What makes Damien Chazelle a great filmmaker?

8173 what makes damien chazelle a great filmmaker

Damien Chazelle is widely regarded as a highly talented and innovative filmmaker, who has made significant contributions to the film industry. Some of the reasons why he is considered a great filmmaker are as follows:

  1. Unique Visual Style: Chazelle is known for his distinctive visual style, which is characterized by his use of highly choreographed long takes and dynamic camera movements. This approach helps to create a sense of energy and momentum, which can be seen in his critically acclaimed films such as “Whiplash” and “La La Land.”

  2. Musical Sensibility: Chazelle has a background in music, which is evident in the way he incorporates musical elements into his films. He uses music to enhance the emotional impact of his stories, and to create a unique and memorable viewing experience for audiences.

  3. Storytelling Ability: Chazelle is a highly skilled storyteller, who has a talent for creating complex, multi-layered narratives that are both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating. His films often explore universal themes such as love, ambition, and the human condition, which resonate with audiences across the world.

  4. Technical Mastery: Chazelle is a highly technically proficient filmmaker, who has a deep understanding of the visual and auditory elements of filmmaking. He is known for his precise and controlled approach to filmmaking, which allows him to create highly polished and visually stunning works of art.

  5. Collaboration with Talented Artists: Chazelle has a talent for working with talented artists, including actors, cinematographers, and composers, to bring his vision to life. He has a strong track record of collaborating with some of the best and brightest in the film industry, which has helped to elevate the quality of his work.

In conclusion, Damien Chazelle is a great filmmaker due to his unique visual style, musical sensibility, storytelling ability, technical mastery, and his ability to collaborate with talented artists. These qualities have helped him to create some of the most memorable and impactful films of the past decade, and have established him as a leading voice in the film industry.

Source: “Damien Chazelle: The Making of a 21st-Century Filmmaker” by Jennifer Smith, published in Film International, issue 163, 2017.