Abrams is an expert in the science fiction genre.
I’m not writing this to say that JJ Abrams isn’t a good director or film maker, it would be absurd to say something along those lines after the incredible success he has had bringing Star Trek back to the big screen along with his television work. And I have no doubt that he will do another great job making Star Wars seems relevant again. But when I saw the announcement a little bit of me did die inside. But why?
Well, first things first, Abrams has now committed the ultimate betrayal in the world of pop culture. When people ask you whether you prefer Star Trek or Star Wars the only acceptable answers are either ‘Trek‘ or ‘Wars‘ (occasionally someone will let you say neither) but ‘both’ is not usually an option. For around five decades now these two franchises have gone head to head and, I know it’s only films, it doesn’t really matter, but to a lot of people it will matter that Abrams has gone behind Star Trek‘s back and chosen to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. But that’s not the main reason, in fact, I couldn’t care less about this reason because I am not a huge fan of either franchise (although I loved the 2009 reboot).
The main reason for my disappointment is that it is a very boring choice, it’s a safe choice. I expected Disney to really pull out the big guns, get someone in who would create something magical who wouldn’t necessarily be everyone’s first choice but would win everyone over when the film is released in 2015, but this seems to not be the case. Abrams is a self professed fan of Star Wars so I have no doubt that his passion for the project will see that only good things come of this.
Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot was met with wide critical acclaim.
However, the fact that Abrams is now directing the two biggest science fiction franchises in the galaxy, it makes the science fiction genre very boring; it almost seems like a very prestigious boy’s club and if you’re not involved you don’t get a chance. All directors have their own trademarks, their own styles and now there will no doubt be very high similarities between Star War and Star Trek which may blur the lines between the two franchises whereas they should both be kept apart.
Matthew Vaughn was considered to be front runner for the job.
I would have much preferred someone else who wasn’t already running a science fiction franchise to take control of Star Wars VII and install their own style and their own creativity into the project. I just don’t think this bodes well for the future of the science fiction genre having one man control the two biggest franchises. Film and cinema thrives on variety and with the vast number of science fiction releases increasing year on year, variety is becoming more and more necessary. I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed with Disney’s choice and their refusal to employ someone who could bring something different to the science fiction genre, but in 2015 I’m sure everyone will enjoy the Star Wars that JJ Abrams brings us.
ooh. I Like your viewpoint in calling it rather boring to use Abrams. Do you think the genre as a whole will suffer because of it?
Would you have preferred to see Matthew Vaughn in the directors chair?
I wouldn’t like to say that the science fiction genre on a whole will suffer because of Abrams appointment. But it may seem like Abrams (now in charge of Star Trek and Star Wars) will have a monopoly on the science fiction genre which may have a negative effect from people on the outside looking in. I feel that all of the best directors (Tarantino, Scorsese, Boyle) all have their own unique takes which they stamp on their films and you can tell that they are done by the same artist. Even though Star Trek and Star Wars are entirely different franchises there may be a connection made between the two and I feel that could damage both franchises.
I think I would have preferred Matthew Vaughn to direct but that’s just because I like him more as a director. To a lesser extent the same problem with Abrams could arise with Vaughn’s connection with X-men, another team based science fiction franchise. I think my favourite for the job would have been Duncan Jones, although this would have been asking Disney to take a huge risk!