As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for horror genre performances and their underrepresentation in award ceremonies, I wholeheartedly sympathize with the director’s sentiments. In my humble opinion, it’s high time we recognize and honor exceptional work in this field, just as we do for other genres. I find it utterly dismaying that outstanding performances by actors like Naomi Watts in Smile 2, James McAvoy in Split, or Toni Collette in Hereditary are seldom acknowledged. It’s a shame that such captivating portrayals often go unnoticed and undervalued.
Smile 2 writer-director Parker Finn has outdone himself once more.
Typically, it’s uncommon for a horror sequel to outshine its successful predecessor. However, Finn’s second installment has managed to do just that, impressing both critics and audiences. Moreover, it seems set to surpass the opening weekend box office of $22.6 million achieved by ‘Smile’ two years ago. To put it simply, the success of ‘Smile 2’ should not be too unexpected given that Finn has already defied expectations with his feature directorial debut. The 2022 horror film centered around a curse associated with an eerie smile was initially intended for streaming on Paramount+. However, following its initial test screening, the Sosie Bacon-led film was switched to a theatrical release, earning $217 million against a budget of just $17 million.
After wrapping up discussions for the sequel in late September, Finn decided not to continue from where he last left Kyle Gallner’s cursed detective, focusing on a haunting that took place over a week. Instead, he chose to take an unexpected turn by making the pop star character played by Naomi Scott, Skye Riley, the main focus of his next project.
Finn shared with The Hollywood Reporter that when he gave Kyle the script, Kyle responded positively by calling him to express approval: “You know what? You made the right choice.” This showed his strong support for the project. In fact, Kyle fully grasped the movie concept Finn intended and Finn considers him an outstanding individual.
The performance given by Scott has been praised by this writer and numerous others as the best of her career, sparking discussions once again about horror movies receiving greater award consideration. Similarly, Finn believes that Scott’s bold portrayal of a troubled pop star deserves to be recognized.
Finn notes that she exudes an extraordinary charisma and authority which made her seem like a genuine megastar pop artist. She convincingly portrayed a deeply human, vulnerable character struggling with personal issues. Not only did she sing the original songs in the movie, but she also executed the dance routines herself. In essence, she took on every aspect of the role, and I found myself delighted at the thought of transforming a Disney princess (such as Jasmine from Aladdin) into this character.
In recent months, M. Night Shyamalan and another filmmaker independently released their respective thrillers centered around pop stars, titled “Trap” by Shyamalan and undisclosed by the other. While both creators were taken aback by the coincidental release, Finn remained unfazed about his work being part of a longstanding “twin movies” trend in cinema history. Examples of this parallel inspiration include the 1997 releases “Dante’s Peak” and “Volcano“, as well as Guillermo del Toro and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming interpretations of “Frankenstein” lore, titled “Poor Things ” (2023) and “Lisa Frankenstein” (2024). This kind of shared inspiration is not uncommon in the film industry.
Finn remembers saying, “I’m a huge fan of Night, and it was at CinemaCon [2024] where the ideas behind both Smile 2 and Trap were unveiled. So, we were both taken aback, but given the significant role of popular musicians in both films, I knew there was likely to be minimal overlap between what these movies are actually about. There’s plenty of space for diverse narratives.
In another instance, the movies titled “Immaculate” (2024) and “The First Omen” shared a similar narrative. These films center around two young American nuns whose physical independence is violently infringed upon in shockingly gruesome manners. Remarkably, these genre pieces also incorporate sequences that directly reference the iconic miscarriage scene from Andrzej Żuławski’s “Possession” (1981), a film which Finn and Robert Pattinson plan to reimagine.
Finn remarks that it would require an extraordinary individual to re-create ‘Possession’, and he believes he could be that person.
Regarding the future of the “Smile” series, the ending of “Smile 2” hints strongly at the possibility of a third movie. Although Finn is tight-lipped about specifics right now, he emphasizes that any future installments will continue to focus on exploring characters rather than veering away from it.
Finn expresses his enthusiasm for the concept that future versions of ‘Smile’ might become more extravagant, wild, and unorthodox. However, he emphasizes that what truly matters about ‘Smile’ is its authentic, character-focused, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Therefore, even if the scope expands significantly, he wants to ensure that the narratives within it continue to touch people deeply on a personal level.
In a recent chat with THR, Finn elaborated that the casting choice of Jack Nicholson’s son, Ray, wasn’t solely based on the iconic smile connection. There were additional factors involved.
When exactly did discussions about a sequel to Smile become quite significant following its release, and was there already a concept for Smile 2 in place before these discussions started?
Immediately following the movie’s opening weekend, I found myself in a position I hadn’t even dared to imagine – a sequel for the original film. I wanted the first one to stand alone as a complete tale, but for the sequel, I was determined not to simply duplicate or rehash what had come before. Instead, I aimed to push my boundaries and create something unusual for a sequel. This meant a bit of experimentation and error-correcting in the development process. It was eventually the creation of Skye Riley’s character and the exploration of the mega pop star world that provided the key insights.
In your question, you’re asking if there was a specific reason for continuing the pattern established in the source material, where the main characters are women, despite the possibility of focusing on Kyle Gallner’s character, Joel, who inherited the curse at the end of the last movie. Is that correct?
Instead of repeating my previous work with Kyle Gallner, I yearn to collaborate with him once more and feature him extensively. He’s a fantastic actor and an exceptional individual, but to do so, I needed a character whose narrative was significant enough to grace them with a smile. It had to be someone who carried the themes, symbols, and emotional depth that intrigued me. Therefore, I sought a fresh character that fit the storyline appropriately, rather than resorting to what we established in our initial project.
Currently, Kyle isn’t short on jobs. He’s actually collaborating with his Smile co-star Sosie Bacon at the moment. Haven’t you had a chance to chat with him yet, and if so, did you express any apologies?
Initially, when drafting the script, I shared with Kyle that the focus would shift to a new character, but Joel would have an exceptional, challenging sequence within the film. I emphasized it would be demanding and rewarding. Later, upon sending him the script, Kyle called me expressing agreement, saying “You made the right choice.” He was enthusiastic about the project and understood the vision perfectly; he’s simply a fantastic collaborator.
Are you glad to see that Kyle and Sosie have developed a lasting bond of friendship and cooperation?
Indeed! It’s delightful to witness their reunion on screen in “Smile“. It’s truly exciting to anticipate their return to the stage together. Their on-screen chemistry is exceptional, and both of them are exceptionally gifted artists. I can hardly wait to watch that movie.
Was it not difficult to find an actress who could convincingly portray a popstar, authentically perform as one, and also deliver the horror aspect effectively? It seems that Naomi Scott became the obvious choice quite swiftly.
In my encounters, I found myself meeting numerous individuals as part of an audition procedure. Yet, it wasn’t long before it became evident that Naomi was the ideal candidate for this role. She possesses a unique charm and authority that instantly made me accept her portrayal of a megastar pop artist. I had no second thoughts about it, but she also demonstrated the ability to play a deeply human, raw, and vulnerable character struggling with personal issues. As expected, she’s an exceptional vocalist, lending her voice to all the original songs in the movie and executing the dance choreography herself. Her dedication left me quite impressed, especially considering the transformation from a beloved Disney princess like Jasmine to this new role.
Initially, Smile (2022) was intended for streaming up until the critical test screening, but it maintained a substantial budget given the circumstances. Given that it was originally designed for theaters, how noticeably distinct were the two productions compared to each other?
As a devoted admirer, let me express that the experience was truly exhilarating. The studio placed an immense amount of faith in me, and I’m profoundly grateful that Paramount supported this unusual continuation of Smile. Initially, I don’t believe anyone was clamoring for this particular narrative, but this movie surpasses the original in every aspect. However, I made sure it wasn’t just larger for the sake of being large; there had to be a genuine organic reason behind its expansion. This film encompassed so much more in terms of both storytelling and production, making it a significant cinematic endeavor. Indeed, it is a larger movie than the first one, yet it faced the same production hurdles. As a filmmaker, I’m constantly striving to create a grand cinematic experience within budgetary constraints and limited timeframes. I aim to stuff a ten-gallon story into a five-gallon container, and this film was no exception.
Initially, when I learned about M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie, did it ever cross your mind that you were in a predicament reminiscent of the confusion between Armageddon and Deep Impact?
(Laughing.) You know, I’m quite fond of the movie “Night,” and it was during CinemaCon [2024] where the basic ideas for both “Smile 2” and “Trap” were unveiled. So, it came as a bit of a shock to both of us, but given that there’s a significant pop star aspect in both films, I wasn’t expecting much overlap in their respective plots. There’s plenty of space for various types of stories, and I’m pleased to see that people are enjoying “Trap.” I also hope that folks are looking forward to watching “Smile 2.
Earlier this year, something comparable transpired with Immaculate and The First Omen. Lately, there have been numerous Frankenstein film adaptations being planned, which is not uncommon for our town.
Yeah, there’s something in the air, I suppose.
One of cinema’s most famous smiles, if not most famous, is that of one Jack Nicholson.
(Laughs.)
In the movie The Shining, there are numerous instances where one might find themselves yearning for more. Although Raymond Nicholson leaves a strong impression in his brief appearances, didn’t a small part of you wish for a link to the memorable grin associated with that character?
To begin with, let me express two points: Firstly, I’ve repeatedly praised The Shining as one of my all-time favorite films, and Jack Nicholson as one of my most admired actors. Given this background, it’s important to mention that Ray also tried out for the role in The Shining. Secondly, his audition left me utterly amazed. While he shares Nicholson’s lineage and physical attributes, such as that captivating smile and those intriguing, mischievous eyes, it’s not just about genetics. Ray himself brings a unique charm to the film that I can hardly imagine any other actor delivering.
As a gamer, I’m utterly captivated by the eerie vibes you weave through your camera work, scene shifts, sound effects, and music. Could it be that some of the chilling influences from ‘The Shining’ have seeped into your filmmaking style?
It’s likely that Stanley Kubrick is my all-time favorite filmmaker, and I proudly show my inspiration. I’m perpetually seeking the extraordinary. I admire his skill, his cinematography, set design, use of score and sound effects, and it constantly preoccupies my thoughts. Particularly in The Shining, much of the film takes place in well-lit environments. It doesn’t rely on traditional horror devices or easy scares to frighten viewers. Instead, it focuses on the mood, the ambiance, the performances, and the context of the events, which is something I strive for in my own work. This approach is also evident in Smile 2. The story unfolds in a gleaming, bright, glamorous, extravagant world of a pop star. We’re not confined to dark basements or dusty attics. Instead, we encounter horrifying events in unexpected locations, keeping the audience on edge and preventing them from feeling comfortable. So, Kubrick’s technique in The Shining is remarkably effective, and it’s a style I aim to replicate in my films.
As a gamer, I found it intriguing that you didn’t cast Rose’s family member, partner, or superior as the expert in the matter. Instead, Peter Jacobson introduced a fresh character who filled this role. Was it because the small town setting made it too unlikely for Rose and Skye to be directly connected?
I love this idea that the Smile Entity is on this path of destruction and that it doesn’t play small just because somebody was in the first film. Of course, Smile 2 needed the connective tissue that Kyle Gallner brings to the film, but I was really excited about the challenge of going from Joel, this Newark police detective, to a mega famous pop star living in New York City. That felt like a really exciting challenge, and creating two separate worlds inside of the same universe was something that I was really chasing.
Was the stunning photograph of the cityscape taken right-side-up and then flipped to fit Skye’s apartment, or was it captured upside-down originally and then adjusted during post-production?
As a thrilled fan, I’d like to share some behind-the-scenes insights about one particular scene. This scene features both the exterior and interior portions of it. In fact, for the exterior shots, we were incredibly fortunate to be among the initial productions granted permission to fly a drone in Manhattan – something unheard of before! However, only with the right pilot and proper licensing could this be done due to safety concerns and regulations. To ensure safety and capture the desired perspective, we filmed the exterior cityscape shot right-side up and later flipped it. But, when considering how the scene would break through Skye’s window and enter her apartment, we shot that part upside down. There are multiple ways to tackle such a scene, but we discovered the method that worked best for us. So, the outside was captured right-side up, the inside was filmed upside down, and then we seamlessly combined the two.
Additionally, there’s a scene towards the end that initially appears right-side up, but swiftly flips over within the very same frame.
Indeed, you’re right! It was indeed filmed using a crane. The intention behind this was to create a rapid, inverted spin for a highly disorienting effect, simulating the sensation of one’s stomach dropping, much like what an actual upside-down roller coaster ride would provoke.
In movies like “Smile 2” with Naomi, “Split” featuring James McAvoy, and “Hereditary” starring Toni Collette, it’s disappointing that acting in genre films doesn’t receive award recognition as frequently. There are only a handful of cases where performers like Ruth Gordon and Kathy Bates have been honored, which leaves a sour taste, doesn’t it?
I’m incredibly grateful to be able to create films, as it’s my dream profession. I aspire to continue producing movies. While accolades are pleasant, the true joy comes from the film itself and the chance to share it globally. However, I wholeheartedly concur – Naomi is an incredible talent. She delivers a remarkable performance in this production, one that would earn my vote if I were on an awards panel. I hope the industry begins to acknowledge her skills more widely.
In the concluding scene of “Smile 2”, there’s a hint of grand ambition suggesting a possible third movie. Given such an ending, it’s hard not to speculate that you’ve already planned for a sequel.
(Laughs.)
Could you pitch something tomorrow if you absolutely had to?
Indeed, there are numerous intriguing destinations for Smile to venture into next. The prospect of future versions of Smile pushing boundaries and veering further off course, becoming increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, is thrilling. However, what truly resonates with me about Smile is its deep focus on human characters and their emotional journeys. Regardless of how grand the world may grow, I would strive to ensure that our narratives within it remain profoundly touching on a personal level.
Are you seriously considering tackling a remake of the film, Possession, given that both The First Omen and Immaculate drew inspiration from its themes, as they have previously demonstrated?
It’s hard to imagine anyone attempting to recreate the movie “Possession,” but I believe I could pull it off.
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2024-10-19 23:56