When Guy Nattiv took on the role of directing the film Golda, which focuses on the life of Golda Meir, the first and only female Prime Minister of Israel, he knew he didn’t want to make just another war movie. Despite the film being set during the 1973 Yom Kippur war, Nattiv wanted to shed light on Meir’s leadership during the conflict, which was seen as a failure both inside and outside the country, leading to her eventual resignation. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nattiv discussed his decision to use real battlefield audio in the film, the controversy of casting Helen Mirren, a non-Jewish actress, to play Meir, and the current political climate in Israel.
One of the main goals Nattiv had for the film was to bring a deeper understanding of Golda Meir to audiences, particularly in Israel where she was often seen as a failure due to her association with the Yom Kippur war. Nattiv explained that Meir took responsibility for the failure of the war and resigned, while the Israeli generals did not. This led to Meir being blamed for the war, despite the fact that it was a collective failure. Nattiv felt that Meir’s story needed to be told and that she deserved justice for her role as a pioneer and controversial figure in Israeli history.
In order to achieve his vision for the film, Nattiv wanted to focus more on Meir and less on the war itself. He drew inspiration from films like The Conversation and Blow Out, which used sound to create a narrative. Nattiv wanted to depict how Meir experienced the war, which was through sound since she couldn’t physically be on the frontlines. He obtained real recordings from a commander who served in the war, which added to the authenticity of the film. Nattiv believed that using the real audio was a way to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the war and make the film more immersive for the audience.
The casting of Helen Mirren, a non-Jewish actress, as Golda Meir has been met with criticism. However, Nattiv defended his choice by explaining that when he joined the project, Mirren was already cast and had the blessing of Golda Meir’s grandson, who saw his grandmother in Mirren. Nattiv also spoke to Mirren and felt a connection to her as someone who understood what it meant to be Jewish. He acknowledged the discussion around representation and casting, but ultimately felt that Mirren was the perfect choice to play Golda.
Related Post
One of the themes Nattiv wanted to explore in the film was the challenges Meir faced as a woman in a position of power. He highlighted the disrespect and misogyny she encountered from her commanders and staff during the Yom Kippur war. Nattiv believed that if Meir had been a man, the blame would not have been placed solely on her. He also recognized Meir as a pioneer who paved the way for other female leaders and discussed how her downfall and the way she was treated influenced the treatment of women in politics in Israel.
Nattiv also spoke about the current political climate in Israel, particularly the protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to reform the judiciary. He drew parallels between the current situation and the Yom Kippur war, stating that Netanyahu’s government is leading the country into chaos, much like what happened in 1973. Nattiv expressed his support for the protestors and emphasized the importance of fighting for democracy.
In conclusion, Guy Nattiv’s film Golda aims to bring a deeper understanding of Golda Meir’s leadership during the Yom Kippur war and challenge the perception that she was solely responsible for its failure. Through the use of real battlefield audio and the controversial casting of Helen Mirren, Nattiv hopes to create an authentic and immersive experience for the audience. He also explores the challenges Meir faced as a woman in power and reflects on the current political climate in Israel.
