The Last Jedi: Rian Johnson's Apology Demand vs Batman Robin's Legacy

Often, when a film disappoints audiences and critics, a director's willingness to apologize becomes a point of discussion. This raises the question: if director Joel Schumacher apologized for Batman Robin, why wouldn't Rian Johnson do the same for The Last Jedi? In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the comparisons and highlight the stark differences between the two films and their respective creators.

Why Would He Apologize?

Let's get to the crux of the matter: why would Rian Johnson need to apologize for The Last Jedi? The film, contrary to popular belief, is not only a good movie but arguably the best in the Sequel Trilogy. It stands out as the sole reason for watching the first movie, and it surpasses any other JJ Abrams film I have seen, with a comparison that is simply not close.

The Last Jedi: A Superior Film

The Last Jedi does not even come close to being as bad as Batman Robin, which famously destroyed the promising careers of Alicia Silverstone and Chris O'Donnell. While Johnson could offer an apology, it seems he is more focused on continuing his work with Disney rather than letting it affect his career.

Kubrick and Schumacher: Different Stories

Stanley Kubrick, known for his groundbreaking work, hasn't apologized for any of his movies, and even some of them are significantly worse than the Star Wars movies. Similarly, Joel Schumacher, who apologized for the disappointment Batman Robin caused, did not apologize for making the film and stood by some of its aspects. In contrast, Rian Johnson stood by his film and admitted it was meant to be a challenging experience for fans.

The Root Cause: Quality of Content

The fundamental difference lies in the quality of content. Batman Robin failed across several levels, including performances, editing, production design, lighting, direction, cinematography, and script. The Last Jedi, on the other hand, only fails in choreography and script. And for many viewers, these shortcomings are not necessarily seen as failures.

Moreover, JJ Abrams, known for making critically acclaimed films, hasn't apologized for any of his works. Rian Johnson, as a director never particularly a fan of Star Wars, was appointed by Kennedy and Iger to bring a new perspective to the franchise. While some may consider it a mistake, it wasn't a critical or financial disaster on the scale of Batman Robin.

In conclusion, not all bad movies are created equal. While Batman Robin was a significant disappointment, The Last Jedi stands on its own merits, particularly in terms of technical execution and creative vision. Rian Johnson, who stood by his film, does not owe an apology to those who disliked the film, as any writer has the right to stand by their work, especially when it wasn't made under duress and lacked studio mandates.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, The Last Jedi is a film that, while it may not appeal to everyone, deserves to be judged on its own merits. Rian Johnson's stand by his film reflects his commitment to the project and its artistic integrity. Whether one likes the film or not, it is a piece of entertainment that stands on its own and doesn't need to apologize for its existence.