Filmmaker Chloe Zhao, known for works like Nomadland and Eternals, shared that her success in the industry has come with sacrifices. At a London screening with Sir Sam Mendes, Zhao, 43, acknowledged the personal cost of her achievements. She mentioned embracing the idea of letting go of certain aspects of life for transformation, realizing the need to accept sacrifices for growth.
Zhao expressed the challenges of balancing a thriving career with a fulfilling family life. She admitted to previously believing in having it all, akin to eternal summer, but now understands the necessity of allowing certain things to fade away. The filmmaker highlighted the cultural struggle of learning to release and accept endings, emphasizing the societal pressure to have everything and the difficulty in reconciling personal desires with reality.
The director, who has often felt like an outsider, discussed her affinity for those on the fringes of society. Zhao differentiated between loneliness and solitude, sharing her experiences of solo travels during her early filmmaking days. She finds herself naturally drawn to individuals living on the margins, irrespective of the country, and appreciates the storytelling challenges presented by such narratives.
Zhao’s filmmaking approach focuses on portraying individuals existing on society’s periphery. She noted a global shift towards minimalism and decluttering, reflecting a collective disillusionment with consumer-driven economies. In her exploration of characters on the fringes, Zhao aims to capture the essence of human experiences beyond material possessions, critiquing the relentless pursuit of happiness through consumption.
