### A Conversation with Jon M. Chu: From Family Roots to Hollywood Heights
#### Early Life and Family Influence
When Jon M. Chu walks into the restaurant, he blends in seamlessly with the other patrons. Despite his Hollywood success, he carries himself with the humility of a regular customer. Chu, the director of the 2018 hit “Crazy Rich Asians,” grew up around this family-owned restaurant, which has become a local institution frequented by families and tech workers alike. On weekends, the parking lot is often filled with red cars, a sign that many Asian families dine here.
#### A Family Affair
Chef Chu, Jon’s father, shares stories about creating a menu that balances authenticity with popularity. Jon points to a small table and mentions to his assistant, “That’s where I used to do my homework,” signaling his arrival without interrupting his father. After Chef Chu finishes, Jon introduces himself.
“When I do cook I think I could be good if I just focused,” says Jon M. Chu, whose brother and father run the family restaurant. “But no, I am not a good cook.”
#### The Journey to Hollywood
Jon Chu looks younger than his 44 years, and his voluminous hair is enviable. He speaks softly and thoughtfully, often using “we” when discussing his projects. This “we” reflects the collectivism instilled by Asian immigrant parents, a theme echoed in Michelle Yeoh’s character in “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Chu’s forthcoming memoir, ”Heavyweight,” delves into his journey from the University of Southern California, where he caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, to directing a big-budget reboot of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Although the project fell through, Chu persevered, eventually becoming known for directing sequels like “Step Up 2.”
#### Breaking Barriers in Hollywood
The success of ”Crazy Rich Asians” proved that movies about Asian Americans could be box office hits. This paved the way for other successful films like “Minari.” Chu emphasizes the importance of storytelling in filmmaking:
“You are saying things with every cut. Those things can be dangerous. They can be inspiring.”
#### The Impact of Representation
Chu recalls a pivotal moment at USC when a short film depicted an Asian man as a joke, highlighting the specific humiliations Asian men face in the U.S. This experience was an awakening for him, making him realize the importance of representation in media.
Thanks to Chu, actors like Henry Golding, Simu Liu, and Steven Yeun are now taking on significant roles. His brother Larry was moved to tears by “Crazy Rich Asians,” realizing the impact of seeing a confident, attractive Asian man on screen.
#### The Future of Storytelling
Chu believes that the new generation of storytellers, equipped with advanced technology, has the responsibility to create content that reflects diverse experiences. He acknowledges the ongoing cultural identity crisis in America and stresses the importance of confronting these issues through storytelling.
#### Thoughts on AI in Entertainment
Regarding AI in entertainment, Chu sees it as a tool that can enhance creativity rather than diminish it. He emphasizes the need for young, tech-savvy individuals to fill the content pipeline, ensuring that AI reflects diverse human experiences.
“We are creative beings, and every innovation we thought would take away from our creativity didn’t. AI is different for sure, but it’s a thinking tool. We’re going to have to learn how to use it.”
#### Final Thoughts
Jon M. Chu’s journey from a family restaurant to Hollywood success is a testament to perseverance, the importance of representation, and the power of storytelling. His insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers.
The Journey of Jon M. Chu: From Family Stories to Directing “Wicked”
Family History and Immigrant Experience
Connecting with Parents’ Past
Jon M. Chu’s book delves into his parents’ history, written with a screenplay-like ambiguity that reflects their reluctance to discuss their past. As a child of immigrants, Chu understands the difficulty of reminiscing about the lives left behind. He believes his parents still protect him by altering their stories, blocking out the harsh realities they faced. Chu’s motivation to connect these dots is driven by his desire to leave a record for his children, viewing his parents as young adults rather than untouchable figures.
“It might’ve crushed them to give me the flaws. I think the book as a whole is how I resolve my journey, because it’s so full of dead ends and loose ends.”
Filmmaking Philosophy
Dissecting Happy Endings
Chu’s work often ties up stories with satisfying endings, but he acknowledges that real life is more complex. Reflecting on “The Wizard of Oz,” he explores the idea of happy endings and the discomfort of change, particularly in “Wicked.” The character Elphaba’s journey symbolizes necessary growth through expressing pain and frustration.
“Something has changed within me. Something is not the same.”
Personal Anecdotes
Family Moments
During the interview, Chu’s mother interrupts to kiss him on the forehead, a touching moment that highlights their close bond. Chu humorously notes that she didn’t criticize his appearance, a common experience with Asian relatives.
Cooking and Family
Despite growing up in a restaurant, Chu admits he’s a terrible cook. He enjoys setting the table and discussing dishes but lacks the focus to cook well. Food plays a significant role in his movies, like the hawker market scene in “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Dance and Choreography
Dance Influence
Chu’s background in dance, though not extensive, influences his filmmaking. He appreciates great dancers and understands their expressions, even if he’s not a skilled dancer himself.
Tap Dancing
Chu’s tap dancing experience was limited to lessons with his sister, feeling embarrassed to dance with girls. He offers to teach the interviewer how to shuffle, showcasing his willingness to share his skills.
Directing “Wicked”
Casting Challenges
Casting for “Wicked” was a meticulous process. Chu initially considered unknown actors but realized the roles required top-tier talent. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were eventually chosen for their exceptional abilities.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Chu hesitated to meet Erivo, unsure if she could portray the vulnerable Elphaba. However, her youthful and cool demeanor convinced him. Her performance of “Wizard and I” left a profound impact on him.
Ariana Grande as Glinda
Grande’s casting journey was more challenging. Despite her fame, Chu wanted to ensure she could embody Glinda’s character. Her dedication and willingness to adapt impressed him, ultimately earning her the role.
Conclusion
Jon M. Chu’s journey from exploring his family’s immigrant history to directing major films like “Wicked” showcases his deep connection to his roots and his commitment to authentic storytelling. His experiences and insights offer a unique perspective on the complexities of life, family, and art.
Photograph: YURI HASEGAWA
### The Evolution of Silicon Valley and Hollywood
#### A New Perspective on Spatial Computing
Spatial computing offers a unique way to experience media. Imagine working on a screen as large as a 60-inch monitor, pulling back to view it like a TV, or expanding it to the size of a movie theater screen. This technology makes you feel like you’re in a boxing ring with the movie, providing different emotional experiences based on the viewing scale.
It feels like I’m in a boxing ring with the movie.
#### Silicon Valley: Then and Now
##### The Golden Era of Innovation
Growing up in Silicon Valley was like living the American dream. It was a place of creation and innovation, surrounded by institutions like Stanford and NASA’s Ames Research Center. Weekends might include seeing a solar-powered car, and the focus was on creativity rather than flashiness. The community was more relaxed, and people weren’t obsessed with money.
##### The Shift to Flashiness
Returning to Silicon Valley now, there’s a noticeable change. The atmosphere has become more flashy, and even the dress code at bars has evolved. The focus has shifted towards financial gain, which might be more apparent with age.
#### Hollywood’s Transformation
##### The Maverick Era
Hollywood used to be a place where mavericks made bold artistic choices. Movies from the ’70s and ’80s often had social messages. The industry was about taking big bets on filmmakers, art, and statements. When I arrived in Hollywood in 2002, there were still traces of this era.
##### The Data-Driven Age
However, the landscape changed as conglomerates took over telecommunication companies, turning them into tech companies. Now, the focus is on mining data, which is more valuable than oil. The goal is to attract as many eyeballs as possible, often at the expense of making meaningful statements. The incentives and the way executives maintain their positions have shifted dramatically.
#### A Love for Technology
Despite these changes, my passion for technology remains strong. Silicon Valley provided me with the tools to succeed in Hollywood. Innovation and progress are timeless and continue to inspire me.
Innovation and progress never get old.
1 Comment
So, what’s next—AI-generated horror films in Silicon Valley?