The Art of Letting Go: David Fincher on Cancelled Projects
Renowned filmmaker David Fincher exemplifies a unique approach when faced with creative setbacks; his philosophy centers on a principle he describes as “passionate detachment.”This sentiment came to light in a recent interview with Letterboxd during celebrations for the anniversary of his classic film, Se7en. In this discussion, he reflected on several unrealized projects, notably a planned remake of Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Exploring a Unique Vision
Fincher’s envisioning of this adventure narrative set in the 19th century colonial era was infused with a distinct aesthetic he described as “gross and cool and wet and steampunk.” However, he soon discovered that his artistic ambitions clashed with Disney’s commercial strategies. The studio expressed concerns over portraying certain themes, particularly those related to British imperialism, which are integral to Jules Verne’s original narrative.
The Challenges of Studio Collaboration
During the interview, Fincher commented on the difficulties of aligning creative visions with studio expectations: “You can’t make people be excited about the risks that you’re excited about.” He noted Disney’s insistence on modifying the story to mitigate its critical commentary on colonialism. “They were like, ‘Yeah, yeah, fine. As long as there’s a lot less of that in it’,” he recalled, emphasizing the creative limitations that came with such demands.
Maintaining Creative Integrity
Fincher maintains that as a filmmaker, it is crucial to share a common vision with the studio that finances the project. He believes that if there is a significant disparity between his artistic intent and the studio’s commercial motivations, it could lead to a project fraught with conflict. “Look, I can’t fudge this, and I don’t want you to discover at the premiere what it is that you’ve financed,” he asserted, conveying his commitment to creative integrity.
Resilience in the Face of Disappointment
This candid approach speaks volumes about Fincher’s character and his professional ethos. It also sheds light on his reaction to Netflix’s cancellation of Mindhunter, a decision made due to insufficient audience engagement to justify a third season investment. His ability to accept such outcomes with grace highlights his pragmatic outlook on filmmaking
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
While fans may lament the loss of Fincher’s vision for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, there are hints of his thematic and stylistic choices in other projects. For instance, his direction of the Netflix anthology series episode “Bad Travelling”in Volume III of Love, Death & Robots showcases a thrilling aquatic narrative featuring a monstrous crustacean. Additionally, he is currently developing an English-language adaptation of the acclaimed Korean series, Squid Game, indicating his ongoing creative evolution.
In conclusion, David Fincher’s insights offer a compelling narrative on the intricacies of filmmaking—a blend of passion, collaboration, and the courage to move forward when projects don’t materialize as envisioned.
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