Abstract:
This research aims at studying the cognitive development and the production of film director Banjong Pisanthanakun. The analysis consists of a study of the background, inspiration and influences affecting the creation of his work that have built the identity, storytelling techniques, combination of film types, thinking and working processes, by examining his 6 movies. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with four film experts. The results showed that: 1. In terms of background, Banjong likes to convey his own personality in his movies through characters, whether being talkative, sarcastic, and funny, with sense of humor. His major inspiration comes from Hollywood movies. Moreover, he has been inspired by photographers, letters from the media, and also his own experience and stories of people around him. 2. His narrative style is horror or romantic comedy, always with a twisted point. The development started from his early movies with the twist of plot to the characters feelings (drama) in the movie Pee Mak Phra Kanong. Regarding the combination of genres, Banjong always adds humors, sarcastically funny ideas and jokes in his movies. Horror comedy is a style unique to him because it is the humor in the fear of ghosts, meaning ghost scenes and death situations, were tools help the movie to be funnier. His comedy movies usually parody horror films as well. 3. The significant influences on his works include the Phenomena and GTH companies. The production of The Phenomena had a direct impact on his two films: "Shutter" and "Alone". His work experiences at the company earned him skills in film shooting, which were later applied to his filmmaking. In addition, working in studios and the policy of the GTH had a great influence on his movies. Furthermore, working in the board committee of eight people and the producer system may have improved Banjongs movies. But in the meantime, he might have lost a sense of commitment.