Shawn Levy, acclaimed director and producer, recently discussed his decision to direct Netflix’s new miniseries “All the Light We Cannot See.” The series, created by Steven Knight and adapted from Anthony Doerr’s bestselling novel, follows the story of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager who finds an unlikely connection with a German soldier named Werner during World War II.
Levy initially planned to produce the show and potentially direct an episode. However, after reading the first draft of the adaptation, he realized that he needed to be fully involved in the project. “When I read it, I knew I needed to do it all myself,” Levy revealed in an interview with People magazine. Despite the series being a departure from his usual genre, Levy was drawn to its emotional storytelling and the connection it had to his prior work.
Known for his diverse range of projects such as “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Deadpool,” “Free Guy,” “Stranger Things,” “Arrival,” and “Night at the Museum,” Levy acknowledged that all his projects share a common thread. “All of my things tend to have a pretty warm heart at its center,” he explained. This theme aligns with Levy’s personal ethos, as he strives to live with his emotions on full display.
“All the Light We Cannot See” features an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Louis Hofmann, and Aria Mia Loberti. Levy described his approach to filming the series, stating, “I wanted to approach it like a long movie, in this case, a four-hour movie. It looks unlike anything I’ve ever made. The performances have a very different tone than anything I’ve made. It’s a straight-up period drama.”
Levy’s decision to direct this miniseries underscores his versatility as a filmmaker. While he is known for his work in various genres, he recognized the unique storytelling opportunity that “All the Light We Cannot See” presented. By diving into this period drama, Levy showcased his ability to adapt and excel in new creative territories.
The miniseries, which consists of four episodes, premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim. Mark Ruffalo, who plays one of the lead roles, has received particular praise for his performance. The series portrays the complicated relationship between Marie-Laure and Werner, navigating themes of war, empathy, and human connections.
As with any adaptation, Levy faced the challenge of translating a beloved novel onto the screen. However, the director’s deep appreciation for the source material guided his choices, ensuring the series captured the essence of Doerr’s words. Levy’s goal was to create an emotional and visually stunning experience that resonates with viewers, offering a unique perspective on the effects of war through the eyes of these complex characters.
“All the Light We Cannot See” adds to Levy’s impressive repertoire, further cementing his status as a talented and versatile filmmaker. With each project, he continues to explore new storytelling avenues while remaining true to his signature warm-hearted approach. The miniseries serves as a testament to Levy’s commitment to crafting emotionally charged narratives that captivate audiences.
In conclusion, Shawn Levy’s decision to direct Netflix’s miniseries “All the Light We Cannot See” showcases his ability to embrace new creative challenges. Drawn to the emotional storytelling and connection to his prior work, Levy knew he had to fully immerse himself in the project. The series, which tells the story of Marie-Laure and Werner during World War II, stands out as a period drama with a unique tone and visual style. Through his direction, Levy brings Doerr’s bestselling novel to life, offering audiences a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience. “All the Light We Cannot See” adds another success to Levy’s illustrious career and reaffirms his status as a talented and versatile filmmaker.