Behind the Scenes: The Magical Creation of Ochi in The Legend of Ochi
When director Isaiah Saxon set out on his quest to find the perfect voice for Ochi, the enchanting creature at the heart of his film, The Legend of Ochi, he turned to an unexpected source: YouTube. "I typed in ‘throat whistling,’ and I stumbled upon this guy in sweatpants in his basement," Saxon explains. "He opened his mouth, and the unique sound of Ochi emerged."
A Talented Voice from Unconventional Roots
Meet Paul Manalatos, affectionately known as the Bird Man. Initially, Manalatos almost deleted Saxon’s email when it arrived in 2023. The closest he had come to the entertainment industry was performing bird calls on street corners and shoveling elephant dung at the Hanneford Royal Circus. “I was shaking during the recording session,” Manalatos recalls, excitement still palpable. “But once I relaxed, I felt chills watching the final product."
The Story Unfolds: A Daughter’s Journey with Ochi
The Legend of Ochi, released by A24, follows the poignant tale of Yuri (played by Helena Zengal), a young girl residing on a farm with her father (Willem Dafoe) and a group of local boys (featuring Finn Wolfhard). Set against a mysterious backdrop where children fear the powerful Ochi—a creature resembling a gorilla—the plot thickens when Yuri discovers an injured Ochi infant. Her quest to reunite the baby Ochi with its family uncovers deeper family dynamics, especially as she reconnects with her estranged mother (Emily Watson).
A Fresh Take in an Era of Nostalgia
In a cinematic landscape dominated by recycled franchises from toys and video games, The Legend of Ochi stands out as a bold representation of originality. With its adorable character—the baby Ochi—crafted as a silicone puppet, the film captures the heart’s essence. This homage to the DIY spirit of classic children’s movies evokes the nostalgic charm of the 1980s, reminiscent of browsing through a VHS rental aisle at a local Blockbuster, igniting what some call serious cute aggression.
Craftsmanship Meets Imagination
"I started as a kid drawing, transitioning into building and sculpting," Saxon shares. His background does not just inform his artistic vision; it dictates it. “I wanted to create real creatures that coexist with my actors. A fully CG creature was never in the cards for this budget," he emphasizes.
Inspired by films like E.T., Paris, Texas, and the 1990 adaptation of The Witches, Saxon approaches storytelling from a perspective that captures childhood innocence and complexity. "I saw E.T. not as a nostalgia trip but as high art," he remarks. His creative exploration revealed the potential of a primate-like character embodying deep emotional connections and new experiences for Yuri.
Bringing Ochi to Life: Meet the Puppetry Masters
Under Saxon’s vision, a dedicated team of seven talented puppeteers, led by Robert Tygner—known for his work on classics such as The Witches and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—brought Ochi to life through a blend of silicone and animatronics. The riveting result? A selection of different puppets to fit various scenes, including one for moving briskly in Yuri’s backpack. "What I cherish most is that we had the freedom to improvise," Tygner notes. "Most of what you see between Helena and the creature was completely organic."
A Voice Born from Experience
Paul Manalatos didn’t just discover his talent for vocalization overnight; it evolved through a unique blend of life challenges and experiences. Having faced a turbulent youth, including living on the streets, he used his natural talent for mimicry to earn spare change. When prompted by a friend, he uploaded a bird impression to YouTube, which eventually caught Saxon’s eye. "I instantly connected with Yuri’s story," he says. “Her journey reflected pieces of my own life.”
A Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, The Legend of Ochi offers more than just a tale of adventure; it serves as a reminder that stories like Yuri’s are timeless. The creators hope that audiences—whether facing familial strife or embracing the bond of connection—will resonate with the heartfelt narrative.
As for Ochi, Saxon believes in the longevity of his creation. "Silicone preserves well," he mentions. "Unlike latex puppets, which degrade over time, I believe Ochi will outlast even me."
In a world craving innovation, The Legend of Ochi is a shining example of how creativity, authenticity, and emotional resonance can breathe new life into cinema. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating journey!
