As a cinephile who has seen more movies than I can count, I must say that JT Mollner’s Strange Darling is one of the most captivating and unique thrillers I’ve encountered in recent years. The narrative structure alone sets it apart from the crowd, but it’s the commanding performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner that truly make this film shine.
Director JT Mollner’s recent film, titled “Strange Darling“, is certainly one of the standout thrillers this year due to its distinctive storyline and powerful acting from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given it a 95% rating, praising it widely. However, if Miramax had their way, the movie as we now know it would not have been released.
On “The Business with Kim Masters” podcast, Mollner shared insights about the filming of Strange Darling and the unexpected response from Miramax, the production company. They were unimpressed by the early footage, a surprise to the director who believed all involved were working at their best. However, those in charge of the finances didn’t see it that way, eventually halting the production.
Experiencing Strange Darling was a deeply challenging ordeal for me. It required nearly six years of hard work before it could take flight. During the filming process, we were consistently sending our daily footage to the financier, only to receive feedback that they weren’t pleased with what they saw. I was taken aback because I genuinely enjoyed the scenes we were creating. However, it seemed that a few executives had different aesthetic preferences than mine, which may have been the issue. They bluntly stated, “We despise everything you’re sending us; we’re not finding this enjoyable at all, and we’re unsure if this project will be successful.
We were shut down for almost a week.
Not only was it unfortunate as it stood, but producer Roy Lee disclosed that Miramax initially intended to replace Willa Fitzgerald in the lead role. However, following his intervention, they reconsidered their decision. In simpler terms, Lee said, “You’ve seen how brilliantly Willa Fitzgerald played her part in the movie. They wanted to recast, but I insisted, ‘This movie cannot be remade with another actor.’
How JT Mollner Won the Battle Between Art and Commerce
In many instances, business and art clash, particularly in Hollywood. Although those managing finances generally mean well, they can struggle to comprehend a filmmaker’s vision due to the green-tinted blinders that affect their decision-making process. This appears to have been the situation with Miramax, as their CEO, Bill Block, eventually conceded to give Mollner creative control over Strange Darling, assuring no further meddling following a successful early screening of the film.
The film you’re watching is the one I aspired to create. I’m incredibly pleased with the final product.
Regarding the widespread acclaim for the film “Strange Darling“, it’s clear that its creator can take pride, as do all those who contributed to its creation. This movie is a stunning demonstration of cinematic artistry, offering a distinct narrative that defies expectations, keeping viewers guessing throughout its entire 96-minute runtime. Both Fitzgerald and Gallner deliver captivating performances that are worthy of awards, adding layers of suspense to the film that leave audiences utterly hooked. Just when we think we’ve figured it all out, Moller and the team throw a curveball, making us question everything once again.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-09-28 16:01