Arrietty
“I Thought ‘The Little People Under the Floor’ Could Hint at the Times.”
In an environment starved of budding talent, the selection of Director Yonebayashi was a bold risk. While intervention in direction can be tricky, the beloved Maro brings his own filmmaking challenges. Miyazaki’s adaptation of Norton’s “The Little People Under the Floor” illuminates modern Japan, addressing cultural evolution and reflecting contemporary issues.
A World From Shou’s Perspective
In the interview, Hiromasa Yonebayashi recounts his unexpected journey to becoming the director of “Arrietty.” Though initially unsure due to his lack of experience, he received guidance and mentorship from film legends Miyazaki and Suzuki. Their collaboration emphasized a unique take on “The Borrowers,” setting it in contemporary Japan. Yonebayashi brought his own nuances to the film, particularly in character portrayal and emotional storytelling.
Making Convincing Visuals, Preparations for a Complete Scene
Atsushi Okui discussed the intricacies of visualizing “Arrietty’s” world at Studio Ghibli. Emphasizing depth, working closely with art teams, and the unique challenges of portraying the “little people”. Okui also highlighted mentoring the first-time director, Yonebayashi, throughout the process.
