'Wicked' Director Jon M. Chu On The Hard Work Of Creativity
Jul 24, 2024
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Director Jon M. Chu shares how his Chinese immigrant father's work ethic influenced his creativity. He talks about growing up in Silicon Valley, his love for musicals, and upcoming projects. The podcast also explores his reflections on cultural identity, family dynamics in 'Crazy Rich Asians', and the impact of societal changes on his creative process.
Chu draws inspiration from his Chinese immigrant father's hard work, valuing kitchen heroes.
Chu's career evolution reflects embracing his cultural heritage and prioritizing inclusive storytelling.
Deep dives
Impact of Silicon Valley on John M. Chu's Career
John M. Chu's upbringing in Silicon Valley during the tech boom greatly influenced his career in filmmaking. From being an early adopter of digital technology due to his exposure in the tech industry, Chu's tech know-how proved beneficial in his film career. However, he also became disillusioned with the tech industry's impact on movie viewing habits, preferring theater experiences over at-home viewing.
Chu's Journey to Embracing his Cultural Identity
Initially resistant to his Asian-American heritage in the film industry, John M. Chu underwent a transformation in his career. He realized the significance of telling stories that resonated with his cultural identity. The catalyst for this change came when prompted to identify the unique story he needed to tell, leading to his involvement in projects like 'Crazy Rich Asians' that mirrored his personal experiences.
Navigating Criticism and Representation in Filmmaking
John M. Chu grappled with criticism regarding representation in his film 'In the Heights', highlighting the importance of diversity in casting. While acknowledging the significance of representation, Chu emphasized the need for balance, cautioning against extreme critique that may hinder future diverse film projects. Despite facing scrutiny, Chu remains focused on creating inclusive narratives.
Personal Reflections and Creative Process in Filmmaking
John M. Chu delves into his personal reflections and creative process, emphasizing the essence of filmmaking beyond external validation. Chu's dedication to his craft transcends box office performance, prioritizing storytelling that resonates with audiences. Reflecting on his journey, Chu embraces criticism as part of growth and aims to foster compassion and understanding through his cinematic works.
Chu takes his inspiration from his dad, a Chinese immigrant who worked both the front room and the kitchen of their family-run restaurant: "The guy that in the back of the kitchen, that was my hero." The director of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights talks with Terry Gross about growing up in Silicon Valley, seeing Wicked for the first time, and learning to be adaptable.
Maureen Corrigan reviews Dinaw Mengestu's new novel, Someone Like Us.