Hayao Miyazaki is considered an auteur because he has a distinct and recognizable style that is present in all of his films. He often explores similar themes, such as the relationship between humans and nature, the importance of self-discovery and personal growth, and the dangers of greed and consumerism.
One of the main themes of most of Hayao Miyazaki’s works is the relationship between humans and nature. Miyazaki said in an interview that he has “come to the point where I just can’t make a movie without addressing the problem of humanity as part of an ecosystem”. For instance, “Howl’s Moving Castle” is ostensibly a romantic tale set in a picturesque palace in Alsace, Germany, yet it unfolds in an era dominated by machines and industry. The narrative centred around the destruction of Colmar due to an air bomb, serves as a thought-provoking commentary on industrialization, nationalism, and militarism.
Throughout Miyazaki’s filmography, silence, stillness, and peace can be seen. Even if those scenes may not convey a specific meaning to the viewer. A scene like a woman staring at the lake in silence, a girl sitting calmly on a dragon and flying, or a young girl lying on the grass and staring at the sky. These scenes in Miyazaki’s animes do not help to advance the story but act like a pause button; a pause that draws your attention to the details of the image and the beauty of silence. These instances of stillness and quietude serve as poignant elements in Miyazaki’s animated works.
