ZACH SNYDER ON WATCHMEN

Article courtesy of Dark Horizons.

Zach Snyder speaks a bit about Watchmen and discusses subjects ranging from when we will see the next trailer to what to expect from his adaptation on the greatest graphic novels ever created. My excitement for this film is through the roof and have complete faith in Zach Snyder delivering a truly great cinematic experience. The article does contain plot spoilers, so read at your own risk if you haven't read Alan Moore's novel...yet.

"Sitting alone in a bar with Snyder for twenty minutes after the presentation, the director seemed a little tired but in good spirits when we chatted, especially due to the fact that the movie is near completion. "The film's pretty much done in my book. There's still some visual effects shots which I'm reviewing... there's probably close to 2000 effects shots in the film" he says. There's also mixing, telecining and coloring to go - plus he's finishing up the 'Black Freighter' version for the Director's Cut DVD release which will incorporate that 'comic within the comic' sub-story from the graphic novel.

While there's been glimpses of footage in San Diego, at these presentations, and during the Scream Awards earlier this month - there's only been one official trailer so far. The second however is on its way, attached to "Quantum of Solace" in theaters next Friday. Snyder says "I just saw the final version of it this morning... it's a little bit more story, a teeny bit more like a full trailer. This is much more like 'someone's picking off costume heroes'. You'll get a sense of the characters plight you know, 'we were supposed to make the world a better place... what happened to the American Dream'." Some elements have had to be changed for the trailer, most notably Dr. Manhattan's exposed genitals have had to be 'defocused' to be granted approval by the MPAA. He also confirms a third trailer will hit early in the new year.

He's been having great fun choosing the period-specific soundtrack which will incorporate a lot of the songs listed in the graphic novel as well as some others. "That part is super fun, I love the exercise of having to go through the book and find songs from pop culture that fits scenes" he says. One song that gets a brief inclusion is 1984's '99 Luftballons' by Nena which he had to justify to one clueless onlooker - "someone said to me like 'I don't get why you put that song in the movie', and I said 'you know that song's about these red balloons getting away and causing nuclear war' and they're like 'Oh...huh'."

Other songs in the film includes more Dylan numbers like Desolation Row and All Along the Watchtower, Simon & Garfunkel's Sounds of Silence, Nat King Cole's Unforgettable, and at least one number by Nina Simone. He thinks after the movie opens the soundtrack inclusions and exclusions will be among the more debated topics. Even he had to pass on some songs he hoped to add - "It's not so much that I didn't want to put them in, it's just that they weren't practical".

Much like the Dr. Manhattan origin scene is an extended montage of the character's back story with a voice over, the Comedian's funeral is the same and take place about an hour into the film. "We go with everyone - you go with Dan to the riots, Adrian to crimebusters headquarters, the Comedian in Vietnam with Manhattan, you know" he says. Snyder's son, who played the young Leonidas in the early scenes of "300", also cameos as a young Rorschach.

Of course much of the online fan buzz lately has been about a test screening that took place a few weeks ago in Portland. Having gone through two test screenings for "300", the process is one Snyder admits he still finds "nerve-wracking", especially considering his track record - "We had the best test scores in the history of Warner Bros. with '300' and I kept telling them look the movie is not like 300, don't think that it is - it's not going to be the same experience. Some people are going to go 'what the f**k is this' and I go that's ok. That's the thing that you fight... The one thing that was cool was that anyone who had read the graphic novel who was at the screening rated the film 'excellent', for me I'm like 'I'm done'."

What's the final runtime? "I'm hoping 2 hours 42 minutes, with credits." That theatrical version however is just one of three versions of the film planned for the eventual DVD & Blu-ray release. There's also a three hour director's cut of the film with "the scenes all fleshed out", and the 'Black Freighter' version which will combine that Director's Cut with the 'Black Freighter' short film that will clock in at three-and-a-half hours. How the Black Freighter version will be incorporated and packaged is still undecided - "For me 'Black Freighter' needs its own box, it's packaged with like cool props from the movie and supplemental material. It's like this big thing you put on your shelf and go 'that's f**king Black Freighter' you know."

The two action scenes shown in the footage he says are among the very few action sequences in the film. The Comedian fight, originally just three panels in the comic, was extended in the film for character reasons - "I wanted to show what he's capable of...he doesn't really even touch his attacker once, but you see that if he was against a normal guy he could beat the crap out of him". His favorite scene is the intercutting of Dr. Manhattan's interview and Nite-Owl's brutal alley fight which he's made very intense and graphic - "the point is to show consequence - the first punch the guy gets a compound fracture of the arm, blood sprays and you go 'woooh this is not a comic book movie'."

*** SPOILERS FOR GRAPHIC NOVEL/MOVIE AHEAD ***

A few online fanboys have been disappointed by reports from the test screening of the changed ending. Specifically a key moment in the graphic novel revolves around the disastrous repercussions of a 'giant alien squid' being teleported into New York City, an event that is changed in the movie (there's still a disaster but no squid). Snyder says "The fans, god love 'em, they're all up in arms about the squid. What they should be up in arms about are things like shooting the pregnant woman, 'God is real and he's American', whether THAT's in the movie. That's my point of view, maybe I'm crazy." He does admit that the ending scenes with the main characters remain, as does the 'moral imperative' of the comic's ending.

What about talk he did some 'squid' stuff in pre-production? "Well... I don't want to say yes or no (laughs). The squid was not in the movie when I got the script, the squid was never in any draft that I saw. My point is only that there was this elegant solution to the squid problem that I kind of embraced. I'm a fan of the thing as much as anyone, I was saying what are we going to do about this before I even read the script." Was that solution multiple atomic explosions as some have said? "I won't say exactly but... Dr. Manhattan has a certain energy signature, it's clearly his thing...so you know." He also shot down reports of multiple endings - they only filmed the one.

*** SPOILERS END ***

After this presentation, Snyder and co. are going on tour with the footage - Seoul, Tokyo, Paris and London. Those Asian markets he admits he's not too sure how the film will perform - "I don't know how this footage is going to go over in Japan or Korea, there's a lot of fanboys there and they'll get it but I just don't know how the movie will play...in Japan they didn't like 'Dark Knight' so I don't know what to give 'em." From the looks of what's he done however, he's going to give not just the fans but hopefully those audiences ready for deeper and more challenging fare in their comic book movies something they won't forget soon."

STEVEN SPIELBERG AND WILL SMITH REMAKING OLDBOY?

This news comes courtesy of Firstshowing.net.

"He's already remaking Ghost in the Shell, so why not another Asian cinema classic? The newly independent DreamWorks is currently working to secure the remake rights to Chan-wook Park's 2003 film Oldboy. Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on the remake, with Smith potentially starring and Spielberg potentially directing. They're currently searching for a screenwriter to begin developing the project while Spielberg finishes directing Tintin. Anyone who is familiar with the original, which is an incredible movie, knows that this isn't exactly the best idea, but if there's anyone who I'd be comfortable with taking on the monumental task of remaking it, it's definitely Spielberg."

I died a little today after reading this news, because this is a film that absolutely in no way needs to be remade. Most of the time the reason behind these Hollywood remakes of foreign films is of course money. And the filmmakers' excuse is usually that an American audience never get a chance to see these films, or something along those lines. Now I agree with Hollywood wanting to make money, because that's the business they're in. So that makes plenty of sense. But I have a problem with the other reason I listed. American audiences always have a chance to see many of these great foreign movies. Many of them are released in theaters and are available on DVD. No, the problem is that American audiences hate to read subtitles and that's a crying shame.

It just amazes me that there are people who won't give a foreign film a chance because it's subtitled. I have an example for you. I remember seeing Guillermo Del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth" when it was released in theaters two years ago. After seeing it and being amazed how great of a film it was, I went ahead a recommended it to a friend of mine. I see him about a week later and ask him if he had seen it. He proceeds to tell me that he thought it wasn't very good, mainly because it was subtitled. I was honestly disappointed with that response. Now everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I think that's one terrible criticism to give a film. Basically the excuse is "I want to watch the movie, not read." Are you fucking kidding me? It takes a second to read a line a dialogue on the screen. Are people that close minded not give a film that's subtitled a chance? OK, I kinda got off topic here and I would like to get back to the matter at hand. This is suppose to be about "Oldboy." But I think my thoughts about American movie audiences hating subtitles just needed to be put out there.

OK back to "Oldboy." I find the film to be one of the most popular Korean films ever made and it already has an American audience. And if it were to be remade, I don't believe they would have to balls to keep the same themes and big twist at the end in the film. I just couldn't see Will Smith being a part of something like that. Spielberg I don't have problem with. He's one of the greatest filmmakers ever and he's more than capable in making a solid remake of this film. But I just don't think it's necessary. It's just going to get dumbed down for American audiences and make a quick buck off the original Korean films fame. If anything, I hope people get really interested and actually check out Chan Wook Park's films. I don't know, I just think it's such a fantastic film and doesn't need an American makeover. I think Hollywood needs to stop worrying about other countries films and start coming up with their own ideas. Just a suggestion.

A SEQUEL TO A HORRIBLE HORROR REBOOT

This news comes courtesy of Dread Central.

Well, it looks like there will be a sequel to Rob Zombie's atrocious "Halloween" reboot. The only thing we know about the sequel is that Tyler Mane is back as Michael Myers and other cast members are in talks. No director has been officially attached by there has been speculation that the directing duo of Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury, directors of the brilliant horror film "Inside," have been in talks to helm the film.

If you couldn't tell, I'm no fan of Zombie's film. And that's too bad. I'm a big fan of 'The Devil's Rejects' and I wasn't opposed to a reboot of 'Halloween.' But his 'Halloween' film was just piss poor. From the script, straight to the acting. I thought giving Michael Myers an origin story was just a big mistake. If you have seen any of the 'Halloween' films, the character relies on mystery and the shadows in my opinion. The reason why Carpenter's film was so effective was because we didn't know Michael Myers. We never got a chance to know him. The mystery of the character gives the film suspense. And that's what I didn't feel in Zombie's film. There was no suspense at all. I felt no sense of urgency. We knew who Myers was and what he was capable of. There was nothing fresh in Zombie's film. If you're going to do a remake or re-imagining, you need to to try something new. And Zombie did that by showing us what Myers was like as a child and so on. Unfortunetly, that didn't pay off. Because after that, it just felt old and stale. It was boring movie.

And I hope that Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury don't direct this film. It could be career suicide for them. 'Inside' was such a brilliant horror film. It was a gore fest that had great acting and I urge everyone to check that film out. But I don't think this is the right film to make their American debut with. But if they do decide to helm the picture, there's chance it may come out alright. But I'm not holding my breath. I don't see why there should be a sequel to a shitty film.

I just want to add one more thing. This adds fuel to the fire in showing that Hollywood has ran our of ideas, particularly in the horror genre. We're either getting remakes or PG-13 horror films. I'm not opposed to remakes, but only if it's something different and is able to to be better than its predecessor. For example, The Hills Have Eyes. The original was terrible in my opinion. And don't get me started on the PG-13 horror films. It's obvious that these studios want to make money and that's the reason why these horror films are PG-13. It's the only way that these 13yr. olds can see these films and everyone has to suffer because of it. Most of Hollywood is afraid to be original. There's still good people left Hollywood, but the rest of them are afraid.

MOST ANTICAPTED FILMS

This post is dedicated to the films I'm most looking forward to in the months ahead. I would also like to read what everyone else is excited for, so please comment. All plot descriptions are courtesy of IMDB. Ok, here it goes:

ROCKNROLLA

"In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, attracting some of the city's scrappiest tough guys and its more established underworld types, all of whom are looking to get rich quick. While the city's seasoned criminals vie for the cash, an unexpected player -- a drugged out rock 'n' roller presumed to be dead but very much alive -- has a multi-million dollar prize fall into his hands."

I'm mostly excited for this because it seems Guy Ritchie is back to performing his one trick act, but man it's such a great trick. I love his gangster films.

ROLE MODELS

"Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in Role Models as Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad. Once the center's ex-con director (Jane Lynch) gives them an ultimatum, Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges, Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). And if they can just make it through probation without getting thrown in jail, the world's worst role models will prove that, sometimes, it takes a village idiot to raise a child."

This genuinely looks like a comedy with some smarts. I laughed at the bits in the trailer and Paul Rudd is one of my favorite comedic actors out there right now. Make sure to check it out.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE

'Quantum of Solace' continues the high octane adventures of James Bond from 'Casino Royale'. Picking up literally days where the previous film left off, after being betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Having captured Mr. White, and in pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and 'M' interrogate Mr. White who reveals the organisation which blackmailed Vesper to steal Bond's casino winnings is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined."

What's there more to say? It's fucking James Bond. This movie looks to be an unrelenting brutal film. Daniel Craig looks like he's in top form and is ready to kick some ass. Expect a review on this one.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his story, set in New Orleans from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century, following his journey that is as unusual as any mans life can be. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett with Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas and Julia Ormond, Benjamin Button, is a grand tale of a not-so-ordinary man and the people and places he discovers along the way, the loves he finds, the joys of life and the sadness of death, and what lasts beyond time."

Love the short story it's based off and David Fincher is one of my favorite directors. Combined with Brad Pitt's acting, the cutting edge technology behind the film, and the beautiful cinematography; it looks like we have an Oscar contender here.

VALKYRIE

"At the height of WW2, a group of high-ranking German officers hatched a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and seize power of the military command in order to end the war. The operation was codenamed "Valkyrie", for the emergency plan that was meant to be used in case of a revolt against the Nazi government. This plan had been modified by the conspirators to ensure their success, but for various reasons the plot failed when finally carried out on 20 July 1944. The conspirators of the inner circle were shot after a kangaroo trial or sentenced to death soon after.

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I have such a fascination with WWII, that it's hard for me to look past this film. It has such an intriguing plot and Bryan Singer is a pretty good director. I hope people can look past Tom Cruise's insanity.

WATCHMEN

"Watchmen" is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the "Doomsday Clock" - which charts the USA's tension with the Soviet Union - is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion - a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers - Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity... but who is watching the Watchmen?"

This by far my favorite graphic novel. The fact that we're actually getting a Watchmen film is exciting. And it's even more exciting that it might actually be a great film. The trailer looks stunning and from what I been digging up, it seems Zach Snyder gets it. Kevin Smith saw the film and says it's fantastic. I don't take his opinion to heart, but you guys can do whatever you want with it. Definitely my #1 most anticipated film. Well there you go. I would love to here what anyone thinks of these choices and again, I would love to hear anyone else's suggestions. Here's some other films that are anticipated, but not list worthy: Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, Terminator Salvation, Pixar's Up, Star Trek, The Wolfman, Slumdog Millionaire, Public Enemies.

MARK MILLAR SPEAKS ON HIS 8-HOUR SUPERMAN EPIC

This exclusive comes courtesy of Empire Online.

Here's an excerpt of what Millar had to say. Check out the link for the full article:

I want to start on Krypton, a thousand years ago, and end with Superman alone on Planet Earth, the last being left on the planet, as the yellow sun turns red and starts to supernova, and he loses his powers.

Now this is definitely some intriguing news and it raises many questions. Who is this big time director that Millar keeps speaking of? Could a Superman trilogy of this sort really work and be successful? And should WB really give this man a listen after the disappointing "Superman Returns?" You know what I say to that last question? "Why the hell not?"

Even though Millar supplies a short description of what he wants to accomplish with a Superman trilogy, I think it shows a lot of promise. Now, I didn't hate "Superman Returns." I enjoyed it for what it was, but that film was a mistake from the start. We wanted to see something fresh in a Superman film, not a homage to Richard Donner's film. The movie was just boring and lacked that epic feel that a Superman film should have. It didn't fool the fans and the general audience. No one wanted to feel nostalgic in viewing a 21st century Superman film. So I ask again, "Why the hell not?"

Mark Millar seems genuine in creating a genuine, exciting, and true adaptation of the Man of Steel. It's an idea people can get excited for. Just the notion that someone out there wants to make a series of Superman films like he describes is exciting. I always wanted to see Krypton in all it's glory on film. I always wanted to see Superman actually battle it out with his rogues gallery of villains. And if Millar has anything to do with it, we will be seeing some of those villains and some actual fight scenes. I want to see Superman trying to deal with the fact that he's an alien on this planet and trying to cope with it. I want to see Lois Lane from the comics. Not Margot Kidder or an anorexic Kate Bosworth. I just want a series of films that show who Superman is and not show him as a stalker who's afraid to throw a punch. The only thing I have an issue with is Millar's ending. And I'm not the only one.

Now to address what director Millar has been having talks with. To be honest, I have no idea and neither does anyone else. The only thing we know is that he's American. I remember when this story first broke, the first name that came to people's minds was Michael Bay. Now, we all know Bay would deliver in the action department, because that's what he's best at. And I can respect Bay for what he is as a director. The man knows what he wants, he enjoys what he does, and is good at it. But I don't want a man like Michael Bay near a Superman film. When it comes to Superman, it ain't all about the action. Even though we're all starved for some after Superman Returns. But there's one lacking aspect in every Bay film, and that's character. He can't develop character or have his actors portray emotion. These are things that are essential to a Superman film and Bay can't supply it. You are a good action director Mr. Bay, but you're no actor director. I can't give my thoughts on who a suitable director would be, because it's too tough to call. But what I do know is that it ain't Michael Bay.

Now in all honesty, I thin this is all a wet dream. I don't think WB has the balls to make Superman films the way Millar is proposing. Knowing WB, with the success of the "Dark Knight", they'll probably do your run of the mill reboot. Even though that's what Millar is proposing, I don't think WB will be that ambitious. But hey, you never know. I think it really depends on the success of that little film "Watchmen." Talk about ambitious. If that film proves successful, maybe WB will pull the trigger and let Millar have his epic. "Why the hell not?"

I would like to hear others opinions on this news or on what I've had to say. I'll make sure to keep everyone updated as this news progresses.