Chloé Zhao: Originality is Old, Not New

Director Chloé Zhao is redefining the concept of originality in art, suggesting its roots lie in ancient sources rather than constant novelty. She argues that culture's relentless pursuit of the new overlooks the profound creative energy present in ancestral wisdom and past traditions. Zhao believes this overemphasis can be limiting, particularly within artistic awards that arbitrarily categorize works as original or adapted.

Zhao's perspective shifted during a four-year hiatus following "Nomadland" and "Eternals." Instead of chasing new horizons, she delved deep, embracing stillness and ancient ways. This period fundamentally altered her approach to filmmaking, influencing how she works with actors, stages scenes, and directs cinematography, now seeking balance between pioneering and introspection.

This renewed focus led Zhao to embrace ritualistic elements, such as the repeated chanting and swaying in a scene for "Hamnet," inspired by her composer Max Richter's use of his own work. She sees this as a vital tool missing in modern storytelling, a method akin to ancient shamans' chants and dances that fostered societal oneness, a responsibility she now feels cinema shares.