**Spoilers ahead**
Hollywood doesn’t take big risks very often, so it’s always dispiriting when a picture as well-received as “Blade Runner 2049” just doesn’t connect with an audience. The underwhelming box office surprised even Warner Bros., and there has been plenty of second-guessing about the film’s rollout. Was the studio wise to play enigmatic with the marketing? Did Denis Villeneuve cut off the chances of his film reaching a wide audience by having critics stick to a strict playbook about what plot details they could reveal?
Speaking with Vulture, the director addresses the disappointing box office for the movie, and once again elaborates his reasoning for keeping “Blade Runner 2049” under a shroud of secrecy.
“As a filmmaker, I’m not arrogant,” he said. “People put a lot of money in the movie to allow me to make something like ‘Blade Runner.’ They trusted me, and they gave me a lot of freedom, and they are friends. So of course I want the movie to be a success at the end of the day. It’s a long journey, but I want them not to lose money.”
That said, some have argued that Villeneuve was too severe with his plot synopsis embargo, which included not revealing that Ryan Gosling‘s Officer K is a replicant, an element the movie makes clear within the opening minutes.
“I liked the idea that you were supposed to learn it as the movie goes on,” he explained, adding, “As a cinephile, one of my best experiences was when I was on a film festival jury. I had to watch 20 movies without knowing anything about them. You don’t know the genre, you don’t know the country, you don’t know the story. You don’t know if you’re about to look at a comedy or a horror movie!”
“… people want to know too many things before. They should read about the movie after they see it, not before,” Villeneuve, who is not a fan of spoiler culture, also said.
There is no doubt that watching “Blade Runner 2049” and knowing little about what you’re about to see is a rare blockbuster experience, but it might have come at the cost of the film’s success. Thoughts? Let us know in the comments section.
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I liked Blade Runner 2049 but the movie was absurdly slow. I was a bit tired so I almost sleep.
I went out of the cinema without connecting all the dots and even after I read the explanations I find it to bee too long for what the plot was offering.
A 2 hours cut would be note perfect.
Blade Runner 2049 is a stunning success. It is one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century and is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best sequels in film history. Judging wether or not a film is a ‘success’ based on how much money it made its opening weekend is complete bullshit.
I also found Blade Runner 2049 a stunning masterpiece. This film is an excellent sequel to the original BR.
I had some doubts before I saw Denis Villeneuve’s vision on screen. Those doubts were erased and I found myself spellbound and a captive audience member. The storyline and actors are fantastic. The amazing Cinematography and musical score are simply awesome.
I suggest you view it on the silver screen to fully realize and appreciate this iconic film. Once is not enough for me. I will be there again tomorrow.
I agree, look on the bright side, it still wins the no. 1 box office top spot, and there’s no doubt that Blade Runner 2049 is an exquisite masterpiece,
Failed attempt at replicating the original replicant movie. Million dollar mistakes in conception, filmmaking and marketing. Pity.
hilarious. you should know, since you’re a failed attempt at a regular person. go watch some good old Bay classics and come back in 20 years
get a life fanatic.
Hi Luis, just wanted to know the reason behind why you find it a failed attempt, please share your thoughts it might make me question mine. Thank you.
So….what was the reasoning for spoiling that Gosling is a replicant? Sure, it’s revealed in “the first few minutes”, but I still would’ve liked that surprise to happen for me while watching. It’s only been out a week — come on, guys.
Wait, nevermind — NOW I see the tiniest little *spoilers ahead*, buried underneath huge Facebook logos. For the future, ALL CAPS-ing that stuff is really nice.