Craig Mazin: The Modern Master of Effective Storytelling
With the release of HBOs latest smash hit, The Last of Us, picking up heavy traction online, its creator, Craig Mazin, has also grown in notoriety. For many, you may ask yourself—who is this Craig Mazin? Well, this is the creator and screenwriter, plus part-time director, for two of HBOs biggest hits within the last half a decade: Chernobyl (2019) and The Last of Us (2023). These two shows are highly acclaimed works, not just for their expert stories but for their masterful use of atmosphere, tone, and cinematography culminating in unforgettable experiences.
Craig Mazin is no amateur in directing and screenwriting, with years of experience in dozens of unique projects. Though none of them are as notable as these two shows, Mazin has been involved in such projects as Scary Movie 3 (2003), Scary Movie 4 (2006), The Hangover II (2011), The Hangover III (2013), and a show titled Mythic Quest (2020), with several other B-list projects under his belt. This man has only taken part in projects perceived as comedic and nonsensical, so, on paper, he may not seem to have the backing to produce highly dramatized work, but by now he has proven more than capable.
Chernobyl made clear from the very first episode its carefully crafted dreadful atmosphere. The cinematography and seemingly city-wide sets used for this series immerse you in the story, making you feel as if you are really seeing the destruction which took place 37 years ago. The grandiose sets used here only add to the eeriness, making these desolate, restricted zones feel much more decrepit and abandoned; the set pieces, color palette, camera angles, and acting all mesh together into an outstanding five-episode event that allowed an entirely new generation to feel the nuclear terror of 1986.
The strengths found in Chernobyl followed Mazin over to his latest project, The Last of Us, which has several points of overlap with the former project. Though these stories are entirely different, the staples of Chernobyl’s story are carried over into this new work, like the city-wide long shots and natural world-building from before and after the inciting incident. These two elements, along with expert acting from the lead cast, create a feeling of tangible dread similar to Chernobyl’s first few episodes—acting as a loaded gun as you hopelessly wait for the trigger to be pulled. This show hits every mark perfectly, delivering an experience that is sure to stay with you long after the episode runtime has ended, for better or worse. Mazin, as of the fourth episode’s release, has stuck true to this and has continued delivering a cinematic experience that will rival its predecessor. The Last of Us is the culmination of Mazin’s year spent honing and strengthening his craft as a writer and director, and it is truly a sight to behold!
The name Craig Mazin may not stand out in the minds of many individuals, but over the last half a decade, this man has produced two of the most influential series to hit streaming services, this will certainly not be the last time you hear of him and the influential work he takes part in from here on out. Mazin is already set to write Borderlands (2024) and a new Pirates of the Caribbean film, which is supposed to come out this year, though no source confirms this. But one thing is for certain: Craig Mazin is not set to slow down anytime soon.