177 | Past Lives Writer/Director Celine Song: Standing In Your Authority As a Writer and Artist
Feb 1, 2024
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Celine Song shares her journey as writer and director of 'Past Lives' and the power of being the author of your own script. The hosts discuss finding joy in horseback riding, challenges of receiving feedback, closure in relationships, standing in authority as a writer and artist, navigating frustrations of writing, and embracing imperfections in art.
Celine Song's debut feature Pass Lives received overwhelmingly positive reviews at its Sundance premiere, and was recently nominated for multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The film, which is loosely based on Song's own life, has garnered wide acclaim from both audiences and critics, winning awards at the Gotham Awards and the Hollywood Critics Association Awards.
Celine Song's background as a playwright and screenwriter
Celine Song, in addition to being a director, is also known for her work as a screenwriter and playwright. Her play Endlings premiered in 2019 and had a successful New York debut in 2020. Song has been recognized as a finalist for prestigious playwriting awards, showcasing her talent and success in the theater world. She also wrote for the first season of the Amazon series Wheel of Time.
Celine Song's approach to writing and directing Pass Lives
Celine Song's approach to writing and directing Pass Lives was deeply rooted in her connection to the characters and the story. She had a clear vision for the script and was able to effectively communicate her ideas to her collaborators. The script itself served as a guide for the direction and style of the film, and Song's knowledge and understanding of the story and characters allowed her to navigate the challenges of the production process. Despite facing notes and feedback, Song's confidence in her own vision and storytelling abilities remained strong throughout the process.
The Importance of Writing Beyond Dialogue and Sparse Stage Directions
The podcast discusses the importance of stage directions in writing and how they can add depth to a script. While some writers may have been trained to focus primarily on dialogue, the speaker emphasizes that stage directions can be a vital part of storytelling. The conversation also touches on the shift in writing styles due to playwrights transitioning into TV and film, and the need for writers to learn the rules in order to break them effectively.
Breaking Conventional Structures and Exploring Time and Space
The podcast explores the unconventional approach to structure in storytelling, with a particular focus on the movie discussed. The writer-director shares insights into the decision to portray time and space in a non-linear and subjective manner, reflecting the way it is experienced in real life. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing traditional storytelling techniques with the freedom to experiment and create a unique narrative. The speaker also praises the character of Nora in the film, emphasizing her groundbreaking portrayal as a woman who knows her worth and doesn't conform to traditional gender expectations.
Hearing Celine Song discuss her authority as an artist is powerful stuff. Despite no feature film directorial experience, she knew she had the secret key to lead the production of Past Lives, which is now a 2024 Oscar nom: a fierce commitment to her script, the story, and characters. For Celine, all of the power and authority that we bring to our work comes from the simple fact that we are the authors and engineer of that sacred document that drives the whole thing: the script.
