James Mangold, the acclaimed director known for his work on films like “Logan” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” has recently voiced his strong opinions against the trend of cinematic multiverses. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Mangold expressed his belief that multi-movie universe-building is detrimental to storytelling, calling it “the death of storytelling.”
Mangold’s comments came in the context of discussing his upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” which stars Timothée Chalamet. When asked about the possibility of Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Johnny Cash from “Walk the Line,” Mangold made it clear that he does not engage in the practice of creating interconnected cinematic universes. “I don’t do multiverses,” he stated, emphasizing that he prefers to focus on the emotional core of each individual story rather than linking them to a larger franchise.
The director elaborated on his perspective, stating, “It’s weird that I’ve even worked in the world of IP entertainment because I don’t like multi-movie universe-building. I think it’s the enemy of storytelling.” He believes that audiences are often more interested in how different films connect like Lego pieces rather than how the narrative unfolds in front of them. For Mangold, the primary goal is to explore what makes each film and its characters unique, rather than relying on references to other movies or Easter eggs that serve as intellectual distractions.
Mangold’s approach to filmmaking has always been to treat franchise entries as standalone projects. He has previously expressed his disinterest in continuing the “Indiana Jones” saga after directing the fifth installment, stating, “I refuse. I just can’t do it.” He criticized the overwhelming amount of lore and fan service that often accompanies franchise films, arguing that it detracts from genuine storytelling and turns the experience into “large-scale advertising.”
Despite his aversion to multiverses, Mangold is not shying away from Hollywood franchises altogether. He is set to direct a new “Star Wars” film, tentatively titled “Dawn of the Jedi.” However, he has made it clear that he intends for this project to stand apart from the existing lore of the franchise, focusing instead on a unique narrative that explores the origins of the Force.
Mangold’s comments resonate with a growing sentiment among filmmakers and audiences alike, who are increasingly questioning the reliance on interconnected narratives in modern cinema. The trend of cinematic universes, particularly exemplified by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has led to a proliferation of films that often prioritize franchise-building over cohesive storytelling. Critics argue that this approach can dilute the emotional impact of individual films, as they become mere setups for future installments rather than fully realized stories in their own right.
The director’s perspective is particularly relevant in light of recent films that have successfully navigated the balance between franchise elements and standalone storytelling. For instance, “Logan,” which Mangold directed, was praised for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative, setting it apart from typical superhero fare. The film’s focus on Wolverine’s personal journey rather than a broader universe allowed it to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
As Mangold prepares for the release of “A Complete Unknown,” he remains committed to his vision of storytelling that prioritizes emotional engagement over franchise connections. His approach serves as a reminder that, while cinematic universes may be a popular trend, the heart of great filmmaking lies in the ability to tell compelling, standalone stories that resonate with audiences.
In a landscape increasingly dominated by franchise films, Mangold’s stance is a refreshing call to return to the fundamentals of storytelling. By focusing on the unique aspects of each film and its characters, he aims to create a cinematic experience that is both emotionally impactful and artistically fulfilling.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Mangold’s perspective influences future projects and whether other filmmakers will follow suit in prioritizing storytelling over interconnected universes. For now, audiences can look forward to his upcoming biopic, which promises to deliver a unique and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of music’s most iconic figures.
Source: Rolling Stone, Variety, CinemaBlend
