Rookie Showrunner Mistakes and the ‘Big Little Lies’ Directing Controversy, Plus a Midseason Review of ‘Euphoria’ | The Watch

Creative Control

The controversy surrounding Andrea Arnold's involvement in "Big Little Lies" Season 2 centers on creative control issues. Chris Ryan and Alison Herman discuss how Arnold was initially led to believe she would have full creative freedom, only to have her vision altered by Jean Marc Vallee during post-production 1. This shift in control led to reshoots and a significant change in the show's direction, leaving Arnold feeling sidelined.

The takeaway is basically that they took the show away from her.

--- Chris Ryan

This situation is not uncommon in Hollywood, where directors often face challenges when their artistic intentions clash with studio demands 2.

   

Public Reaction

Public reaction to the handling of "Big Little Lies" Season 2 has been mixed, with many viewers noticing a tonal inconsistency. Alison Herman notes that the season's pacing and narrative focus seemed disjointed, possibly due to multiple creative influences 3. The presence of five credited editors further suggests a fragmented production process.

The Andrea Arnold influence, as we know it, has pretty much disappeared from the things that we're watching on our television.

--- Alison Herman

This disjointedness has led to speculation that the show reverted to the original style established by David E. Kelly and Jean Marc Vallee, despite Arnold's initial involvement 4.