With it recently being released that Disney’s live action Mulan is getting a 2018 release date with a worldwide search taking place for a Chinese actress to tackle the leading role of the titular heroine, it’s time to try to (or try not to) get excited about who they’re going to choose to helm the film. Kenneth Branagh did wonders with 2015’s delightful Cinderella while Robert Stromberg’s Maleficent hinted at stronger themes but failed to innovated visually with only Angelina Jolie standing out among the distastefully cartoonish designs. The vision for these live action adaptations are everything with source material near and dear to many viewers that have already been transformed into largely some beautiful films (mainly the animation-the gender politics of many are for another discussion). Mulan didn’t just break Disney barriers for it’s fierce depiction of a female lead but also for allowing that lead to be a Chinese woman, something the studio had yet to do up until it’s 1998 release. The footsteps left are big ones to fill and whatever director comes aboard will have to marry the films Disney friendly tone with their own personal style and hands on approach. The story is gripping enough on it’s own but it’s needs a strong visual eye to guide it along into something just as great, if not better, than the original.
Take a peak at the slideshow to take a look at my picks and let us know who you’d choose to direct the picture.
Hou Hsiao-hsien (The Assassin)
This is never, ever, ever going to happen. Not even a remote chance in hell. But wouldn’t it be cool? If you saw his latest film, 2015’s visual wonder The Assassin you know that his ability to shoot action sequences is as great as his ability to capture natural beauty and atmospheric scenic shots. Both would be a necessity when it comes to capturing the landscapes and epic quality of the Mulan tale. Just think about his natural lighting and impeccably staged action for the moment where Mulan faces off again what seems like an impossible army? It was surely transcend any Disney adaption thus far.
Jennifer Phang (Advantageous)
How often do were hear about male directors making a big splash at Sundance only to soon be picked up by a studio to direct a big blockbuster film. Hollywood loves the promise of talent when it comes to male filmmakers while women have to prove time and time again that their efforts are worthy and that they have the skill set to rise up and above the expectations placed upon them. There is little reason to justify why director Jennifer Phang isn’t a big name talent yet beyond the innate sexism of Hollywood. Her feature film Advantageous was a remarkably clever, beautifully acted and eerily shot, marrying the concepts of ageism, sexism and racism all into a sparse science fiction film. It was something stunning in its simplicity, with images guaranteed to haunt you for days after your first viewing. If she was able to take on such big, complex ideas while operating under a small budget, just think about what she could accomplish under the Disney helm with a property just as worthy of a complex gaze.
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Rick Famuyiwa (Dope)
After parting with The Flash for creative differences it’s only a matter of time before a big studio sweeps in to scoop him up for an up and coming project. While not everything about Dope excelled, the enthusiasm behind each shot was palpable as Famuyiwa weaved his way through multiple themes all with big complex ideas supporting them. His ability to bring out the strong, charismatic performances from his leads along with his kinetic shooting style and the vibrancy of each frame are all reasons why he’d excel with such an important subject. Maybe he wouldn’t be the most obvious choice but that is what could render some of the most interesting results. He’s not afraid to take chances and that’s something that the Disney mantle needs desperately.
Mira Nair (Queen of Katwe)
While she hasn’t done much in the way of action I have little doubt that director Mira Nair could tackle it if asked to. Her style is highly emotive, immersive and colorful and she would bring the Mulan’s world to life with a single frame if asked. She’s already proven to be able to direct an inspirational tale with a strong female lead and has ties to the Disney machine already. Marvel has always taken chances on indie directors who have primarily done character drive work in the past with little to no action under the name. Nair is a highly respected and remarkably skilled director who has more than earned her shot at such a big budget film.
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Zhang Yimou (House of Flying Daggers)
Let’s mark this down as another one of those never going to happen ideas (like my whole list) but considering House of Flying Daggers is a personal favorite, Zhang Yimou had to be included on this list. His ability to create visually striking imagery and jaw dropping and gorgeously rendered action would in an ideal world make him an obvious choice. Think about the images he could capture of the arm raining hell down the snowy mountainside, or the fight sequences atop the roof as Mulan is armed with nothing but a fan. His world would be rich, lush and as precise and colorful as a watercolor painting. There’s no reason even to pretend to be hopeful, but a fan can dream.
In a perfect world, who would you choose to direct Mulan ?
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