 |
| Nia DaCosta, Trailblazing Director Behind The Marvels, Discusses Navigating the World of Blockbusters |
In early 2020, Marvel embarked on a quest to find a director for "The Marvels," and an up-and-coming director arrived to pitch her vision to executives and select talent. Just four minutes into the meeting, Brie Larson fired off an enthusiastic text message in all caps to their mutual friend, Tessa Thompson. The message was succinct: "NIA DACOSTA."
At that time, Nia DaCosta, who was only 30 years old, secured the job, making history as Marvel's youngest-ever director and the first Black woman to helm one of their films. DaCosta approached the opportunity with unwavering confidence, saying, "When I go into those rooms, I’m really just like, ‘This is what I want.’ I’m not trying to figure out what they want, so I don’t have those kinds of nerves." However, Tessa Thompson believes that DaCosta's self-assuredness deserves more recognition, stating, "She has this combination of real humility and also this idea of ‘Why shouldn’t I be able to do these things?’ That belief in self—you need that, especially if you’re in a position where people are inclined to underestimate you."
Before taking on "The Marvels," DaCosta had only directed one feature, an indie film with a budget of less than $1 million. This was a significant leap into the realm of superhero blockbusters as she would direct the sequel to "Captain Marvel," a billion-dollar global hit. Her movie had to fit seamlessly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for its interconnected storylines. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige was impressed with DaCosta's indie background and her passion for the material.
For DaCosta, working with Marvel was a lifelong dream, but it came with its challenges. The MCU is known for its intricate storytelling, and DaCosta, primarily a writer-director accustomed to creative autonomy, found the collaborative nature of the studio system to be a new experience. She expressed, "That’s where most of the real pure stress as an artist came from. People are like, ‘Oh, it’s a Marvel film. Cool, cool, cool,’ but I also have my name on it, so I want to be able to be proud of it too."
As she entered the MCU, director Ryan Coogler advised her to stay true to herself, a seemingly simple yet profound piece of advice. DaCosta initially questioned its relevance, but she eventually realized the importance of being authentic. She explained, "You can’t do anything but be yourself, so bring that to the table. They can choose to take some and leave some, but that’s what your job is."
DaCosta's upbringing in Harlem, with a mother deeply immersed in the world of music and the arts, instilled in her a sense of acceptance, creativity, and exploration. She discovered her passion for filmmaking at a young age, taking her first film class at 16. After graduating from New York University and furthering her education in London, she broke into the industry as a production assistant on reality shows. However, she soon realized that it wasn't her calling.
Encouraged by her mother, DaCosta pursued writing, and her screenplay "Little Woods" was accepted by the Sundance Labs, propelling her into the world of independent filmmaking. Her debut film, "Little Woods," was a compelling story of two sisters facing financial hardship. Subsequently, she co-wrote and directed the horror hit "Candyman," a fresh take on the genre from a Black perspective. The film's success made her the first Black woman with a number-one-opening film.
While "Candyman" taught DaCosta how to infuse her unique perspective into an existing franchise, working with Jordan Peele as a mentor helped her navigate the studio system. She gained insights into balancing artistic vision with commercial success. To prepare for "The Marvels," she sought advice from fellow Marvel directors like Chloé Zhao, Taika Waititi, and James Gunn, as well as friends within the Marvel universe. She jokingly asked if Kevin Feige was a villain, receiving reassurances that he was simply a passionate nerd.
DaCosta's personal connection to comics and her enthusiasm for the story's dynamic between three main characters—Captain Marvel (Larson), Monica Rambeau (Parris), and Kamala Khan (Vellani)—fueled her creativity in "The Marvels." She relished the opportunity to leave her mark on various aspects of the film, from character relationships to costume design and world-building. Nonetheless, she faced moments of uncertainty during production, wondering how to make sense of surreal scenes and complex visuals.
The postproduction phase presented its own set of challenges, given the film's ties to existing and future Marvel projects. DaCosta was acutely aware of her role within the broader Marvel narrative, even as she aimed to make a distinct contribution.
As she anticipates the release of "The Marvels" in November, DaCosta has chosen to step away from social media, recalling the backlash faced by "Captain Marvel," which was one of the few female-fronted films in the MCU. "The Marvels" places a spotlight on three women, including the first Muslim superhero in a Marvel film, which may lead to increased scrutiny. DaCosta, though sensitive, prepares herself for the potential challenges ahead.
She also reflects on her accomplishments, including being at the helm of the highest-budgeted film ever directed by a Black woman. DaCosta acknowledges the unique experiences of being a Black woman in the industry, noting that she sometimes feels her presence is amplified or her voice perceived as stern. However, she has been pleasantly surprised by the respect she has garnered from colleagues.
Despite her achievements, DaCosta remains grounded and plans to explore smaller, more personal projects after "The Marvels." She is in the midst of adapting Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" into a psychological thriller, starring Tessa Thompson. While she has also been attached to direct Ta-Nehisi Coates's novel adaptation, "The Water Dancer," she looks forward to taking a break after years of continuous work. However, her mind is always brimming with ideas, and she is eager to create her own original stories.
In summary, Nia DaCosta's journey from an indie filmmaker to directing a Marvel blockbuster is a testament to her unwavering self-belief and creative passion. Her experience has shaped her perspective on storytelling and her desire to build her own cinematic worlds in the future.
إرسال تعليق