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Released to theaters earlier this year, Lambert & Stamp tells the story of aspiring filmmakers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, who wound up discovering, mentoring and co-managing the legendary rock band The Who. Less of a rock-doc and more of a human interest story, Lambert & Stamp proves that oftentimes the chase can be as interesting as the catch. In turn, Rolling Stone, Variety, The Village Voice and Associated Press are just four of the major outlets that loved the movie.
On behalf of Downtown, I had the opportunity to interview New York City-based director James D. Cooper. While James was a first-time director with Lambert & Stamp, he was an established cinematographer and D.P. prior to making this film. He is also the co-founder of Motocinema, alongside Loretta Harms, who produced the documentary Gibtown. In turn, James also answered some questions about life as a filmmaker.
For more information of Lambert & Stamp, please visit www.lambertandstampfilm.com. To read more about future Motocinema projects, James and Loretta can be tracked at www.moto-cinema.com.
James D. Cooper
What was the biggest challenge with making Lambert & Stamp?
James D. Cooper: Maintaining consistency and follow through over a 10-year period of changing and unforeseen circumstances.
Having screened the film plenty of times and talking about it in countless interviews, is there anything that you wish you could done differently?
J: I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished with Lambert & Stamp. Filmmaking is an organic, intuitive process so there’s always something you could have, should have done differently – but that’s what the next one’s for.
Did making Lambert & Stamp increase your appreciation of The Who? Or did working on the project come out of already being a big fan of theirs?
J: Growing up playing guitar and having a deep love of music, particularly rock, I always had great respect for The Who, but I didn’t approach the film as a fan at all. As a director, I was attracted to the story of Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, and how the dynamics of their complex relationship played out through the rise of The Who. Quite simply, I think it’s the greatest untold story in rock.
The classic lineup of The Who ceased to be about 35 years ago after Keith Moon died. Having worked closely with people related to The Who, is there more unreleased footage from the classic lineup in the vaults?
J: I was primarily focused on finding material that would specifically support Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert. We did extensive research and had incredible cooperation to find what was needed, so there may be more footage of the classic Who lineup that I may not be aware of.
You were able to transition from a cinematographer to a director, which is rare. Was it always your plan to be a director?
J: I’ve always had a love of cinematography and have had a great career as a cinematographer. Moving into directing was an intuitive thing that I felt rather than planned. Lambert & Stamp was a challenging and appropriate vehicle that came at the right time.
What was the first paying job you had in the film world?
J: Production Assistant for Albert and David Maysles. Several years later I worked with them as Director Of Photography.
Given that so much of the film business is outside of New York, what keeps you based in New York City?
J: The lousy weather.
Do you have a favorite part of Manhattan to spend time in?
J: Late night motorcycle rides have a transformational effect on any part of the city.
What’s ahead for Motocinema? Any particular projects you can talk about?
J: There are two dramatic feature films in the works, but I can’t be detailed at this point. I can say that like Lambert & Stamp, they deal with complex relationships and extreme circumstances. I’m taking what attracted me to the story of Lambert & Stamp and pushing it further.
Your credits otherwise include Luciano Pavarotti, Barbara Streisand, Robert Mitchum, Sidney Poitier and Celine Dion. Is there anyone you haven’t yet worked with that still hope to one day?
J: I’ll let you know when I meet them! I’m always looking for the great unknown.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
J: I race motorcyles, play as much guitar as I can, and have studied martial arts for years.
Do you have a favorite film of 2015?
J: Lambert & Stamp
Finally, James, any last words for the kids?
J: Keep it real. Be authentic, be yourself.
-by Darren Paltrowitz