
Curry Barker's Enthusiastic Pitch to Nathan Fielder for a Creative Partnership

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie


By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Curry Barker, director of the film "Obsession," expressed immense enthusiasm for Nathan Fielder's project, "You Can See Everything." He described it as "insane and awesome," noting he was so engrossed that the three-hour runtime felt too short, a rare sentiment in cinema. Barker's praise highlights the film's innovative narrative, which he found captivating despite his initial unfamiliarity with Elizabeth Holmes' story.
During the Time100 Next Gala, Barker revealed his proactive approach to a potential collaboration with Fielder. He confessed to having already extended an invitation to work together, stating, "I just put it out in the water." This demonstrates Barker's eagerness to merge his creative vision with Fielder's distinctive style, hinting at exciting future projects.
"You Can See Everything" has been lauded for its unique blend of storytelling, challenging traditional film classifications. As noted by Variety's chief awards editor Clayton Davis, the film has significantly impacted the cinematic landscape. Both Barker's "Obsession" and Fielder's project are prompting industry discussions about what truly resonates with Gen Z audiences and motivates them to experience films on the big screen.
Barker lauded "You Can See Everything" as "new, fresh, different," observing that it defies simple categorization as a documentary, yet undeniably is one. His profound admiration for Fielder's work underscores a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries in filmmaking. This mutual respect sets the stage for meaningful encounters on the awards circuit, where both artists are garnering recognition for their impactful contributions to cinema.
Barker finds the awards season events to be exceptionally rewarding, particularly the Academy Gala, where he was awe-struck by the presence of numerous industry luminaries. He described the experience as "crazy," reflecting on the surreal feeling of being surrounded by individuals he had admired throughout his life. These gatherings offer unique opportunities for filmmakers like Barker to connect with peers and inspirations.
Amidst the star-studded events, one encounter particularly left Barker starstruck: meeting Emma Watson. As a lifelong "Harry Potter" fan, he admitted to freezing up, noting the profound difference between meeting admired professionals and encountering a beloved figure from one's childhood. Despite trying to remain composed, Barker confessed to being "totally weird" around her, acknowledging the unique emotional impact of such a moment.
Barker was honored at the Time100 Next event alongside other rising stars in Hollywood, including Raye and Druski. The evening featured a memorable performance by Raye and toasts from various nominees, with Ashley Padilla of "Saturday Night Live" drawing significant laughter from the audience. Padilla humorously questioned her own presence, joking about her hopes for the future resting on her niece and nephew, one of whom had called her a derogatory name.
Looking ahead, Barker's next film, "Anything But Ghosts," is slated for release on May 7, 2027. Seth Rogen, who penned Barker's Time100 Next profile, has already seen the film and raved that it surpasses "Obsession." Rogen's endorsement highlights Barker's expanding talent, praising his abilities as both a director and an actor, and suggesting even greater achievements are on the horizon for the young filmmaker
About the author

Acclaimed novelist ("Americanah") whose essays and talks offer sharp critiques of culture and feminism.

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