Explore the Cinematic Mastery with Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Yorgos Lanthimos & Alexander Payne

Explore the Cinematic Mastery: 2023 witnessed plenty of cinematic gems as the best directors of the film industry bestowed the cinematic world with some incredible films. Recently, with the 96th Academy Award, every film enthusiast got to know the best picks of the year, as the finest were chosen by the Academy voters. And even among the best, the supreme was chosen, which was honored with the Oscar trophy of Best Picture.

After the most anticipated results of the Oscars were declared, a major event took place after that. A welcome annual tradition, the Directors Guild of America gathered the nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for a discussion. The nominees included Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer,” Greta Gerwig for “Barbie,” Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things,” and Alexander Payne for “The Holdovers.”

The event that took place in February at the DGA’s Los Angeles Theater was moderated by Jeremy Kagan. The discussion among the Filmmakers lasted for nearly two hours. The aforementioned nominees shared some insights into their filmmaking process, experiences working on their respective projects, and their perspectives on the art and craft of filmmaking.

Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote and helmed the record-breaking blockbuster hit film “Barbie,” discussed the intentional dreamlike artificiality of her “Barbie” sets. The film was both a commercial and critical success and was nominated in seven categories for Oscars. Despite being highly praised by the fans, “Barbie” got only a single win—in the Best Song category.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Late Show (@colbertlateshow)

Moving forward to the inaugural Oscar-winner Christopher Nolan, who shed light on his fascinating approach to shooting the tower that held the Trinity Test bomb. Nolan’s 2023 film “Oppenheimer,” earned thirteen nominations, bagging seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Nolan and Best Picture. Additionally, the filmmaker is now zeroing in on his next feature, with Variety reporting he may be revisiting an adaptation of Patrick McGoohan’s 1960s sci-fi spy series “The Prisoner,” which he’s been attached to for 15 years.

Another film nominated for Oscars 2024 was Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards (including Best Picture). Overall, it was a masterpiece, and according to Scorsese, De Niro’s contribution to the film was commendable. During the discussion, Scorsese shared how Robert De Niro’s real-life injury brought more stillness to the film.

The Holdovers” director Alexander Payne reflected on how the lead actor of his film, Dominic Sessa, actually flubbed his first audition. However, now what really matters is that despite that ‘fumble,’ he managed to bag a role in the Oscar-nominated film.

Last but not least, Yorgos Lanthimos talked about his approach toward filmmaking and how ‘rehearsal’ was the main reason behind yielding such a great film like “Poor Things.” He shed light on the peculiar rehearsal games he does to warm up his cast and much more.

The intriguing conversation between these cinematic legends can be seen on YouTube.