A Filmmaker's Journey: From Documentaries to Musicals

Joshua Oppenheimer, an American filmmaker now living in Denmark, expressed his worries about the political state of his home country. Speaking at the Göteborg Film Festival, he wondered if the U. S. was becoming a dictatorship. He pointed out that people often feel upset about global tragedies, like the conflict in Gaza, but quickly move on without taking action. Oppenheimer is known for his Oscar-nominated documentaries "The Act of Killing" and "The Look of Silence. " His latest film, "The End, " is a musical starring Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, Moses Ingram, and Michael Shannon. Initially, he planned another documentary about wealthy people exploiting countries, but safety concerns led him to explore oligarchs in other parts of the world. A tour of an underground bunker inspired the concept for "The End. " Oppenheimer chose English-language protagonists to reflect the American theme of false hope. The musical explores denial and delusion, showing how people hide from harsh realities. Oppenheimer's background is diverse, from studying physics to working with sex workers in India. His experiences shaped his views on the power of art and storytelling. Making a musical was a new challenge, especially writing lyrics. He wanted the characters to sing their lies, reflecting their crumbling excuses. Oppenheimer emphasizes compassion and understanding in his work, wanting to see through others' eyes. He learns from a Japanese Zen mantra about accepting life's realities.