The screenwriter of ‘Rebel Moon’ prefers to ignore criticism
The screenwriter of ‘Rebel Moon’ prefers to ignore criticism – Kurt Johnstad praises the great work Snyder is doing and insists on the film’s originality despite its comparisons to ‘Star Wars’.
By Megan Sauer
After its premiere last December 21 on Netflix (December 15 in some theaters in the United States and the United Kingdom), Zack Snyder ‘s new film, ‘ Rebel Moon (Part One): The Fire Girl’, has garnered a sad of critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but it’s screenwriter does not seem to care in the least.
In an interview with Variety, Kurt Johnstad has acknowledged that he doesn’t even read the reviews and has also responded to comparisons with ‘ Star Wars’.
“I don’t read reviews, I never have. Critics have a job to do. We live in a democracy. Everyone can vote. If people see the movie, they will have an experience and they will enjoy it or not.
It’s like flavors of ice cream. In my 20-year career, reviews have never equaled success. A movie will either work or it won’t. People will love it and connect with it, and I think what this movie has is an emotional drive and a core and characters that are vulnerable.
And, of course, there is structure, action and special effects: it is a magnificent looking film. But I think that underneath there is emotion. There is an emotional engine present throughout the film that I think works, so I would invite people to see it.”
It is true that although the specialized press seems to have not liked the film, the first part of ‘Rebel Moon’ has positive reviews from the public.
The comparisons are hateful
It’s no secret that Snyder presented the idea of ‘Rebel Moon’ to Lucasfilm as a story that could work within the ‘ Star Wars ‘ universe, so the comparisons are obvious as well as well-founded. Johnstad acknowledges that the influence is there, but insists that this is a completely original work:
“They are very different worlds. We are trying to do very different things. I have great respect for George Lucas and everything he has done for 50 years.
He has changed the entire landscape, so we can’t say that it hasn’t affected us or that it hasn’t affected us.” have absorbed some of those cinematic lessons and experiences.
It would be false and we would be lying. The idea is, if we may (just as George was a complete rebel in this town and an iconoclast), think “how can we do the same in our time?”
It’s not something that’s written down, but it’s like, “Oh, how can I write the most provocative, inspiring, interesting, twist-and-turn story?” George used Campbell’s hero’s journey, as do we. This It’s Kora’s story and she’s at the center of the movie.”
Johnstad also mentions John Milius as a source of inspiration and reveals that the character of Milius is named in honor of the screenwriter of ‘ Conan the Barbarian ‘, although none of that has to do with him and Zack Snyder having created “an original story “.
“It’s being created by hundreds, if not thousands, of technicians.
That’s really bold. He (Snyder), as a filmmaker, takes big risks with every film, and it’s fun to see someone who has enough confidence in himself to put those kinds of twists in the material that he presents to the world.
Rebel Moon (Part One): The Fire Girl ‘ is now available on Netflix and ‘ Rebel Moon Part 2: The Warrior Who Leaves Marks ‘ will arrive on the platform in April 2024.
