Chloe Zhao critiques Hollywood’s lack of storytelling ambiguity

Chinese filmmaker Chloe Zhao, known for ‘Eternals’ and ‘The Rider’, believes Hollywood has some major areas for growth. In a candid conversation at the London Film Festival, she discussed Hollywood’s struggles, the challenge of securing film financing, and how neurodivergence has shaped her storytelling.

Zhao’s latest film, Hamnet, about the personal tragedy behind Shakespeare’s Hamlet, premiered to emotional reactions and even a surprise appearance from producer Steven Spielberg. Reflecting on her filmmaking journey, Zhao expressed a deep passion for rediscovering older storytelling methods. She believes that ambiguity and mystery in storytelling are crucial to a healthy society, something Hollywood struggles to preserve.

Despite her artistic vision, Zhao acknowledged the harsh reality of financing. “Money is really important,” she said, stressing that she doesn’t want her films to cause financial loss. As a director, she strives to work within financial limits, always aiming to ensure that investors get their money back. “Limitations are your best friend,” she concluded.