Chloé Zhao defends Marvel and comic stories
The Unlikely Universe: Chloé Zhao on Storytelling, Superheroes, and the Search for Meaning
When asked to weigh the artistic merits of a massive Marvel film against an intimate drama about the American West, director Chloé Zhao offered a perspective that redefined the boundaries of cinema. She argued that there is no true contrast between epic superhero spectacles and deeply personal human stories, suggesting that the value of storytelling transcends genre.
During a recent masterclass at the Venice Film Festival, Zhao tackled the perennial debate about whether comic book movies qualify as “high art.” She firmly asserted that we should not dismiss any story simply because it doesn’t fit a narrow definition of artistic excellence. For Zhao, the purpose of storytelling is fundamentally human: to create “containers” for people, allowing them to process their experiences and explore universal truths.
This philosophy is rooted in a fascinating personal journey. Zhao revealed that she actually harbored a dream of becoming a manga artist in her youth, though she found drawing wasn’t her forte. Instead, she found her calling in filmmaking, eventually directing the critically acclaimed Nomadland. That film, which won the Golden Lion at Venice and Best Picture at the Academy Awards, established her reputation as a master of quiet, resonant storytelling.
Her path led her to another vast canvas: directing Eternals, a major Marvel Cinematic Universe entry. For Zhao, working on Eternals was an opportunity to combine her deep appreciation for visual narrative and the expansive world of comics with her experience in cinema.
“I loved doing it,” she shared. “For any of you who love anime, I know you know this was a girl’s dream come true. Comic books are the western equivalent of manga. They are very different, but I live in the west, and that’s what I had access to.”
Zhao found an unexpected bridge between the stark landscape of Nomadland and the cosmic scope of Eternals. When prompted to compare the two, she pointed out that the common ground lies in the exploration of humanity, nature, and complicated relationships. One film follows a woman navigating the harsh realities of life on the road, while the other explores the existence of immortal aliens tasked with protecting Earth. Both narratives, though vastly different, examine how people navigate their environment and their bonds.
This shared focus on archetypes—the universal myths we all share—allowed Zhao to dissolve the perceived divide between intimate character drama and blockbuster spectacle. She suggested that the focus shouldn’t be on the genre, but on the emotional resonance and meaning the stories deliver to the audience.
Despite her celebrated achievements, Zhao remains grounded. Reflecting on her career, she admitted that her life is currently occupied by screens, leading her to ponder a deeper question: “Am I missing life because I was always there trying to capture it?” This honest reflection underscores that even an Oscar-winning filmmaker is still navigating the complex balance between the art of storytelling and the experience of living life itself.
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