By

Johnny Vong

Published on/by

YouTube

Accompanying text

In 2019, reports came out that producers of Big Little Lies Season 2 had “taken away all creative control” from director Andrea Arnold. With all episodes being reshot and recut, Arnold’s vision was essentially erased from the series. Those who have come to admire the English filmmaker’s bold, uncompromising style, the news was hardly shocking. Instead, it was an affirmation: Andrea Arnold is one of the greatest cinematic iconoclasts working today.

This video essay is for education purposes only.

Written and Edited by Johnny Vong

Narrated by Christine Holloway

Footage: American Honey Big Little Lies Fish Tank Ratcatcher Red Road This is England This Selfish Giant Montage of Film by Catherine Breillat Wasp Wuthering Heights

Interviews and show clips: Entertainment Weekly Festival De Cannes

Music: Discovery – Makeup and Vanity Set Rachel – Live Footage The Performer – Live Footage Steady (Instrumental) – Roland Lewis