Despite the varying stories that director Bennett Miller tells in his films, there is one element that remains consistent. Miller has brought to the screen profound, enigmatic characters each time. His movies “Capote,” “Money Ball,” and “Foxcatcher” received praise not only for the filmmaker’s direction but the astounding, sometimes surprising, performances of each film’s cast, arguably Channing Tatum and Steve Carell‘s best turns to date, one of Jonah Hill‘s standout dramatic performances and obviously an Oscar for the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Portrayals of characters, whether fictitious or biographical, can make or break a film. Miller is a director who never skimps on the work that goes into coaxing the best performance out of an actor.
In this video essay by Jeremy Humphrey, we dive into the idiosyncratic characters and people Miller puts on screen. From his first feature, a documentary entitled “Cruise,” Miller never really goes for a normative, mainstream protagonist. In fact, Miller almost does away with the restrictions of introducing a person and following their journey. Instead, his films are a character study on those who aren’t, say, unhinged, but have goals and aspirations that distance the audience. These aren’t relatable people, exactly, but we he crafts an alluring space that draws us in nonetheless.
WATCH: Admire The Beautiful Wide Shots Of Bennett Miller’s ‘Foxcatcher’ In This Supercut
There’s something hypnotic about the people in Miller’s films. There’s a mirroring of the ambient, sullen setting and the morose figures onscreen. Miller’s work thrives when he has a cast of actors that are willing to understand and submit to his vision. Subdued even in the most dramatic of moments, these dynamic people interact most precariously. Functioning as individuals and not as an ensemble, there’s a jarring haunted feeling with Miller’s films. And it’s all expertly communicated to the audience through its character. Even when there are people we cannot relate to, we bear witness to the inconsistencies and bizarre possession of human nature that Miller explores.