Filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilović asserts that building a significant body of work-fueled by passion and dedication-is more vital than chasing a conventional career, as revealed in a recent Interview magazine conversation with Gaspar Noé. The discussion delves into Hadžihalilović’s artistic process and the thematic core of her latest film, The Ice Tower.
Hadžihalilović’s perspective arrives at a moment when the film industry is increasingly focused on franchise-driven blockbusters and rapid content creation.Her emphasis on artistic integrity and the slow cultivation of a unique vision offers a counterpoint to this trend, resonating with independent filmmakers and cinephiles alike. The conversation highlights the importance of pushing boundaries and exploring challenging subject matter, a practice central to Hadžihalilović’s work and increasingly relevant in a cinematic landscape frequently enough criticized for its predictability.
Noé initiated the dialog by inquiring about Hadžihalilović’s preferred sequence from The Ice Tower, prompting her to spotlight a pivotal scene: the young protagonist consuming a bird as a exhibition of allegiance to the Queen.Hadžihalilović described the moment as a crucial turning point, marking the girl’s transgression of a significant taboo, powerfully portrayed by actress Clara Pacini.
“[The young heroine devouring the bird] is a turning point in the film where the young girl crosses a boundary, breaks a taboo,” Hadžihalilović explained to Noé. “Clara Pacini played this scene in a stunning way.”
Hadžihalilović further articulated her overarching philosophy, stating, “Try to build a body of work, not a career, and pour into it all the passion and determination you’re capable of.”
