“Hello, I’m Celine Song, the writer-director of “Materialists.” I chose to focus on this particular scene for the Anatomy of a Scene because it marks the very first scene I wrote. The sequence begins with an extreme wide shot of Harry, played by Pedro, then transitions into a close-up of his name card, finally evolving into a two-shot. This setup really showcases the talent of my actors, Dakota and Pedro, as we’re treating them like theater performers who must engage in conversation while framed together. They discuss roles, family, and expectations, with lines like, “You’re the matchmaker,” and “What are you doing at the singles table?” This scene is crucial because it lays out the film’s central ideological and philosophical themes.
There’s a hidden element in this scene where Pedro delivers a remarkable monologue about Lucy’s excellence in her job, revealing his perspective. He comments, “You could do this on your own, but if you’re fortunate enough to afford me, why not?” and refers to her as a “luxury good.” In the background, you can spot Chris’s character, John, walking by and subtly checking them out. I wanted the sound design of his footsteps to be something that might not grab attention on the first viewing, adding an element of surprise. Collaborating with my sound designers, we discussed the volume of the footsteps, emphasizing the storytelling potential in their sounds—Lucy’s heels versus the men’s shoes.
This scene also formally introduces Lucy over ten minutes into the film, showcasing her beliefs as a matchmaker. They discuss love and pain, with Lucy explaining its challenges: “Love is easy.” “Is it?” “I find it to be the most difficult thing.” There’s a nuanced blend of flirtation and recruitment in their conversation, as she attempts to engage him as a client. I thought the quirky drink order of Coke and beer was a nice touch, reflecting her working-class background—things you can easily find at a gas station. Their exchange, “Do you want a drink?” “Sure.” “Coke and beer,” is vital, and the shot of a disembodied arm delivering their drinks symbolizes John’s entry into the scene. This shot shifts the dynamic, as the presence of John significantly changes everything.”
