Director Alex Garland’s Playstyle Could Split the Elden Ring Fanbase Before the Movie Even Drops

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Alex Garland isn’t merely directing the Elden Ring movie; he’s essentially a fellow traveler among gamers. The director behind Ex Machina and Civil War has ventured into the Lands Between no less than seven times, triumphantly defeating several of the game’s toughest bosses.

He possesses an impressive arsenal – a powerful tool, a stylish blade, and unwavering determination. His dedication to the game could potentially secure him a place at the Roundtable Hold, yet his preference for summoning allies might raise eyebrows among some strict sections of the notoriously tough gaming community.

Summon the salt: Alex Garland vs. the git gud crowd from Elden Ring





In an interview with IGN, Garland labeled Malenia, Blade of Miquella as the toughest boss in Elden Ring, a claim many fans agree with. However, what really caught people’s attention was his admission to utilizing summons, particularly during fights against bosses like Starscourge Radahn.

He mentioned that Radahn is quite straightforward, crediting his victory to the strategy of using summons from other players, a comment that might stir controversy among some fans of FromSoft games. This sentiment seems to strike a sensitive spot within the community.

For numerous gamers, the experience of playing Elden Ring (and other Souls series games) is often characterized by the unadulterated nature of solo combat. To these players, summoning assistance is viewed as a watering-down of the game’s original difficulty: a “shortcut” that weakens the challenge they face.

Critics often label these obstacle-creators as advocating for solo triumph, suggesting that true success can only be achieved by battling foes hand-to-hand with their grotesque weapons. However, Garland’s carefree approach seems almost like a breach of trust, particularly from someone responsible for bringing to life a world where overcoming adversity is the central theme.

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Some people find themselves drawn to his perspective, emphasizing that Elden Ring’s allure is rooted in its adaptability. After all, the game doesn’t penalize players for utilizing available resources, so why should the fans be any different?

From this perspective, Garland isn’t deceiving the system; instead, he’s personifying it. However, his frank remarks have paved the way for a split among fans ahead of the film’s release, well before it reaches the cinemas.

Seventh playthrough or scripted playthrough?

Although Garland boasts about being on his seventh playthrough, some people aren’t completely convinced that he’s as experienced in the game as he claims to be. In other words, even though his claim is impressive, not everyone believes him to be a true expert or veteran in the game.

After advancing to a higher level, I’m brimming with energy, equipped with an impressive weapon, and more, constantly charging back into the fray, time and time again.

This seemed oddly vague to many, suggesting he might be drawing from a script or pre-prepared notes instead of personal experience. In a world teeming with terms such as “Crimson Tears” and “Rivers of Blood”, discussing one’s strategy like a comic book character… frankly, it felt somewhat incongruous.

Some cynical spectators have proposed the notion that Garland may have been provided with a synopsis or guidelines, possibly even an interview guide, in order to prepare him for his interviews. Although this theory is difficult to verify, it’s gained traction due to the questionable authenticity of his accounts, as perceived by veteran players.

Regardless of some opinions, it’s not essential in this context. You see, Garland isn’t aiming to become a Twitch streamer or a guide creator; instead, he is a filmmaker. Notably, he has a proven talent for infusing psychological complexity into intricate narratives.

Is Garland’s talent for storytelling, evident even if he used a +10 Uchigatana to defeat Malenia solo in Elden Ring, what could make an adaptation of the game truly captivating? Even if hardcore fans are willing to overlook any summoned backup squad he might employ, they would be enthralled if his script mirrored even a hint of the game’s eerie beauty and moral complexity. Possibly so.

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2025-06-18 22:33