Ep 3. 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Director and Star On Film

In this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers, season 6 episode 3, Travers sits down with director Benh Zeitlin and star Quvenzhané Wallis to discuss the making of their award-winning indie film, Beasts of the Southern Wild.

The film follows the story of a young girl named Hushpuppy, played by Wallis, who lives in a remote, poverty-stricken community known as "The Bathtub" in southern Louisiana. When a catastrophic storm hits, Hushpuppy and her community must fight for survival while also grappling with larger existential questions about their place in the world.

Travers begins the interview by asking Zeitlin about his decision to cast Wallis, who was only six years old at the time and had no prior acting experience. Zeitlin explains that he knew he needed to find a child who was both brave and vulnerable enough to embody Hushpuppy's spirit, and he found exactly that in Wallis.

Wallis then shares her experience auditioning for the role and the challenges she faced during filming, including working with live animals and learning to navigate the intense emotional moments of the script.

The conversation then turns to the film's themes of resilience and community, and how Zeitlin and Wallis worked to capture those ideas on screen. Zeitlin explains that he was inspired by the people and culture of the southern Louisiana area and wanted to pay homage to their strength and spirit. Wallis adds that she was able to connect with the character of Hushpuppy on a personal level, and felt empowered to tell her story.

Travers also discusses the film's unique visual style, including its use of natural lighting, handheld cameras, and a score that incorporates elements of the local music scene. Zeitlin explains that he wanted the film to feel like a "mythological, magical realist" story, and worked closely with his cinematographer and composer to achieve that vision.

As the interview concludes, Travers, Zeitlin, and Wallis reflect on the impact the film has had on audiences and the film industry as a whole, including its four Academy Award nominations and Wallis becoming the youngest actress ever to receive a Best Actress nomination.

Overall, this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers provides a fascinating glimpse into the making of one of the most acclaimed indie films of recent years, and offers insight into the creative vision and process of its talented director and star.