[This article contains spoilers for HBO’s The Last of Us Season Two, Episode Two, “Through the Valley.”]
The Creative Journey of The Last of Us
The collaboration between Emmy-winning director Mark Mylod and co-creator Craig Mazin of The Last of Us took an unexpected turn, all thanks to a witty remark during an interview. As Mazin reflects, “I had aimed to enlist Mark for the first season, but his commitment to Succession kept him occupied.” He recounted an amusing moment during an Emmy panel when Mylod, asked which creator he’d like to work with, blurted out Mazin’s name. “I texted him immediately: ‘You messed up,'” Mazin humorously noted.
Making “Through the Valley”Unforgettable
Mylod, known for his direction of multiple Succession and Game of Thrones episodes, was drawn to the script of the second episode of The Last of Us. He expressed his excitement, turning the tables on Mazin with an enthusiastic response to the offer. This pivotal episode aired on a recent Sunday and was packed with an epic battle, deep character drama, survival elements, and the shocking death of a beloved character, Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.
A Director’s Responsibilities and Artistic Vision
Mylod elaborated on the immense responsibility accompanying such a significant narrative arc, especially one that involves a beloved character’s demise. He emphasized the challenge in converting Mazin’s written words into a visual experience while ensuring that the complexity of the characters was effectively portrayed. “Working closely with the actors, especially Kaitlyn and Bella, was essential as they had to explore vulnerable dimensions of their roles,” he added.
Exploring the Depths of Violence
In staging the sequence where Abby kills Joel, what aspects did you prioritize, and what did you wish to avoid?
Mylod stated that he aimed to steer clear of graphic violence, focusing instead on the motivations that propel a character to commit acts of brutality. “Understanding Abby’s motivations behind such overwhelming violence captivated me,” he remarked. His intent was to emphasize the emotional weight of the moment while minimizing the graphic representation, a vision shared by Mazin.
Emotional Connections During Filming
Did any actor’s decision during filming take you by surprise?
He also praised Kaitlyn, recognizing her physical performance, which was markedly different from Abby’s game portrayal. “Every day of shooting, she exceeded my expectations with her commitment,” he said, highlighting her relentless dedication to delivering a powerful performance beyond his direction.
Harnessing Experience from Game of Thrones
Given the large scale of the action sequences in this episode, how did your prior experience with Game of Thrones influence your approach?
Mylod drew on his experience with Game of Thrones to navigate the demanding production scale of The Last of Us. “Game of Thrones was a substantial learning experience for me. The emotional depth portrayed by the characters in such high-stakes scenarios resonates well with both Craig and the Thrones showrunners,” he explained. He was adept at visualizing complex scenes, gracefully balancing action with emotional storytelling.
Memorable Moments to Cherish
What was your proudest moment or shot in this episode?
For more insights on “Through the Valley,”you can check out our exclusive interview with showrunner Craig Mazin: “All relationships break.”