Hmn.
Whenever I’m presented with a sequel. A prequel. A side-equal or whatever extension Hollywood decides to come up with I always ask myself the same questions.
Why?
What is the purpose of this new movie?
Does it add something to the original?
Is telling this story valid from a narrative perspective?
I know, I know…the reason these movies are made is because Hollywood is a business and it needs to generate money. I know some would like me to be a good little citizen and embrace the Capitalist model whole hog.
But I’m sorry. First and foremost I am an Artist. A Creator. And at the end of the day material wealth is not the fount from which I drink. I truly and honestly believe that the best stories in the world are the ones that the storyteller would tell for free.
That is my rubric, that is my measuring stick for how I deem a piece of work. I look the creator in the eye and I ask them: “Do you think the story in your movie is so important, so meaningful, that if you could, you would do it for free?” If the answer is yes, then I will give it a chance.
I wonder how the makers of Blade Runner 2049 would reply…I really would like to give this a chance.
From executive producer Ridley Scott and director Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, MacKenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Lennie James, Carla Juri, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto opens in theaters October 6.
