Spectrum of Approaches to Directing Naturalism: An Analysis of Wang, Koreeda, and Liegh

An analysis of differing approaches to directing naturalism among international cinema, using three writer-directors as key examples along a spectrum showing their levels of improvisation vs. formalism both on and off set. Lulu Wang, who directed 2019's "The Farewell," is an example of reality in search of formalism, as her autobiographical work attempts to capture reality while still holding onto many formalist elements to support her structure and characters. Hirokazu Koreeda, who directed 2018's "Shoplifters," focuses more on mixing improvisation and formalist aspects in his work with child actors, whom he allows to improvise heavily against very formalist adult actors. Lastly, Mike Leigh, who directed 2010's "Another Year," uses mostly improvisational rehearsals with his actors to write his scripts, allowing formal improvisation to assist in his search for reality. By analyzing naturalistic films along such a spectrum, the strengths of the differing approaches of each of these directors can be better understood, and inspire future generations of filmmakers who wish to achieve similar levels of authenticity and naturalism in their own direction and films.