Filmmaker Lee Daniels (‘The Deliverance’) Finds His Light
Sep 1, 2024
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Lee Daniels, a trailblazing filmmaker, shares his inspiring journey through Hollywood, including the fifteen-year path to his latest film, The Deliverance. He reflects on the therapeutic power of filmmaking, revealing how childhood trauma influenced his work. Daniels discusses his pivotal experiences as a casting director in the 80s and the emotional complexities behind acclaimed films like Precious. He also touches on representation in the industry and what drives his relentless creativity as he continues to uplift Black talent.
Lee Daniels reflects on his fifteen-year journey to produce 'The Deliverance,' emphasizing the importance of telling authentic narratives for marginalized communities.
He discusses his understanding of spirituality and how storytelling serves as a means to confront personal and societal demons in the midst of chaos.
Daniels highlights the responsibility and commitment he feels as a black, openly gay director to uplift underrepresented voices in the film industry.
Deep dives
The Journey of Lee Daniels
Lee Daniels discusses his unconventional rise in the film industry, beginning with his first production role for 'Monster's Ball' in 2001, which won Halle Berry her Oscar. Contrary to popular belief, Daniels spent two decades working behind the scenes before achieving notable fame, dealing with limited options for black actors. His determination to change the narrative surrounding African American representations led him to envision and create stories that reflect his experiences and challenges. This journey ultimately paved the way for significant projects like 'Precious' and the hit television series 'Empire,' further establishing his voice in Hollywood.
The Relevance of The Deliverance
Daniels' new film, 'The Deliverance,' is described as a faith-based thriller that tackles pressing issues such as addiction, family dynamics, and the struggle against both literal and figurative demons. The story centers on a mother, portrayed by Andra Day, who faces personal battles while trying to raise her children, highlighting the intersection of horror and reality in family settings. The film reflects on the contemporary struggles faced by families, especially in marginalized communities, emphasizing the necessity of addressing such narratives at this moment in time. Daniels expresses confidence in the film's relevance, especially after an eye-opening discussion with President Biden regarding the importance of these stories.
Finding God and Inner Peace
Daniels elaborates on his understanding of spirituality and finding GOD through the exploration of inner peace amidst chaos. Reflecting on the current climate of fear and negativity, he emphasizes how storytelling can serve as a conduit to address deeper existential questions. He suggests that the struggle for inner peace resonates throughout 'The Deliverance,' where combatting personal demons metaphorically illustrates the societal turmoil many are experiencing. The director sees his work as a reflection of a collective search for higher power and meaning in an increasingly dark world.
Overcoming Personal Trauma
Throughout the conversation, Daniels reveals how his childhood experiences with trauma and violence heavily influence his storytelling. He recalls specific moments, such as facing violence in his neighborhood and dealing with family conflict, that shaped his creative perspective. These formative experiences drive his desire to be an advocate for underrepresented voices and narratives in film. He believes that confronting these difficult topics in his work allows for healing and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by many individuals in society.
Impact of Having a Voice
Daniels reflects on the importance of having a voice in the film industry and the responsibilities that accompany it. He acknowledges the challenges of being a black, openly gay director in a predominantly white industry, yet he embraces the obligation to uplift others. His past struggles motivate him to create opportunities for marginalized artists in front of and behind the camera. This focus on mentorship and advocating for authentic representation signifies Daniels' commitment to using his platform for positive change, highlighting the necessity of diverse voices in storytelling.
This week, our guest is trailblazing filmmaker Lee Daniels.
At the top, we discuss his fifteen-year journey to the new Netflix film The Deliverance (5:00), Daniels’ relationship to spirituality (9:16), and his memories of directing theatre at eight-years-old (14:55). Then, we dive into the therapeutic quality of filmmaking (17:14), his work as a casting director at Warner Brothers in the 80s (19:48), and what it meant for Daniels to manage young performers like Morgan Freeman and Loretta Devine (23:38).
On the back-half, he unpacks the tumultuous process of making his award-winning film Precious (32:00), the projects that followed in The Paperboy and The Butler (39:30), the rise of Empire and his paradigm-shifting work in Hollywood (41:10), the peace that guided him to make his new film (46:10), and what motivates him to keep working (50:31).
