We talked to the cast and writers of Doctor Who about Rachel Talalay’s influence on the iconic show.
Television is traditionally a writers medium.
The directors influence is massive, Moffat toldDen of Geekat San Diego Comic Con.
And there is no way we can keep up with that, but we have to pretend we can.
She will be returning for the 2017 Christmas special Twice Upon a Time.
While the direction on NuWho is consistently good, Talalays episodes are notable for their visual ambition.
Shes an artist, Capaldi told Den of Geek at San Diego Comic Con.
She pushedDoctor Who, ourDoctor Who, into a different league visually and aesthetically and intellectually.
Somehow, against all odds, Talalay finds that time.
Every episode, a new world.
For Talalay, each episode ofDoctor Whois an opportunity to create something visually and narratively unique.
Doctor Whoexcels in variety.
As a director, the variety makes returning more exciting.
I have tried to give each episode a different style that worked with the script.
Shes a very fluid director, and shes somebody who can direct in any style, Moffat said.
you’re free to actually say to Rachel anything, shes an absolutely amazing director.
You hear that a lot, but you gotta experience it too.
What is it about Moffats writing that Talalay most admires?
He has made me a better director.
The Doctor Who cast on working with Talalay.
She gave me my confidence.
Talalay called Gomez just brilliant and said that she and Gomez created a bond back in Season 8.
And then she hits every beat that I was going to speak to her about.
Shes like, What do you think of this?
Have you thought of that.
And its never a, Im telling you to do it like this.
Its an, Im asking you what you think about it.
And, sometimes, youre like, Yes, exactly.
And, sometimes, youre like, No.
For me, it means Im with someone I can trust, said Capaldi of working with Talalay.
How does Talalay describe her own directorial style?
Im like a chief creative officer, trying to support their best work.
She should be directing Star Wars.
The end product looks incredibly expensive and its not, said Gomez.
Its sticky-back plastic and a lot of imagination.
She should be directingStar Wars, said Lucas.
I know they often dont have women directors doing sci-fi in Hollywood.
Matt knows I want to do a mega-action film, said Talalay in response.
(Can someonepleasegive Rachel Talalay a big-budget action film?
But nothing is easy.
I keep kicking the glass ceiling.
What has tended to happen is a series of initiatives that include training programs and shadowing.
These mostly end up diverting attention from the need for actual hiring.
Its particularly hard for women crew members … And it does matter.
Diverse voices matter and need to be heard.
On coming back to direct Peter Capaldis final episode.
And they will speak to me from school and walk me around the class or the doctors office.
Here, modern technology is a life-saver, but its not the same as a hug.
What eventually helped her make the decision?
We had a family pow-wow.
Part of the notes had to do with the importance of this episode to both them.
And so it became a no-brainer.
Never boring, never predictable, always magnificent.
You cant keep your eyes off him.
No matter how brilliant everyone around him is, he is still the center of your attention.
His peerless speeches, proclaiming kindness and good.
And carrying that out into the real world.
So many acts of charity outside.
His ability to joke and make you cry in the same breath.
Now thats a choking hazard.
He is The Doctor.
As for her own influence on the legacy ofDoctor Who, Talalay has an understandably less verbose perspective.
I cant really talk about how I will be remembered, says Talalay on herDoctor Wholegacy.
I want to do a great job and make inspiring episodes.
Mission accomplished, Rachel Talalay.
Read our full interview with Rachel Talalay here.
Read and download the fullDen of Geek Special Editionmagazine here!
