I feel anxious when I'm not making movies - Ari Aster's "Midsommar" [Director's Interview Vol.55]

I feel anxious if I don't write. I always want to create things

Q: I see. In both "Hereditary" and "Midsommar," the characters' "pasts" are key. I'd like to ask about the visual direction. In "Midsommar," indirect lighting was used extensively in the beginning, but when they went to Sweden, the screen suddenly became brighter, the camera rotated 360 degrees to switch on the story itself, and when the main character went into a trance state, the flowers seemed to breathe, and there was a burst of stylish direction. How did you develop this kind of sense?

Ali: I'm always looking for images that inspire me. In that sense, I'm a very voracious reader and spectator. There are so many examples out there. I try to watch as many films as I can, visit as many museums and galleries as I can, and try to be exposed to art as much as possible.

At the same time, I'm conscious of taking a step back from those things and "living life properly." I often get inspiration from life. But one thing I can say is that I'm not happy when I'm not writing (laughs).

Q: Ah, I totally understand that.

I feel like my creativity is being hindered by something, I can't come up with a story or an image... I get really anxious when I feel like that. That's why I always want to create things. Maybe it's my desire to write and make movies that's pushing me forward.

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