Director Ari Aster, known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking and unconventional stance on promotion, recently engaged in an intimate conversation with fellow filmmaker Halina Reijn about their creative processes and the pressures of the industry. This exchange, held over Zoom, shed light on Aster’s filmmaking insights and the challenges that accompany both writing and directing. Their discussion touches upon the nature of artistic creation, the loneliness behind the craft, and the unexpected cult-like devotion their work inspires.
Ari Aster’s Struggle and Passion for the Craft
Ari Aster described the difficulty of beginning a project, sharing that the initial step of facing a blank page feels almost insurmountable. Yet, once filming begins, he experiences a shift, entering a state in which his instincts take over and deliberate thought recedes. His directorial journey, beginning with the 2018 breakthrough Hereditary, has been marked by increasingly bold and complex films such as Midsommar and Beau Is Afraid. His latest film, Eddington, a neo-Western set amid the COVID-19 lockdown, was released recently, capturing his signature style. Despite growing recognition, Aster remains humble, often surprised to have continual opportunities to create.
Halina Reijn, who has also ventured into directing with Babygirl, related her experience as both an actor and filmmaker. The pair discussed the stress of managing a set and the social demands of their profession, with Aster admitting how challenging the transition from the solitude of writing to the collaborative demands of filming can be. Both acknowledged how directing requires balancing the weight of responsibility with creative collaboration, describing the onset of filming as a “funeral march” due to the pressure of continuous decision-making.
Filmmaking as an Existential and Spiritual Journey
The conversation ventured beyond technique into the spiritual elements influencing their art. Aster shared his fascination with Anthroposophy and various spiritual philosophies, including the works of Rudolf Steiner and P.D. Ouspensky, which shaped his meditation on ritual and community while making Midsommar. Reijn, who grew up within the Subud community, reflected on the interplay between spiritual belief systems and artistic expression. Aster admitted that at times he has sought spiritual guidance personally and acknowledged how these ideas feed into his storytelling.
From Actors to Directors: Exploring Roles in Storytelling
Aster and Reijn examined the complexities of acting and directing, especially the inherent vulnerability and difficulty actors face under the spotlight. Reijn highlighted the paradoxical nature of acting, where performers often feel driven more by necessity than desire, while Aster expressed admiration for actors’ ability to dissolve into their roles, creating moments of profound impact. Their discussion revealed mutual respect for the process of witnessing authentic performances, which can feel like a psychosomatic event beyond conscious control.
The Challenges and Rewards of Public Exposure
Aster revealed his discomfort with the promotional aspects surrounding film releases, such as interviews and social media engagements. Despite participating in such activities for Eddington, he described feeling mortified yet reminded himself to find enjoyment in the process. Reijn observed how this promotional work can feel strange since the filmmakers invest deeply in their films, only to have to showcase them as if they were mere products. Aster characterized this experience as “threatening” and compared arriving on set to needing to
“punch everybody out of the way,”
symbolizing the defensive mindset required to navigate the social complexity of filmmaking.
Fearlessness and Authenticity: Influences and Inspirations
Both directors discussed their admiration for artists who fearlessly explore difficult themes and embrace imperfection. Aster praised the Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven for his uncompromising style that blends genre filmmaking with political subversion. He especially noted Verhoeven’s satirical edge and willingness to risk misunderstanding to convey authentic artistic visions. Reijn highlighted similarities between Verhoeven’s approach and their shared commitment to revealing dark human truths without judgment.
Creativity as a Double-edged Sword: The Toll of Ambition and Artistic Integrity
Reijn spoke candidly about the challenges of sustaining artistic ambition while confronting harsh criticism and public scrutiny. She expressed how aging has tempered her ambitions, offering relief from the relentless pressure to succeed. Both artists acknowledged the exhausting nature of creating art that demands vulnerability and exposes uncomfortable personal and societal realities. Aster described this relentless drive as an “unsatisfiable need,” a void inherent to artists that fuels their continued work.
The Formation of a Community and Cult-like Devotion
Reijn suggested that Aster’s work transcends mere filmmaking, touching on spiritual and cult-like elements that attract devoted audiences. They joked about founding a movement or cult centered around these shared artistic and philosophical interests. The conversation highlighted how their films’ powerful emotional and existential impact fosters a passionate and loyal following that connects deeply with the themes presented on screen.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Journey of Filmmaking
Both filmmakers reflected on their career trajectories and the possibility of their futures outside of cinema. Aster admitted it is difficult to envision a life without directing, though he remains humbled by the opportunities he receives. Reijn confirmed that, while there are moments of rekindled excitement for acting, her current focus lies decidedly on directing and storytelling. Their dialogue conveyed the sacrifices and devotion required to sustain such demanding artistic careers, affirming their commitment to exploring dark truths and pushing cinematic boundaries.
