Chloé Zhao

Chloé Zhao, an Oscar-winning director celebrated for her films like Nomadland and Eternals, shares insights about her latest project, Hamnet. She discusses how budget constraints shaped her unique visual style and reveals how personal experiences influenced the film's narrative. Zhao recounts valuable advice from Steven Spielberg that enhanced key scenes. She also expresses her willingness to tackle more big-budget projects and her ambitions in anime, aiming to connect Eastern and Western storytelling. Plus, a reflection on the memorable COVID Oscars night adds a personal touch.

Chloé Zhao, the Academy Award-winning director of Nomadland, joins Michael Schulman to discuss her latest film, Hamnet, based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel about Shakespeare's grief. She shares how nature informs her filmmaking, both as a spiritual refuge and a visual language. Zhao reflects on her creative process, including the impact of neurodivergence and sensory sensitivities. She also details the unique challenge of adapting Shakespeare, capturing his depth and emotion while avoiding reverence in his dialogue.

Chloé Zhao, an acclaimed director celebrated for her unique storytelling and visuals, chats with fellow filmmaker Barry Jenkins about her latest project, Hamnet. They delve into the collaborative process with writer Maggie O’Farrell and explore the emotional depth of loss portrayed in the film. Zhao shares her innovative casting techniques, discusses somatic and dream work to unlock actors' performances, and highlights the significance of capturing chaos and order through her cinematographer, Lukasz Zal. Their conversation reveals the art of storytelling as a transformative journey.