movie finding the perfect house was tough. The house plays a role in the script and to find one that was large enough to split in half was a challenge.

This house we shot in was tricky. Besides finding that perfect house we can split in half, it was a three story house and we had to make into two stories. Certain angles in parts of the house was allowed and others not. If we had to shoot coverage from a different angle, we'd then move to the other flow and shoot the other angles. This may seem impractical, but it was the only way we could shoot inside the house.

What can you tell us about the actual shoot, and the on-set atmosphere?

The shoot went pretty smooth and not much drama, besides what was on screen. It probably wasn't as light as some sets I've been on, but that's also in part of keeping a mood for the cast members.

Before House of Good and Evil you've been known mainly as a cinematographer - so what made you decide to pick up directing? And after your experiences on the movie, will you ever return to the director's chair?

I've always wanted to direct since I was very young. It wasn't until college is when I fell into camera. I wanted some more practical knowledge so I can work in camera and stay close to the action. I moved to LA and worked on many projects as a camera assistant. Television is probably a great tool to learn how each director works. Some good some bad, but like a sponge, I'd take it all in.

After my experiences in House of Good and Evil, I've learned a lot, not much during shooting but everything else in between.

Would I do it again? Yes.

Any future projects you'd like to share?

I have a few things coming up. You'll have to wait. Haha!

How did you get started in the film business to begin with, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?

I went to uofa for school. They teach and cover the basics, but it becomes a different beast when you work in the real world. I've been making movies since I was probably 8 and used techniques studied in film school and I didn't even know it. Even with all that you think you know, there is always room to learn more. I've learned from the best in the business and that's something you will never learn only in school.

Would I recommend college for anyone wanting to get into filmmaking? Yes but it's not needed to get a job.

How would you describe yourself as a cinematographer as well as your personal style?

As a cinematographer, I try to cater to what the director's vision is on the script.

Filmmakers, cinematographers, whatever else who inspire you?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find David Mun at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find David Mun here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai

I like the works of many, just from the top of my head I'd say Kubrick, Scorsese and Conrad Hall, just to name a few.

Your favourite movies?

Godfather 2, Amadeus, Singing in the Rain (yes I said that), Tombstone.

... and of course, films you really deplore?

Don't know if there are any I can say I hate. One movie I've ever walked out on was Black Knight.

Thanks for the interview!

You're welcome.