In a recent interview between Empire and Eternals director Chloe Zhao, she reveals her thoughts on the mixed reaction the Marvel film garnered when it first premiered back in November. Eternals marked a new era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe by telling a largely unrelated story about a newly introduced group of heroes called Eternals and god-like beings called Celestials. In addition to a diverse main cast, the film also included the MCU’s first on-screen gay couple and the first deaf character played by Lauren Ridloff, who is deaf herself.
“I think the need for consensus is a hindrance for any authentic creative process. Just like it’s a hindrance for living an authentic life as a person. I have been on the receiving end of somewhat consensus, and divisiveness about my work. Neither of them has any real influence on me as an artist because every time I’m lucky enough to create, I learn from the process. From what I’ve succeeded [at], and what I’ve failed [at], said Zhao.
Zhao continued by saying, “But that learning process is a very intimate affair. Anything beyond that, for me, it’s just a part of the ecosystem that exists because of the nature of the industry we’re in. Like a flower or a rock, I acknowledge and appreciate their presence. But that’s as far as it goes.”
Criticism for the film came in many forms, including comments on the diversity, differentiation from the MCU formula (and for adhering too closely to the MCU formula), and some of the film’s deeper and more philosophical themes on the human condition and existentialism. In the end, it is clear that Zhao believes in her work and what she brings to the table and doesn’t let divisive responses skew that belief.
Eternals is currently streaming on Disney+.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
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