Ep216 - Justin Kurzel, Director ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed,’ & ‘True History of the Kelly Gang’

Australian Director Justin Kurzel got his start in the theater. He started working on short films and made music videos with his brother. Eventually, he made the jump - thanks to his clips - and started making films. Kurzel was hesitant to take on the first project he was offered, ‘The Snowtown Murders.’ Essentially, the story uncovered true events, revolving around a local murder and a spree or torture. Regardless, he made the movie (in the area where the event happened), and continued to take on challenging films, such as ‘The Turning,’ ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Assassin’s Creed,’ and now, ‘True History of the Kelly Gang.’ In this interview, the writer-director talks about making bold decisions, how toxic masculinity plays into the film, the history of Ned Kelly, why they chose to use the word “True” in the title, and the difference between Australian and American Westerns. If you enjoyed this interview, join millions of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5