After the box office success of her monster hit Barbie, Greta Gerwig says she doesn’t want to stop directing movies. She expressed her desire to continue directing well into her 70s, citing François Truffaut’s belief that “quantity is impressive.” Gerwig aims to be known as a director who consistently delivers quality work throughout her career. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she reflected on her career aspirations and her dedication to the craft of filmmaking.
Barbie has earned over $1.4 billion, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023. It is also Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing film of all time and the highest-grossing film by a solo female director. Following this remarkable achievement, Gerwig is now attached to direct a feature film version of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix.
Gerwig’s rise as a director came after transitioning from acting to helming critically acclaimed films such as Lady Bird and Little Women. She believes that the key to her success lies in staying busy and constantly creating. Despite her Hollywood success, Gerwig admits to feeling a sense of self-doubt and fear of failure, but she finds that the fear of not creating anything outweighs the fear of making something that falls short of her standards.
Despite her accomplishments, Gerwig has not read any reviews for Barbie yet. She shares that the project was initially daunting due to the strong opinions surrounding the iconic toy doll, but she embraced the challenge and dove headfirst into the storytelling process.
As the longtime partner of fellow director Noah Baumbach, with whom she shares two sons, Gerwig draws parallels between parenting and directing films. She likens the process of directing a movie to the experience of raising children, where one learns and adapts along the way. She emphasizes the fleeting nature of these experiences, where the moment eventually passes, leaving one to face new and unexpected challenges.
While reflecting on the industry, Gerwig acknowledged the fast-paced changes in Hollywood, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement. She considers herself fortunate for not having experienced severe instances of sexual harassment, attributing it in part to living in New York City, which has provided a certain level of insulation from the Hollywood industry.
Gerwig also expressed her skepticism about being too attached to Hollywood’s standards, preferring to maintain a sense of independence in her creative pursuits. She believes in the importance of distancing herself from the pressures of Hollywood’s expectations and influence, distinguishing her perspective as different from those entrenched in the Hollywood system.
Furthermore, Gerwig welcomed the introduction of intimacy directors on film sets, recognizing their role in ensuring the safe and professional execution of intimate scenes. She likened their role to that of a fight choreographer, emphasizing the importance of structured and respectful approaches to intimate scenes in film production.
Overall, Greta Gerwig’s journey as a director has been marked by remarkable achievements and a steadfast determination to continue creating impactful and meaningful work in the film industry. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her willingness to embrace challenges and navigate industry changes, sets her apart as a visionary filmmaker with a promising future.
