How Wong Kar-Wai’s Happy Together Inspired Chloé Zhao’s Career

Chloé Zhao stands out in the world of contemporary cinema for her remarkable ability to portray stories rooted in diverse cultural backgrounds. The Chinese-born director first caught the eye of the independent film scene with her acclaimed feature, The Rider, a modern western set amid the American rodeo circuit. Her subsequent work, Nomadland, delved into the lives of itinerant Americans, earning her both ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Director’ at the Oscars. Rather than following the expected path after such accolades, Zhao made some rather unconventional choices for her next projects.

She ventured into the superhero genre with her take on Eternals for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is currently developing a new version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to the iconic role. While Eternals did not quite meet expectations and there is some uncertainty surrounding the upcoming revival, Zhao has also been working on an adaptation of the bestselling novel Hamnet, which is already being tipped as a strong contender in this year’s awards circuit.

Early Influences and Lasting Impact

Although Zhao is now a prominent figure in English-language film, her initial inspiration to pursue directing came from one of China’s most celebrated auteurs. She once told USA Today that the

“film that made me want to make films”

was Happy Together, Wong Kar-Wai’s poignant romantic drama. While Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love are often cited as his most recognisable works, Happy Together stands out as a 1990s classic, featuring mesmerising performances from Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, all set against Wong’s signature vibrant, colour-drenched backdrops.

Wong Kar-Wai is widely regarded as one of the finest filmmakers of his generation, known for his distinctive blend of naturalism and existential themes. His films, though varied in subject, consistently offer a depth of emotional honesty that resonates with audiences. Zhao, while not having directed a Chinese drama in the same vein as Happy Together, has clearly adopted a similar commitment to authenticity in her own work. Both The Rider and Nomadland are notable for their use of non-professional actors in supporting roles, lending a sense of immersion and realism to the stories.

Approach to Filmmaking and Artistic Choices

Even though Eternals was met with a rather lukewarm response, Zhao’s decision to film on location with practical sets set her apart from other Marvel productions, which often rely heavily on computer-generated imagery. This approach provided a tangible quality to the film, contrasting sharply with the more artificial feel of recent entries in the franchise.

Zhao’s admiration for Happy Together is perhaps most evident in her latest project, Hamnet. This sombre romantic drama follows a young William Shakespeare, portrayed by Paul Mescal, and his wife Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley, as they navigate the aftermath of their son’s death—a tragedy that ultimately inspires the creation of Hamlet. The film’s pared-back, impressionistic style has divided critics, but those familiar with Wong Kar-Wai’s work will recognise echoes of his influence in Zhao’s artistic choices, further highlighting the connection between her personal journey and the film that first inspired her.