Key Takeaways:
– Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has high respect and admiration for Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, considering his work superior to Disney's.
– Hayao Miyazaki criticizes the portrayal of Japanese by Western filmmakers, pointing out a lack of self-awareness and deep research.
– Despite the respect from Spielberg, Miyazaki criticizes his films for their representation of the Eastern world.
Steven Spielberg's Respect for Hayao Miyazaki
Known for his exceptional filmmaking skills, Steven Spielberg holds a well-respected position in Hollywood. This adoration extends to his high praise for Hayao Miyazaki, a remarkable filmmaker specializing in animated movies. Spielberg sees Miyazaki as more than just an inspiration, often acknowledging his techniques and storytelling abilities as superior to many others in the industry.
Spielberg's love for Miyazaki's work is evident in his appreciation for “Spirited Away”, which he considers one of the greatest animated films ever made. Spielberg's remarks highlight the profound impact Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli movies have had on him, influencing him as a filmmaker and solidifying the Japanese animator's role as a monumental figure in the industry.
Hayao Miyazaki's Criticism of Western Representation
Despite Spielberg's admiration, Hayao Miyazaki has voiced concerns over the representation of Japanese and Eastern people in Western media. In an interview, Miyazaki referenced Edward Said's book “Orientalism”, examining the Western eye's perception of the Eastern world. He criticized films like Indiana Jones for their unrealistic portrayal of Eastern people and cultures.
Miyazaki points out the lack of self-awareness in Western films, indicating a deep deficiency in understanding and intricacies of the cultures portrayed. He holds firm on the belief that media should strive for proper and accurate representation rather than distorting images and misconceptions.
Spielberg and Miyazaki: A Unique Relationship
While Spielberg's admiration for Miyazaki's work is clear, the same feelings are not reciprocated by the Japanese director. Miyazaki's criticism of Spielberg's movies doesn't come from a place of disdain for the individual but more so focuses on the broader issue of inappropriate representation in Hollywood.
The relationship between the two filmmakers serves as a reminder of the need for continued dialogue and learning in any field, particularly in the world of cinema. Greatness recognizes greatness, but it also recognizes the importance of criticism for growth and improvement.
In Conclusion
The contrasting views and opinions between Spielberg and Miyazaki highlight the rich tapestry of the global film industry – where cultures intersect, opinions diverge, and representations matter. This open dialogue between industry giants serves as a lesson in humility, self-awareness, and continuous improvement.
Whilst Spielberg sees Miyazaki's work as exquisitely better than many of his counterparts, Miyazaki seeks a deeper understanding and respect for his culture by Western filmmakers. The conversation between the two isn't about taking sides but understanding different perspectives and striving for excellence and proper representation in film.
