Assessing Rian Johnson as a Filmmaker: Original Works vs Franchises
Rian Johnson is a filmmaker that garners mixed reviews, with some praising his ability to craft unique and visually captivating films, while others question his suitability for franchise filmmaking. This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of Rian Johnson's directorial style, focusing on both his original works and his forays into franchise cinema.
Original Works: Above-Average but Not Great
When it comes to Rian Johnson's original works, opinions are divided. Many consider him to be an above-average filmmaker but fall short of calling him great. This portrayal can be attributed to both his visual prowess and narrative style.
Rian Johnson is praised for his distinctive visual style, having a keen eye for cinematography and mise-en-scene that brings a cinematic glamour to his films. This is accentuated in his works such as Brick and Looper, both celebrated for their unique aesthetic and storytelling techniques. However, his approach to plot and storyline is often criticized as somewhat sloppy and unpolished.
The film Knives Out exemplifies both these strengths and weaknesses. It is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery, but the "twist" elements are often seen as predictable and not as shocking as they may have been intended. The film's reliance on misdirection, while effective in its own right, can sometimes seem too heavy-handed, leading to a narrative that feels more like a puzzle than a genuine surprise.
Franchise Filmmaking: A Different Set of Challenges
When Rian Johnson attempts to step into the realm of franchise filmmaking, he faces a different set of challenges. Franchises, such as the Star Wars series, have established rules, stories, and character histories that can limit a director's creative freedom. This is where Rian Johnson's strengths may be compromised.
The Last Jedi project serves as a prime example. Despite its original attempts to breathe new life into the Star Wars universe, the film was widely criticized for departing from established canon, disrespecting the original characters, and failing to coherently fit within the larger narrative. It is argued that within the constraints of a franchise, Johnson's creativity and boldness can be constrained.
However, fans and critics alike often note that the Last Jedi was a challenging assignment. Despite the critiques, there are still those, like Sam Witwer's opinion on Darth Maul, who maintain that it could have been a standalone generic science fiction movie with unknown characters, one that would have been visually stunning.
Conclusion
Overall, Rian Johnson is a filmmaker well-suited to small to medium-sized original films and TV shows, where he can fully express his creativity and aesthetic. However, for big-budget franchises, his approach and style may fall short of what is required.
Despite the mixed opinions, Rian Johnson remains a noteworthy figure in the industry, particularly for his contributions to original content. His work often reflects a desire to innovate and offer fresh perspectives, a trait he shares with other talented directors like Wes Anderson. As for his future in the thriller genre or even within the Star Wars universe, it is suggested that Rian Johnson could excel if given the right creative freedoms and a more appropriate canvas.