Lynne Ramsay on the Film That Changed Her Craft

Lynne Ramsay’s journey from Scottish-set stories to larger-scale American productions hasn’t shifted her focus from the inner lives of her characters. Her latest work, Die, My Love, dives into the raw experience of a woman grappling with postnatal depression and psychosis. The film’s narrative mirrors the protagonist’s descent into chaos, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease. This isn’t Ramsay’s first foray into the complexities of motherhood; she’s previously explored a mother’s guilt and confusion in We Need To Talk About Kevin, and the unpredictable nature of grief in Morvern Callar. Across her films, themes like the female experience, loss, and the search for meaning or stability are ever-present.

Ramsay’s style is marked by her ability to capture the harshness of daily life without resorting to melodrama. Instead of dramatic outbursts, she opts for quiet, unsettling moments—like the opening of Morvern Callar, where the main character finds her boyfriend dead on Christmas Day. There’s no screaming, just a silent attempt to process the shock, with the Christmas lights flickering in the background. This understated approach is what makes her work so striking.

Influences and Inspirations

Over the years, Ramsay has drawn inspiration from the gritty realism of directors like Alan Clarke and Tony Richardson. She’s also been influenced by international auteurs such as Ingmar Bergman, Agnès Varda, and Lina Wertmüller. But her creative influences aren’t limited to the past. She’s openly praised a more recent film that’s made a significant impact on her own storytelling.

It’s not always easy to spot a future classic, but Ramsay had no hesitation in singling out Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma as a standout. She was particularly struck by how the film transforms the everyday lives and pivotal moments of two women into something completely immersive. In her words,

“The sound and image make you feel you’re inside it, experiencing her [Cleo]. Virtual reality, but more emotional. Incredible on the big screen. If you have to see it smaller with the best sound system.”

Roma’s Lasting Impact

When Roma hit screens in 2018, it quickly became a critical darling. The story follows a housekeeper in 1970s Mexico, living with a well-off family, and delves into issues of class, identity, and the social divides that shape our lives. The film is rich with affection and nostalgia, which explains the buzz it generated during awards season.

Ramsay admires how Roma handles its subject matter, saying,

“A modern classic, a rarity now. Technically unmatched. Every detail and moment, so considered but feel just happened upon. So many scenes remain indelibly seared on the brain, the surrealism of life, the connections, horror, humour and beauty.”

She’s drawn to the way the film explores grief and gender—recurring themes in her own work. For Ramsay, Roma is a reminder of what cinema can still achieve, and it’s clear the film has left a lasting impression on her creative outlook.