The Handmaid's Tale Director Breaks Down the Funeral Scene | Vanity Fair

On this episode of "Notes on a Scene," one of the directors of "The Handmaid's Tale," Kari Skogland breaks down the opening scene from season two, episode seven, "After."
Still haven’t subscribed to Vanity Fair on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2z6Ya9M
Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to Vanity Fair Magazine and be exquisitely informed ►► vntyfr.com/2RuQGW2
ABOUT VANITY FAIR
Arts and entertainment, business and media, politics, and world affairs-Vanity Fair’s features and exclusive videos capture the people, places, and ideas that define modern culture.

[@REPLICNTX]

the cinematography in this show is so beautiful

[@emanuelecala5005]

🔕🎵🔈🔊🔈🔊🔈🔈📢🔕🔈📢🔈🎆🎏🎆🎆🎏🔉📢🔊🔈

[@emanuelecala5005]

🎵🎼🎵🎶🔎📽️📉📋📉🛏️🚰🚹🚰🚹🚮🚭🛂🛄🛂🛐☪️☸️☦️☸️♀️📶📠💽📠💽🎼🏈🏈🎾

[@wertpollwert]

We need to stand-up to these pathetic Lefties. These evil ugly losers strive for this utopia.

[@deniseg812]

I'm binge watching it now and this is the first thing that comes to mind. Has the show won in this category? Anyone know?

[@Kedorlaomer100]

Maybe, but it doesn't really matter when the writing is such crap, does it?

[@XThatGreenGuyX]

AND she wears a black sportcoat with a slight red trim to talk about this scene. Very fitting.

[@celeritas2-810]

Yes, I'm just like 👏👏👏

[@THT01]

Travis Duppstadt ya. I thought that it was Elton John at first.

[@Thisworldisagoner]

Tyke Handsome and then there's you 😂

[@carissablount]

I loved that too!!!

[@Jessicahasopinions]

I could watch her do this for the entire episode

[@eveitsnotthatserious1677]

And for every episode 😉

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

Definitely

[@keriboehm740]

As could I, her expansion of this scene, even though I understood singer of it before setting this - her explanation made the scene even more dear to me than it already was.

[@scubasteve9715]

Make it the entire show

[@karenling2106]

hi my name is carly

[@cierrablue]

My God. It's amazing how good some directors are. Taking every single element available and using it to tell the story. This show is beyond anything I've ever seen. I fail over and over to do it justice in my verbal descriptions. Now I really understand why.

[@NaijaCINE]

So you support scientology then?

[@cierrablue]

That's a crazy leap in logic. Good luck with that.

[@qwest27]

@@NaijaCINE , how does Scientology even remotely come to mind with this series?

[@jodiewilcox6772]

Scientology is mentioned only because of Elizabeth Moss being a member. There is no need to drag one's personal belief system into a discussion about the cinematography of the this scene.

[@cierrablue]

Amen to that Jodie!

[@chasingarches8693]

Every time I watch this show I’m constantly thinking about the cinematography and direction because it’s so stunning. I’m so happy to hear learn about the process behind the decisions broken down like this, and love seeing a woman director to boot!

[@DeeDiamond2981]

I love d aerial shots soo much.. D red..is stunning yet sad

[@emanuelecala5005]

,🥇🎮🕹️🎣🛷🎣🎿🎿🎽🛷🎽🌦️🌦️🌧️,🌀🌦️🌨️🌥️🌨️⭐🌨️🌥️

[@laragenter]

I love how the director's suit is black with a red line. Convenient

[@poppymo1860]

Miranda Genter it looks like a belstaff perhaps? They have that red and black thing going and overcoats like that are over 1000 dollars lmao

[@manantial773]

The show is a f*cking masterpiece, kudos to Skogland for her direction, she is very talented. The talent of Elisabeth Moss and Ann Dowd is undeniable.

[@kimbershark]

I can't get enough of it. It's so captivating.

[@GooinBoots]

Agreed! Moss is such a great actress. I started watching On The Lake - great in that show too!

[@louibeans]

*Top of the Lake

[@sabrinatai31]

yes, it is, I am in love.

[@ColieBear18]

This was my favorite episode. The direction here was stunning. The circular storytelling of the funeral at the beginning and again at the end were the perfect contradictions. In Gilead, they were buried without their names, in Canada, they were given their names back. And the imagery matched so perfectly between the cemetery circle and the little America circle memorial. It had me crying with goosebumps. Devastatingly beautiful episode.

[@lkooper]

All the funeral and death scenes in this series could represent not merely mourning a death but the loss of the handmaids' individual identities and freedoms to be who they were.

[@Angie_978]

Interesting insight about the sprigs of pine on the coffins. I had thought that they used pine because Gilead would have seen flowers as too sensual/pretentious for a handmaid's funeral.

[@TheNeeenha]

It seams as thou they are walking to their own funeral...standing next to their own coffins

[@deedledee279]

i love this comment

[@Mary20457]

No wonder this show is so good, they pay attention to the smallest detail with the video. And then coupled with the complex stories and great acting makes for a terrific show. Elizabeth Moss in the lead is amazing!

[@HitorMissHallmark]

Love this series. Such a technical and precise process. Love learning about it.

[@yonirais4699]

everything about this show: the writing, acting, cinematography, music, is part of why this is one of the best shows out these days

[@NC-lc6qc]

Some people mention that there is so much snow here, but in the city there isn't any. The series is filmed in and around Toronto. This particular scene is filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, about a hour west of Toronto, which gets more snow then in Toronto it self. The film studio I believe they use is the Pinewood Studio, in Central East Toronto, along Commissioners Other areas are in West Toronto, The Wall is in Cambridge Ontario

[@amazingabby25]

She’s soooooo gifted, wow. This reminds me why I love working in the film industry, it’s about creating characters and building stories

[@lauraghitoi9809]

Congratulations, Vanity Fair, for this amazing KZbin series ❤️

[@mariegallagher3905]

i feel like we forget how much thought and detail is put into these scenes. the way we feel and the mood of the scene is all because of all the detail and time put into making it.

[@Hassan94123]

What a brilliant mind! It’s beautiful how some directors think about every little detail to pass a message. This lady’s talent is monstrous.

[@danylovees3524]

Such a talented director, just blows my mind how much detail goes into fitting a scene that makes you feel something

[@rafaellyrodrigues6093]

this was my favourite episode, so beautifully done, the cinematography was a masterpiece and the soundtrack made me feel so many things. the handmaid's tale is the best tv show ever made, falo com tranquilidade

[@vanessagibson6893]

skogland is masterful and this breakdown is such gift

[@janetpeterson6187]

I have watched this scene over and over. Mesmerizing indeed. The music is so haunting. The singer is Iris DeMent.

[@evangee423]

And this is why Handmaids Tale is amazing 😄 what an incredible mind!!!

[@HigherMammal]

Iris Dement was a brilliant choice, too. Absolutely demolishes me with that voice.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Yes, I posted about her in this ep, and I so agree !! Would love to see her in person, she is so talented.

[@ApprenticeOfAll]

@Dylan Lasseigne .... yes! Iris Dement’s voice is beautiful, but almost haunting in a way.

[@oliviaatkinson2]

love this director series, when you watch amovie you never even think, that someone planned out every shot, every camera angle, everything! you just watch and it looks amazing

[@finalmasquerade]

Great scene & show. But even more interesting to see how much detail goes into each shot.

[@zacvarg3530]

i haven't even watched the show but it looks stunning. so well filmed, i think it's time for me to start

[@pixiedustgirl13]

So did you start watching? I hope so!

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Side note: the song in this ep is by Iris DeMent. A wonderful singer, kind of folk/country. Lovely use of the song )My Life).

[@coriolis_storm]

You can see here why Marvel tapped her to direct The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. I expect her to helm more high-profile projects in the future.

[@mollieheil2828]

Most beautifully shot non-reality show I've ever seen! What a talented director, cast, and crew.

[@terrariumelio974]

I love that she gives the air a quality... Heavy... Sad... I get what she's saying and it does come across on screen.

[@nongcebomchunu3894]

The cinematography was out of this world!!!!

[@fairytalesim7153]

It's so cool seeing and understand how a director plans a scene.

[@justing6588]

And this is why she was nominated for an Emmy for this episode

[@evewaddington6225]

one of the great thigns about having such a bad memory is that I couldn't even remember why they were even havign a funeral and who it was for! I had completely forgotten about the whole bombing thing. Am now going to go re-watch season two and it will be like watching a whole new season lol!

[@katiem3809]

This is honestly the best show I’ve ever seen I love this show

[@Sickandtired24]

I love this show I live in Cambridge Ontario where it is filmed. I get excited when I recognize areas like the wall and bridge.

[@kimbershark]

Kari thank you for making this beautiful show. It's truly one of the best shows I've ever seen. I cant wait for next season.

[@greenbird777]

When I watch a show or movie that's so big and so... beautifully? perfectly? powerful, all I can think is: "It took/takes 1,000's of people to make this story come to life, and I'm so grateful they CAN do these things. If so many very different people can co-operate for years to create this, what else could humanity do if they co-operated this well in dealing with other human issues?"

[@danielmagana3081]

I felt all of that watching this episode. This is hands down my favorite series.

[@awiimurphy4561]

This has been the best series ive seen ...

[@dhodges1911]

The cinematography in this episode is AMAZING! Great job!

[@Elizadeath]

I think the music is what really made this scene for me. It's what really made me feel sad for those that were lost.

[@soufian2733]

Praise be

[@holcombas]

Soufian 27 May The Lord Open

[@Hunter-ix9zi]

for all my handmaids tale fellow fanatics out there.... here’s a reminder that season 4 comes out on april 28 ;)

[@sensen4161]

It's april 28 ;) We made it !

[@ShakeyHorse7788]

Incredible, I had no idea it was so planned and precise, that there was all these elements to it. I just see the scene as a whole

[@msfair3625]

I hate that it's beautiful. It's such a wretched atrocity told in an exceptional way. That they're in such dire circumstances & still remain intact as human beings is extraordinary. When they do break, it's terrifying & satisfying, because only then are they free.

[@2284-l6x]

I love how her outfit matches the scene

[@elinabaltins8586]

When does this come back on Hulu?? I’m waiting for the new season 😭😭

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

I think around april

[@rohanalias9053]

I can say that tfatws is in safe hands

[@nathancoblentzcoblentz7042]

fascinating. The 'filmmaking' aspet of Handmaid's Tale (in addition to the story and the performances) is what makes this show so freakin great, better than just about anything on TV. I'd consider purchasing a blu-ray set just for more commenatary like this.

[@jodielprynce]

This show is the ONLY series show I watch on Hulu.

[@dlvme2]

Hulu has a lot of good shows - you should check them out

[@Gemini535]

One of the best shows ive watched for a long time deserved every Award it got

[@shaniah7933]

Please invite her back to make more of these😁😊

[@PotterFan394007]

truly amazing director

[@whale2207]

This is my favorite scene. So beautiful💗 I wish I have a funeral like that😊 I noticed the handmaids funeral was gorgeous. But for the commander's wife was very simple and lonely. The music is always perfect.

This video is AWESOME! Love the explanation and how the tv show is built! So talented! So Amazing!

[@SuperKat1029]

What a great breakdown, I love the way the show is shot. Thank you for this.

[@sahellolady1094]

Please make more of this videos!🙏🙏

[@nessybear]

i love her episodes!

[@Ambient.Immersion]

I am SO impressed with her direction. Masterpiece

[@kristynajanouskova1967]

Did anyone noticed the slipping foot at 5:34 ???

[@DevilDears]

Hope Skogland brings her A game to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series! So excited!

[@r0minka]

one of the best scenes

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

Can we get Reed Morano to Di this for the first few episodes? She was kind of the one that set the directorial tone for the show.

[@maryamel-sherif9834]

That song used is lovely and sad too

[@mirandascott8058]

Beautifully shot! Love this show!

[@jayylad38]

ann dowd & liz moss are two of the most talented actresses of our lifetime.

[@manuel3763]

TV shows' Master Class

[@helenabarbosa1158]

Such a beautifull form of art and such a creative beautifull woman, i just love this show is so deep and awesome

[@AlMaghreb.]

She directed all the falcon and the winter soldier episodes! Hopes she levels up and directs the cap 4 movie!

[@gnlilu6972]

This woman is amazing and genius! Enjoy this so much!

[@LetticeTravels]

Very interesting!!! So much detail and depth behind everything!

[@toddmichaelsen788]

A truly exceptional show.

[@Chrystle823]

Ughh, I need more of these 😩😩😩

[@MsLSimons]

I have enjoyed watching this show and find it quite thought provoking. I’m now wondering if I should read the book?

[@leap.5950]

The book is very good, but you'll be disappointed if you expect to it to tell you more about Gilead or the characters. The show actually expands the original idea and adds context and explanations that you won't find in the book.

[@MsLSimons]

Lea Pyykkönen thanks, I was thinking the book would be more informative!

[@sadfdsfasdfnadfsfsda7933]

It's like the most beautiful scene in the whole movie/tv history.

[@BrittleyKdall]

MAKE MORE MAKE MORE MAKE MORE PLEASE OMG

[@denisphoenix7849]

Simply brilliant! Genius!

[@sl5311]

Great show, I had no idea it had been done before in 1990

[@zoebeauteful344]

The show is brilliant!

[@asiananicole1023]

This woman is a GENIUS!!!!!! MY GOODNESS!

[@jenks2841]

Amazing breakdown, love it!!!

[@resuresu9894]

You did a great job!

[@biaalmeidapaulo]

Incredible, one of my favorites episode

[@phyllisgrogan9710]

Love this series can't wait to see more

[@louisemaaree]

My favourite cinematography!

[@AliLovesU365]

I want this but for every episode

[@SteppingRaven56]

Great breakdown.. but I still find myself puzzling over the lack of open graves for the large number to be buried. Anyone?

[@seanconnor8139]

I was hoping that she would share the reason for the song choice to this scene.

[@jairbhx]

please more of this

[@bouldergirl81]

Beautiful cinematography

[@wendyneverland2377]

Okay this is genius. She thought about everything

[@nalzazlan]

Love the cinematography hate the long pauses

[@aprilwabosomin1234]

I had a complete different feel to this scene then how she decided it. But its wonderful none the less, I still love the show

[@aliciaabdullah]

the most replayed part of this video is at 1:22

[@meli1497]

Oh looky looky, what pops up in my feed literally a day AFTER I watch this episode 🙂🙃

[@ursulaball6193]

very interesting about the director's point of view in certain video shots!

[@camilagrijalva4109]

So much though goes into tv these days, I'm so glad I was born in this century !

[@lisac.8349]

Loved this!