Smile 2 Director Reveals the ‘Tragic’ Pop Stars Who Inspired the Sequel

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As a cinephile with decades of film-viewing experience under my belt, I must say that Parker Finn’s Smile 2 has truly left me spellbound. The way it delves into the darker side of Hollywood, using the tragic tales of the 27 Club as a backdrop, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s like Finn took a sledgehammer to the fourth wall and said, “Here, have some raw, unfiltered truth.

Given Parker Finn’s unexpected blockbuster success with his movie “Smile” in 2022, it’s no surprise that he had to venture beyond conventional ideas when planning the sequel he never anticipated making. Now, as “Smile 2” gears up to outshine its predecessor, Finn has unveiled the film’s intriguing backstory, which delves into the murkier aspects of the entertainment world.

The horror genre has consistently been used as a platform for social commentary, with films like the original Godzilla symbolizing fears of nuclear annihilation and zombies reflecting growing terrorism concerns. Similarly, Smile 2 doesn’t shy away from this tradition. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Finn expressed his desire to explore the boundaries of the Smile universe. He explained that initial ideas he had were discarded as he aimed for something surprising, stating, “I wanted people to say, ‘I can’t believe where Smile went.'” Over time, Finn delved into the concept known as the “27 Club,” a tragic grouping of influential entertainers who died at age 27, such as Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain.

In the movie “Smile 2”, Naomi Scott plays Skye, a once-popular pop star grappling with substance abuse and emotional turmoil stemming from past traumas. Her mother/manager, portrayed by Rosemarie DeWitt, exerts a manipulative influence, relentlessly urging Skye to stay in the spotlight despite her deteriorating personal life. This pressure, coupled with Skye’s inner struggles, raises a chilling question: “Did we, the audience, contribute to Skye’s downfall?” This reflects Finn’s research on the tragic falls of gifted celebrities.

By us coming back for a
Smile 2
, have we done this to her? Are we complicit in this?

Smile 2 Isn’t the Only Horror Film Putting a Spotlight On Hollywood

In a subtle nod to the heartbreaking tales of Hollywood’s rising stars who succumb to unattainable expectations and relentless fans, “Smile 2” serves as a poignant reference. As Finn contemplated, Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears were among those whose tragic narratives lingered in his thoughts. He immersed himself in every available resource: documentaries, interviews, essays, articles, even delving into the lives of Whitney Houston and other women who met a similar fate, ultimately destroyed by this merciless process. “Smile 2” is not the only film shedding light on the grim reality faced by celebrities, with Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” joining the ranks as an unexpected box office hit. This film offers a brutally honest and graphic portrayal of Hollywood beauty standards. Given the horror genre’s propensity to reflect societal concerns, it appears that many are growing increasingly alarmed about the damaging effects of our celebrity-obsessed culture. Viewers may anticipate an increase in gruesome films that tackle the issue of how we treat celebrities.

It’s doubtful that Finn will replicate the message from “Smile 2” in upcoming sequels given the effort he’s put into distinguishing it from the original. Instead, it seems Finn is committed to maintaining the freshness of the franchise. However, his penchant for social critique isn’t going anywhere, so future films may continue to shed light on contemporary societal issues.

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2024-10-18 21:31