20 questions with Brit Marling and Gregory Crewdson

Brit Marling on magic, pleasure, and film as poetry
Part of Yale MFA Photo's Pop-up Q&A series via zoom, which started in response to online learning during the 2020 pandemic

[@EverlifeGame]

So profoundly devastated that we lost The OA, one of the most beautiful and special shows I've ever seen.

[@christianr5336]

Sims5News I’ll always be heart broken. Truly was so special.

[@krisdeeee]

Couldn't agree more. The show touched me and was a force of incredible stories and worlds and people. It was a masterpiece and I still can't understand why Netflix doesn't care about the investment fans had... And still have... In it.

[@dougalmackenziesmith673]

I don't think I will ever properly move past the fact that we won't finish the story. A true force of cinematic nature and nothing has or ever will be like it.

[@Xiao-Tian-dago]

Easy brother. The oa fulfilled his spiritual mission and we were fortunate to enjoy it.

[@DoeyKat]

@@Xiao-Tian-dago There were 5 parts planned. And I love what we we've fortunate enough to have, but it will always feel incomplete.

[@karenweston2714]

I'm sorry, I can not abide The OA being called a failure. Netflix was a failure for cancelling it. That was the only fail.

[@AdornationMusic]

Totally agree 👍

[@racewiththefalcons1]

Netflix cancelled The OA, I cancelled Netflix. The Criterion Channel is better (and cheaper), anyway.

[@leena7961]

It has way too big of a fanbase to be called a failure tbh. If they kept renewing shows like Thirteen Reasons Why and cancelling The OA and Sense8, I've given up hope for Netflix

[@pageppy2959]

Lena Sense 8 was amazing

[@Imtiaas]

I agree, it is so original. The story is amazing!! I just binged this show in one week. I am disappointed that Netflix has cancelled it.

[@LisaPattiArtist]

I miss the OA. I need more.

[@nishuthakkar4054]

We are together against netflix 😵

[@addiejoy6779]

"Imagine yourself as a dodecahedron".... this is exactly why I love Brit Marling

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

That was the best part!

[@lockekappa500]

Almost forgot how much I just enjoyed listening to her talk. Everything's so magical to her, and in turn she makes everything appear magical to all of us who interact with her. Truly a gift.

[@JamesVanDeWaal]

The OA is trapped in the dimension where the OA was cancelled. She needs to NDE to the dimension where the OA had six seasons and find out how to reboot the show.

[@maverickpictures6895]

oh my gosh she would be THE best person to sit with for hours and chat metaphysics and shoot the breeze about existential theories

[@ulfrstern4107]

There's something about this person that makes something move inside. She's pure light.

[@christianr5336]

I really hope she’s trying to get The OA picked up on something else and it takes off. Screw Netflix, they keep Riverdale going but cancel this? They always give us those few shows with such amazing writing and meaning and then cancel them and put money into shit series.

[@rodrigoquirante]

Exactly!

[@44r0n-9]

almost as if Netflix was a business! But I agree.

[@larisaterd892]

I at least think we should get a book

[@christianr5336]

Larisa Terd not even joking I had a dream last night I was reading The OA season 3 that got made into a book!!!! Oh my

[@adelalemus5447]

Christian R i agree ! They cut good shows to start a shit show that doesn’t even get a second season ! And don’t bring them back . They had a 5 season deal ! In an interview Brit said she had finished the 5th season script so we will never see season 3-5 unless Netflix gives her the rights and drop their name on it maybe she can pitch the show to fox or syfy and even freeform or if she did this on her own with no network would be amazing she would have total ability to make the seasons how she wants without having restrictions

[@user-if8ys7gf2e]

The way she gestures is so engaging.

[@Capgungoesbang]

The OA literally changed my life.

[@imransuhail82]

So many of us feel the same way. Enjoy

[@narayandevakaur4495]

me too

[@hanniffydinn6019]

It’s real. You can shift realities. People do it all the time.

[@mariaorschitsch6016]

🙄😐

[@karines1856]

I'm in love with her creativity! She's a marvelous storyteller! I could hear her talk and tell anecdotes all day.

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

This interview had the most depth (on both sides) than I've seen in a long time. How very refreshing.

[@EllieJayden]

The OA changed my life. I am so thankful for Brit and her artistry. I hope that I too can oneday add something profound and thought-provoking to this world.

[@embern7854]

At 14:40 , I think I rewatch the OA and each time I get to this part she's talking about (I think) when Homer and Prairie are doing the movements after something very tragic for both of them happened, it does feel like they're speaking to one another through the movements. It just feels like they are yelling at each other, describing how they feel with the movements, and then they start doing them all night long. It's... so beautiful. And every time I watch it, I start to cry. There isn't even any dialogue, it's just so passionate. I know what they're saying, and it's incredible that they have that ability.

[@t9md]

Ember N Ya, it was such an profound seen. In my mind some part my brain says it’s gone too far it’s too unrealistic, but my heart cannot help being moved and tears oozed from my eyes and I was surprised by noticing I was crying. I haven’t have similar experience any other movies or TV shows.

[@jeremylathan4855]

Absolutely that scene id an incredible conversation without words, it is beautiful

[@laurasophia88]

They are Twin flames

[@davi-cohen]

I'd always felt that way about that scene. Listening to her speak about that sense of exchange in it was warmingly reasssuring.

[@dreamer2260]

Absolutely. What a wonderful and moving thing to hear from Brit that that was so meaningful between her and Emory. It absolutely made the scene. So powerful.

[@anaacedo1]

The way she explains thoughts takes me to another place, another dimension, love love love

[@PJB-11]

I am so glad Brit mentioned Twin Peaks. If that came back after 25 years, anything is possible.

[@PJB-11]

Also, BBA = Log Lady: The Next Generation ;)

[@x.k.b.w.6716]

Not good for people with terminal illnesses.

[@gabrielverapr]

I love the way Brit Marling’s brain works! So intelligent, I aspire to be as knowledgeable as her

[@kellybock6320]

Thank you for Yale MFA Photography for sharing this wonderful interview with Brit Marling!

[@DebbieLeighDriver]

Hap said he was going to take her to a place where she doesnt know she is the OA but everyone calls her the OA. Very, very clever writing, massive cliff hanger.

[@hibatallahlabhiri2875]

Brit is my example in life , i am very proud and thankfull that we have her . I'm only 19 and I really appreciate every single thing she do.thank you

[@hibatallahlabhiri2875]

i hoope the OA come back someday , somehow..

[@nishuthakkar4054]

Is there anything we can do for that

[@s.c.s4212]

@@nishuthakkar4054 besides the petition and being part of the community on twitter and reddit- I am not sure. "Invisible River" a fan film for the OA comes out May 25th.

[@nishuthakkar4054]

@@s.c.s4212 i saw that and appreciate the efforts, but lets face it.. it's not satisfying we need the actual show... netflix canceled it but there are many other streaming services who would allow the producers to continue the series "if the producers of the show waNted to" Think about that... so why they didn't make no efforts about it?? Like there are so many streaming services even youtube would do it if they wanted to continue just saying.. Nah there's something wrong.. Maybe it's all a publicity stunt.. they're trying to create a hype is all.. maybe maybe not..

[@davidwharton8923]

@@nishuthakkar4054 no, havent you heard anything brit said? blame capitalism and the way money devours art.

[@mateosmind751]

@@nishuthakkar4054 HULU would continue it.

[@Frellyouall]

#savetheOA I would love The OA parts 3-5 and The Sound of my Voice parts 2&3.

[@Joanafandrade]

She is amazing. I became fan since Another Earth. She is so raw, so creative. I miss The OA 😭

[@rantingintothevoid]

Brit is absolutely brilliant. I watched the first season of the OA as soon as it came out. I was blown away by it. I haven’t seen storytelling like that in awhile. When the second season was released, I was thrilled and so sad to hear it was canceled before the story finished. She’s amazing and a true artist.

[@swintjoker]

As an aspiring writer that never had enough money to go to college, I'm in awe by Brit and her mind and will live through her.. Her use of words inspires me in a way that nobody else does. Her descriptive answers are magical. I wish somebody like Elon Musk who is an innovator with deep pockets made his own version of Netflix for the brilliant minds like her to create masterpieces without fear of cancellation.

[@rantingintothevoid]

Me too to everything you just said. She deserves so much more attention. She’s amazing.

[@Jess-md5uc]

SwintJoker agreed!!!💜

[@lanarenee7135]

Write that book you've always wanted to. 💥

[@NikStamps]

We are all here because of The OA, someday, some how it will continue. Being A Star Trek fan, knowing how the show would never continue after the last season in 1969 but the fans wanted it and so one day The OA will go on!

[@yesidono]

THE OA SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN CANCELLED! I'm so heartbroken :(

[@jonnydarke]

Need to see the OA bought back, was a very interesting story indeed. Brit is just mesmerizing to watch, so much more to come from her I think.

[@JulsNKimm23]

Thank you, Brit, every time I hear you or read you I really feel you.

[@Tia.K.C]

I think the show deserves to be picked up by Starz or a company similar. Her energy translates so beautifuly into her works. She's simply brilliant.

[@ashfranceschi]

What a beautiful human! She reminds of David Lynch in her authenticity and they way she talks in such a familiar, warm and honest way about her self and her work, and how she responds to people's question in such a genuine way. We are really lucky to have people like her producing work, even if it ends up being cancelled; like she said, we might have an OA The Return in 25 years maybe?

[@Djoodibooti]

The OA, it must return. I feel it's inevitability. just two more years.

[@orlandooracle7008]

As a fan of the OA, I wish it hadn’t been canceled. I didn’t think it was too much at once. I felt it was a story that the world needed to hear lately. Netflix is feeding their backers critiques rather than knowing their own audience.

[@Andrei-tl3uq]

I don"t know if you are the original, but you're definitely an angel.

[@zackd2852]

I'm SO SIMPLE. I see Brit Marling, I CLICK so fast. I LOVEEEEE to hear her speak because she's so...articulate, intelligent, and (I don't know if you guys noticed but her vocabularies are so BIG...LOL, some of her word-choice is so advanced that I feel so dumb just hearing her speak and have a dictionary on hand to look up the big words she used).

[@maxfury4058]

such an incredible woman. thank you a lot for this interview

[@camsbluespace8404]

Oh I really hope we get to finish The OA ♡♡♡

[@aishaaijazahmad6184]

Even with just two seasons the OA is my favorite show. Please get it back on any platform i'll pay to watch it

[@riccardogiulietti6893]

Smart, profound, lovely.....Her smile and her eyes speak for themselves. Sad we are not going to see the continuation of OA., but hopefully we will enjoy her art in other ways. Keep going❤

[@skarrven]

Thank you Yale MFA Photography for organising and sharing this talk with Brit. It is truly appreciated and needed in a time like this. Eloquent and insightful, Brit is healing us and we are all collectively dreaming with her 🙏

[@themetacrisis]

One of the most profound and beautiful shows I've seen in my life. She's a visionary.

[@GennaPinnickVideos]

Love the question you answered: Who is your imagined audience. Your answer of your grandmother's ghost felt . And I immediately jumped to this feeling as I grow, and heal, and create, I'm doing this for myself and simultaneously for the long line of my female ancestors. Definitely creeping outside of my container...

[@wildflower2807]

That's interesting, I've been feeling this connection to my female ancestors very strongly these past weeks, but then sometimes an overwhelming pressure alongside it to not waste this moment they made possible...

[@ModernClassic]

I could just sit and watch Brit talk all day. She's a genius, and fun to watch and listen to. Wish I'd seen this on Zoom when it was on live, but glad to see it now in any case. Sad about The OA, but looking forward to whatever she does in the future.

[@nishuthakkar4054]

Brit is so beautiful inside and outside, just love her vibes 🇮🇳

[@alyssaextraordinair]

The OA first season triggered all my trauma, and I had to take breaks from it. It also explained so many metaphysical errors in my mind. My boyfriend of four years commented that her life, her gestures, her body type and hair were the same as mine and on our brief romantic break from one another he would watch this show. Even the Barbie doll head in the car was something I had. I was drown at 5 years old. I’ve died twice in my life. Overdosed. Idk there was some crazy parallels in the OA and I’m grateful for this show and wildly disappointed it’s not going to continue but thank you Brit for existing in this space and creating 🙏🏻

[@rgr4929]

She said maybe The OA returns in a different form and in another moment and Gregory goes to another question!!!!!! Maaaaan!!

[@rgr4929]

@@sampuckeridge3294 In this interview...

[@fatalshore5068]

Bad interviewing technique. Structured interviews are just bad, no flow. Semi-structured is the way.

[@adelalemus5447]

And we finally see why nature was such a big thing in the show especially the trees in season 2 she wrote a show on her life just made a twist into syfy lol

[@totalt6600]

A story telling genius, and mesmerizing actor.

[@wildflower2807]

I feel a true, deep loss that The OA was cancelled. It was waking people up... it was sparking something important in me and I so hope that it isn't put down and left. Brit Marling speaks this sort of divine language we didn't know we knew but understand every word.

[@hannahraymond2504]

Brit is such a creative person. The way her mind works goes beyond what we know. To think that a cinematic marvel like The OA, could go without an ending is painful. I hope the spark that she started gets picked up by the wind, and spreads like wildfire. Maybe we’ll get our ending then.

[@cieloelnas1927]

Thank you for sharing this interview with Brit Marling! I hope she gets more interviews and talks like this in the future. i love hearing her thoughts!

[@Dessloch]

Thank you for sharing this. Great questions and even better answers to them. I love how insightful she is, and how much time and effort she puts into giving an answer. It's truly delightful to listen to her.

[@PAULYHEDRA]

May god bless the path of this woman for eternity!

[@gekkowgordon3947]

If I had 1 million US dollars, I'd finance the OA Season 3, no matter what Netflix says.

[@alquinn8576]

$1M might get you half or maybe one episode

[@ontherocks89]

Gosh. The way she talks and moves is just so poetic and lyrical. I could listen to her for hours. Pure magic

[@teresaaseret]

Following this weird and gorgeous human being since Another Earth. Can't wait for the next indie masterpiece

[@oscarsantiago5775]

Qué buena persona eres Brit Marling.

[@zombiegaby]

The way she talked about the actress in the beginning, that's the way I feel about Brit.

[@johnnydeutschemark3620]

"The part of art that meets commerce" ....bingo. Also: "Your job is to make the revolution irresistible " & "We enter into a collective dream together"

[@jasmineorberg8717]

Brit Marling, Thank you for the OA, it was a fantastic show which has educated me a lot in regards to multidimensional traveling. I've watched the OA seasons more than twice just to understand the integration process of the different personas. It's fascinating to me to think I understand what the so called DID really is,. If possible id like to get in contact with you, just trowing it out there. Either way, love your work and is grateful you are sharing such spectacular passion and expression in both your work and interview. Thank You

[@cornrolls]

That is such an incredible scene with Brit and Emory (end of The OA Part I, Episode 5). So beautiful. Love hearing her talk about it.

[@Xiao-Tian-dago]

La sensibilidad de Brit cautiva. Proyecta mucha luz. Brit's sensitivity captivates. Projects a lot of light. Thanks Brit.

[@monkeyballs342]

fabulous writer and actress most things ive seen she has wrote has me gobsmacked not the usual rubbish makes you think about life

[@nonnidreams]

So much engaging, expansive and thoughtful food for the mind in understanding art and how it is an important part of life and the world. I really respect her, the interviewer and the students. I definitely hope OA does continue, sometime, somehow to finish what they meant to make, Brit and her collaborator.

[@strongemotion]

Brit, I know you don't read comments, but you must know - The OA should not have been canceled. The only risk of the OA for the Executive Producer standpoint is that the story was SO ambitious that perhaps nobody could believe you could be lightning striking for a 3rd time. Season 2 was AMAZEBALLS!

[@TheJeffadams]

praise isn't easy to ignore, but its for kids really, praise is encouragement, hard not to be patronised by praise. Sometimes I despise praise when its a way people look down on you. Brit, loved The OA.

[@Jess-md5uc]

We need The OA back please 💗🙏 maybe another platform since Netflix canceled it. Still puzzled why they would cancel such a popular show. The most amazing show I’ve ever seen. So special

[@betzabesp94]

I think more people should watch this.

[@risingmoon07]

Bret utters poetry as a matter of fact in whatever she talks about. Bret IS a being of pure ethereal poetry!

[@eugeneaniar7232]

Yeeey! Was looking for new interviews of Brit she always gives indepth response to questions. Thanks for this! 💙

[@honeybeerose33]

What beautiful, enlightened responses!

[@EsetsMagi]

I keep watching this and it feels like a movie, everything about you is so empowering!

[@levenens]

brit is such an amazing person! truly love her/her work and really hope we can have all seasons of the OA has planned.

[@cama708]

She’s just such a space cadet in a really cool way. I’d love to be that artistic and introspective. I think she has the most amazing natural smile

[@CrushOnFire13]

22:45 this part really spoke to me! We are acting out the deep feelings or our ancestors ❤ everything has culminated so we can be here now in this time to progress human consciousness! Brit is a Starseed and idk if she knows

[@insights3140]

I love everything about this. She is incredible.

[@mokie2250]

I had chills the entire time listening to her

[@nickygijsbers7567]

I'm a big fan! Love watching this

[@rolanditogus]

omg i would be listening to her forever, like everything that exists in life described by Brit Marling

[@t.j.sortino7844]

Thank you Brit for giving us this interview! I feel I got to her the voice of OA today! The questions are absolutely perfect, Simple, But Significant! The answers were so heart, soul and spirit that I can taste that realm you have a high-speed connection to! I am thankful to God that this interview was the orchestration of His hand! Thank you for the questions and answers! BTW The five movements make me cry every time I see them. I can feel the energy of them hit me in my chest like a pure electric mist that fills the space the viewer is dwelling in. The visuals, breath sounds and the never-ending energy that flows from the performers actually doing them, transcending space and time. Defying our modern understanding of creation. The movements are changing the physical for better every time someone plays them on netflix, or performs them! They are some kind of tool to clear a path for the true power of LOVE to enter the physical and burn out the hate! Love an inspired and truly changed fan!

[@betzabesp94]

Brit is so worthy of all admiration! Genius!

[@cheistopher7829]

She has such a beautiful mind, I could watch her all day.

[@feralteknique6391]

Thank you so much for this interview!

[@m-bronte]

Excellent! Brit, Tilda Swinton mentioned the collective thing like you mentioned in her Q&A as well. So true, women have been playing and fitting roles there entire life, to me it's very much like a dog wearing a collar. Woman have been living with these hypothetical collars their entire life. Personally I don't see the difference between that and the cyborg you see in movies.

[@duanpienaar9755]

Hello from South Arica ☺️ we really love the OA here what a profound series , we would really like to do a interview with Brit Marling about spiritually and her open minded thoughts about saving this planet and the upliftment of consciousness of beings on this planet. Hope we can get this opportunity, we think she has got real insight on these topics and she is an real interesting person with an clear vision.🌍😊

[@angeloh8804]

love her mind and work.

[@nicholastran4804]

Wow this completely blew my mind. So moving and inspiring. She is my hero now.

[@Iliah97]

Pure Leo energy - drama, love of cinema, theater and magic! Expressions... a calling to play different faces.

[@yetamin3589]

She’s one of my favourite peoples in the world and I even don’t no why I like her .

[@taco1899]

Just Yesterday saw another earth bu chance, and just like Brit was amazed by the movie red, i was in utter awe when the movie ended.. such incredible films out there that totally goes under the radar, what a shame, that movie Is a must see to anyone who Is really into films and loves the art. So happy that i found such a great artist, will follow her work, saludos desde México!

[@netzerx]

Imaginate si brit viniera a México y estudiara todos los fenomenos de los estados ampliados de consciencia que experimentan los sanadores, chamanes y etc, en el campo de cultivo de tantas creencias y mezclas de filosofias desde mayas aztecas cristianas toltecas y agregados orientales y la maxima obra de Castañeda sobre plantas que amplian el campo onírico , y luego los sanadores modernos que pueden desdoblarse e ir a varios lugares a curar y el redescubrimento de la bioenergetica en fin no terminaria de escribir su obra maestra en nuestras tierras milenarias

[@taco1899]

@@netzerx interesante punto de vista. Definitivamente Brit podría sacar grandes ideas para filmes a partir de nuestra cultura. Espero que en un futuro haga una obra que le dé su lugar como artista relevante y así pueda continuar con obras que lleguen a más personas.

[@sisterdebmac]

That was absolutely wonderful. Excellent, deep discussion that really lit her up. I'm so glad I found this (totally by accident).

[@dreamer2260]

Incredibly touching to hear Brit's comments from 14:10 about how powerful the movements and connection between her and Emory were. It absolutely came across onscreen. Wonderful.

[@CrushOnFire13]

Thank you so much! This interview was amazing!! Brit is the most fascinating person 🤩 She makes me want to write my weirdly vivid sci-fi dreams into a novel! Though Ive never written anything more than a few poems in my life!

[@kenmeyerjr57]

...and she is so darn nice, too! How refreshing.

[@konstantinosl2839]

I am very happy when I see her talking,smiling,making all these expressions,it's like knowing her all my life.I'm going to agree with Ulfr,she is pure light...

[@jeremylathan4855]

Its so interesting that she references. the body keeps the score. Listened to an interview with Wes Chatham who plays Amos on The Expanse. He also mentioned reading that book to play his troubled character on that show

[@wolfie1027]

I intensely dislike that every time I pick a show to watch that I am really enjoying, I find out that it had already been canceled, or it will soon be canceled. This is why Days of our lives has never failed me.. it goes on forever. :D

[@CrushOnFire13]

Everyone, lets manifest the return of The OA 🕊️

[@burgesssam]

She makes me smile so much

[@shanealistrabridges9578]

OA is the series that helped me realize that I was not as crazy as I being and being treated by my family. I was going through a huge spiritual awakening and now I am a Quantum Hypnosis healer, Angel Fire Reiki healer. I honestly don’t think it would be possible without the confidence from the series. It was so beautiful written and I took the healing experience from it to help understand humanity more deeply! Gratitude and love for the expansion of consciousness! ❤️😇🔥🙏

[@alquinn8576]

dude it's just a tv show

[@shanealistrabridges9578]

Al Quinn is that artificial intelligence or Al.. hmmm.. enjoy your evening, return back to the hive mind.. 😂🤦

[@alquinn8576]

@@shanealistrabridges9578 yeah because the only two possibilities are to believe in mood crystals or to be a mindless drone

[@shanealistrabridges9578]

Right on project mayhem.. 😂

[@JoannaT2]

Be careful with losing yourself in the sea of mysticism. Brit herself has talked about not taking these things at face value because they are inherently unknowable. There is a very real spiritual to psychosis pipe line and your family just wants to make sure you’re okay and that you’re still grounded in reality with them.