Gareth Edwards, a visionary in the realm of sci-fi films, has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. Whether he’s crafting unique worlds in films like Monsters or The Creator, or leaving his mark in established franchises such as Godzilla and Rogue One, there’s one core idea he believes unites the entire genre.
“[Sci-fi] films are never really about spaceships, robots, or dinosaurs,” he told io9. “They feel pointless if they are. They [only] have meaning when the whole thing is kind of an analogy for something else.”
Exploring the Hidden Metaphor in Jurassic World Rebirth
So, what does Edwards’ latest project, Jurassic World Rebirth, symbolize? While it may not be immediately apparent, Edwards found a profound connection as he dove into the material that served as a beacon of inspiration. “As a sci-fi storyteller, you’re always looking for ‘What’s the hidden metaphor for whatever the crazy sci-fi element is?’” he reflected. “So I kind of went through this a bit going, ‘What is this really about? What’s this story really about as a mythical thing that you keep in your pocket?’ And it felt to me like the dinosaurs were kind of like films.”
Dinosaurs as a Metaphor for Modern Filmmaking
Yes, you read that right—the dinosaurs in the film are a metaphor for films themselves. Edwards elaborated: “The idea of people sort of slowly not going to the cinema, you know what I mean? They started trying different things to make them more entertaining, they mutated them, they created this stuff that people can’t watch or look at. And I kind of felt like this, in a weird way I was getting a kick out of, it was some strange version of the situation we’re in as filmmakers, where, like, how do you get people excited about this stuff again?”
- Decline of traditional movie theaters
- Surge of streaming platforms
- Popularity of platforms like YouTube and Twitch
Edwards is tapping into these pressing issues, which are not just relevant to the film industry at large but also resonate with the Jurassic franchise. Since the original Jurassic Park dazzled audiences with groundbreaking effects, the bar has been raised, and audiences now crave even more excitement.
Continuing the Story: From Decline to Rebirth
Take the 2015 film, where the plot focused on a dinosaur engineered to recapture audience interest. Cut to Jurassic World Rebirth, where dinosaurs have become an everyday reality, much like blockbuster films that audiences have begun to overlook. Edwards wanted to capitalize on this shift.
“My first movie was a monster movie set in Central America, and the way I sold it to everyone back then was it begins where all other monster movies end,” he said. “Imagine a movie where they’re now trying to tidy that up and clean it up. How do you move King Kong out of the way for traffic? I’ve always enjoyed that as a starting point. One person’s end is a start for someone else.”
Is Jurassic World Rebirth Setting a New Trend?
Not only does Jurassic World Rebirth signal new beginnings for its franchise, but it also raises questions about the future of film itself. Could this be ushering in a trend where the endings of old narratives lead to fresh starts? Released in theaters on July 2, this film is sure to make waves, so stay tuned for more insights from Gareth Edwards.
What could the future hold for cinematic storytelling? Will filmmakers continue to find meaning and metaphor in themes that reflect our contemporary challenges? These are questions every film enthusiast should ponder.
Have you ever wondered why some movies succeed while others fade into obscurity? The dynamics of audience engagement are constantly evolving, making it essential for filmmakers to adapt.
Why is movie attendance declining? The rise of streaming services and digital content has shifted how audiences consume films, leading to a notable decline in traditional cinema visits.
What makes a film resonate with viewers today? Engaging narratives, relatable themes, and innovative storytelling techniques are key factors that keep audiences coming back for more.
Why do some franchises struggle to stay relevant? Changing audience preferences and the oversaturation of content can make it challenging for even the most popular franchises to maintain engagement.
What does the future hold for the Jurassic franchise? As we dive into the themes of Jurassic World Rebirth, it might pave the way for new directions and explorations in storytelling.
Keep exploring thought-provoking content related to films and storytelling by visiting Moyens I/O.