It’s not often you get filmmakers like Ridley Scott (Gladiator II), Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), Ramell Ross (Nickel Boys), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), and Edward Berger (Conclave) talking about their work all together in one room.
The Hollywood Reporter’s latest Director Roundtable has arrived, offering an insightful and entertaining sit-down with these acclaimed creators. The filmmakers share perspectives, experiences, and even a few laughs about the art and challenges of putting a film together. From first-day nerves to navigating colossal sets, the one-hour conversation is a treasure trove for cinema enthusiasts.
Setting the Mood on Day One
The roundtable begins with a question about first-day rituals. Brady Corbet didn’t hold back, quipping, “Have a panic attack,” while Ramell Ross added dryly, “I tested positive for COVID.” Denis Villeneuve shared a more heartfelt tradition: “I love to listen to François Truffaut’s music of La Nuit Américaine. It’s just the fire of cinema. I love that song.” Ridley Scott responded with amusement, “Are you serious? That’s really sweet,” and playfully pushed Villeneuve to hum it—though he politely refused.
Balancing Confidence and Doubt
The directors explored how they balance the need for confidence with inevitable moments of doubt. “Privately,” Scott said firmly, “If you show any doubt with an actor, they’ll eat you alive.” Corbet reflected on his acting days, saying, “I saw a lot of people I admired very much who were having real crises. So when I started to face a lot of my own, I didn’t worry about it too much.” Villeneuve offered a contrasting approach: “If I have doubt, I can allow myself the space to say to everybody, ‘Back off,’ and just space to think.”
The Challenge of Time
When discussing the balance between long films and shorter attention spans, Scott joked about the audience’s tolerance: “If you’re going to run for three hours, it had better be worth what I call the ‘bum ache’ factor.” Villeneuve added, “We’ve all seen a five-minute short film that lasted forever and a three-hour movie that went like that. It’s about the emotional impact of the film.” Fargeat shared her perspective: “It’s also OK to sometimes be bored during a film. You don’t have to be excited all the time.”
Crafting Immersive Worlds
The directors’ attention to detail shines in their approach to sets. Scott described his vision for the Colosseum in Gladiator II: “My Colosseum is about 10% bigger because when you have a horse going full gallop, you want him to not run into a wall.” Fargeat recounted her innovative recreation of Los Angeles for The Substance: “We chose a poetic backdrop… When the L.A. backdrop arrived, I remember I entered the set and thought, ‘Oh my God.’ It felt so realistic.”
Risks and Studio Dynamics
The conversation also touched on the dynamics of working with studios. Ross confessed his initial scepticism: “The idea of working with a studio seemed that it could be constrictive… But I was left with a lot of hope.” Villeneuve reflected on the stakes: “When you make a film, if it fails, it’ll close doors. That’s part of the game. You’re always as good as your last film.”
Watch the full discussion below.
