I'm sorry, but I'd need more information or context to provide you with a suitable title Could you please provide me with some details about the article or the topic you want the title for?

Article Overview

Netflix's adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See is a hit, debuting at #1 on the streaming platform's TV chart and remaining there for a week.

The director, Shawn Levy, aimed to venture into a new genre and decided to tackle the historical drama genre, emphasizing humanism and connections.

Aria Mia Loberti, a talented newcomer who is legally blind, captivated the director with her remarkable portrayal of Marie. Her intelligence, strength, and eagerness to learn left a lasting impression.

Netflix's adaptation of Anthony Doerr's beloved 2014 novel, All the Light We Cannot See, is a dominating force on the streaming charts. Set against the backdrop of World War II's Battle of Saint-Malo, the story revolves around Marie-Laure Leblanc (played by newcomer Aria Mia Loberti) and Werner Pfennig (portrayed by Dark's Louis Hoffmann), two teenagers whose paths collide in unexpected ways. Directed by Shawn Levy (renowned for his work on Stranger Things and Free Guy) and written by Steven Knight (known for his exceptional work on Peaky Blinders), the film showcases stellar performances from Mark Ruffalo as Marie-Laure's father, Daniel LeBlanc, and Hugh Laurie (of House, M.D. fame) as her uncle Etienne. The cast also features Lars Eidinger as Sergeant Major Reinhold von Rumpel, Nell Sutton as the young Marie-Laure, and Andrea Deck (known for her role in Homeland) as Sandrina. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, audiences are enamored with the adaptation, catapulting the series to the top of Netflix charts in multiple countries, where it has remained for the past week.

Shawn Levy & Steven Knight Talk All The Light We Cannot See

Director Shawn Levy and screenwriter Steven Knight were interviewed on our website. They shared their insights on the approach to All The Light We Cannot See, the casting of Aria Mia Loberti as Marie, and the tumultuous experience of filming amidst the Ukrainian invasion.

Our website features the incredibly moving World War II miniseries, All The Light We Cannot See. Shawn, this project showcases your versatility as a filmmaker and proves that you aren't limited by any particular genre. What aspects of the novel resonated with you and influenced your approach to this endeavor?

When it comes to my work, I strive for versatility in tone. From comedy to action, and even different genres, I enjoy exploring varied aspects. However, one thing that remains constant for me is the essence of humanity. It's crucial to believe that even in the most challenging circumstances, we can find humanity and forge connections. These values are pivotal in how we navigate the world, and they form the core theme of this piece.

Steven, you are truly exceptional. You successfully adapted Anthony Doerr's novel into a screenplay. Could you share your experience of collaborating with him? Did he offer any feedback on the script, and did you seek his perspective on the novel?

Steven Knight believes that the novel itself is the focal point, just like Shakespeare's quote "The play is the thing." The interpretation of the text is crucial. When collaborating with Anthony, there wasn't much back and forth; it was a simple handover of the material.

For Knight, the key was to have a deep understanding of the characters created by Anthony, allowing him to unleash their potential and have them do things that weren't in the original book. This ensures that their actions align with what Marie or Werner would have done. When you are confident in this, it liberates the adaptation. Knight believes that an adaptation should not merely transplant the skeleton of the story into a different setting. It should have its own vitality, energy, and essence.

It is a challenge to undertake something like this, considering the potential response from people who truly adored the book. However, to be completely honest, the reaction I was primarily concerned about was Anthony's. Thankfully, and to our relief, he absolutely loves it. Therefore, we are extremely happy about it.

The search for Marie's character involved a comprehensive casting process. Aria Mia Loberti completely exceeded our expectations and delivered an outstanding performance. Her talent is truly remarkable. What specific qualities did she possess that made her the ideal choice for the role of Marie?

Shawn Levy: Aria was a remarkable discovery. We reviewed over 1,000 auditions, many of which were from individuals with low vision or blindness. Aria, who is legally blind, had no prior acting experience or auditioning experience. However, she possesses exceptional intelligence and a formidable inner strength. Her physical presence on screen is captivating, particularly her luminous eyes. She was aware of what she didn't know but was eager to learn.

The truth is, whether it's acting, journalism, or any profession, starting with a mindset of admitting one's lack of knowledge and seeking help to excel is truly commendable. That's exactly how Aria approached our collaboration. It established an environment of honesty between us, and gradually, she mastered her role while performing. This achievement shouldn't be underestimated. I completely agree; her performance is extraordinary.

Steven, the core of this is really a father-daughter love story between Mark Ruffalo's character, Daniel, and Marie. Can you talk about that a little bit?

Steven Knight acknowledges that the heart of the book lies in the father-daughter relationship, which is relatable to anyone, regardless of their personal experiences. He emphasizes the ordinary exchanges between the father and daughter, highlighting the fact that this is a story about two characters living their lives. While there may not be overwhelming emotions or sympathy, what makes the book special is the models that the father, Daniel, creates for his daughter to help her navigate her world. The model towns serve as a powerful metaphor for the parent's role in guiding their child and teaching them how to navigate through life. These handmade objects, created with love, become cherished symbols within the ordinary conversations between the characters, making them a valuable asset for any writer.

Shawn, you filmed this in Budapest. You were producing a series depicting a country facing invasion from the East, while witnessing a real-life invasion happening on set. Can you share your thoughts on that profound experience?

Shawn Levy: Absolutely, when you're immersed in creating a narrative about the atrocities humans inflict on each other, and then witness those same acts of aggression unfolding in front of you, it's both surreal and emotionally powerful. In our case, we were shooting scenes based on the true events of the German invasion of Paris, where within a single day, over a million people abandoned their homes on foot. What made it even more impactful was that some of the extras portraying Parisian refugees were themselves refugees from Ukraine, having fled Kiev due to the ongoing invasion. To see history repeating itself in real-time through the very individuals who were living its echoes was an experience I will never forget.

Let's discuss Hugh Laurie's outstanding performance as Etienne. What unique elements did he bring to the role that were not originally written in the script?

Steven Knight: No, when you have a talent like Hugh Laurie, he takes what you give him and transforms it into something greater, adding his own authentic elements. We were thrilled when he agreed to take on the role.

Shawn Levy: Hugh Laurie possesses a commanding presence with his voice and eyes. Additionally, he fully embraced the character's appearance, including the beard. Given that Etienne is a war hero who has been trapped in his own trauma since World War I, I love the idea of starting with someone as powerful as Hugh Laurie and gradually revealing the badass hero and inner strength within him.

About All The Light We Cannot See

Currently streaming on Netflix, All The Light We Cannot See is a series directed by Levy and written by Steven Knight (known for his work on Peaky Blinders). The story revolves around Marie-Laure, a visually impaired girl from France, and her father, Daniel LeBlanc. Together, they embark on a journey to escape German-occupied Paris, with the crucial task of protecting a valuable diamond from the clutches of the Nazis. Head over to Netflix now to watch this captivating series.

Source: Our website Plus

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled to see the success of Netflix's adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See. The historical drama, set against the backdrop of World War II, has captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling performances.

The series delves into the lives of two teenagers, Marie-Laure Leblanc and Werner Pfennig, whose paths collide in unexpected ways. Marie-Laure, played by newcomer Aria Mia Loberti, is a blind French girl who possesses a remarkable strength and resilience. Werner, portrayed by Louis Hoffmann, is a German soldier who finds himself questioning the morality of the war. The chemistry between these two characters is electric, and their journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.