Embrace the Unexpected: Find Beauty in the Unconventional

The Provocative Premise of "By Design"

Filmmaker Amanda Kramer embarks on a unique narrative journey with her newest production, "By Design." The movie offers a fresh take on the popular body-swap trope, featuring Juliette Lewis in the role of a woman who mysteriously becomes a stunning chair. Kramer acknowledges that the concept might initially strike some as peculiar. However, she views this unusual premise as a powerful vehicle to explore deep-seated ideas about personal identity, allure, being perceived as an object, and the complexities of envy. This fantastical transformation serves as a lens through which to examine these multifaceted human experiences.

The Allure of Being Desired: A Chair's Perspective

In her new form as a chair, Camille discovers a profound sense of desire, a feeling that often eluded her in her human existence. The chair's remarkable beauty captivates everyone who encounters it, including its new owner, a pianist named Olivier. He becomes utterly enchanted by its elegance, incorporating it into every aspect of his life, from his dreams to his social gatherings. This intense admiration from Olivier allows Camille to experience a novel form of validation, finding renewed purpose and contentment in being a cherished object of art.

Objectification Reimagined: A Feminist's Contemplation

Kramer reveals that the film's unusual concept emerged from a blend of amusement, intrigue, and a touch of melancholy. She candidly discusses her feminist viewpoint, asserting that being objectified isn't inherently negative. She explains that there are moments when individuals, particularly women, desire to be admired as beautiful artifacts or exquisite creations. This complex aspiration, she suggests, is akin to wishing to be viewed with the same reverence as a masterpiece painting or a finely crafted piece of furniture. "By Design" aims to unravel these layers of human desire and the nuanced need for appreciative gazes, transforming the script into a vehicle for exploring these intricate themes.

The Actor's Challenge: Juliette Lewis Embraces Stillness

The film's central conceit means that Camille's consciousness inhabits the chair, while her physical body remains inanimate. This presented a unique acting challenge for Juliette Lewis, who would spend much of the film portraying profound stillness. However, Lewis was drawn to the script even before realizing the full extent of her character's physical transformation. Her enthusiasm only grew as she delved deeper into the narrative, finding the concept both captivating and rewarding. She embraced the "subversive pleasure" of conveying a character's journey with minimal physical movement.

The Silent Witness: Chairs and Human Connection

As Camille, the chair, she discovers that her mother and closest friends seem to appreciate her more in this silent state. They engage in conversations with her inert form, seemingly unaware of her catatonic condition, and even praise her improved listening skills. This observation leads Kramer to reflect on human relationships, suggesting that sometimes, people seek a non-judgmental presence, an "ultimate witness" that offers comfort without interjecting strong opinions. The chair, in this context, embodies that silent, supportive role, becoming a canvas for others' projections and desires.