Really, how important would a “story” have been to Indiana Jones V, anyway?
By Burbanked on Nov 20, 2008 in Celebrities, Development Heck, Henry Jones Jr., Movies, Newest, Screenwriting | 947 views |
Dedicated screenwriting 101 here: From an interview with Harrison Ford on the MTV Movies Blog in which the inevitability of another Indiana Jones movie is mentioned:
MTV: Is the ball in George’s court at this point?
Ford: It is. That’s the process. With some general input he goes off and searches for the MacGuffin and then stumbles into a story. And at some point we have a chance to take a look at and give some input.
Now granted this is Ford’s opinion of Lucas’ “creative process”, yet still: when one of the three principals of the Indiana Jones legacy classifies the story creation process as a haphazard, one-man effort that only superficially seeks outside input, it’s hard not to feel frustrated. Not surprised, just frustrated.
Dear Mr. Spielberg: please put your foot down and either demand a coherent story or walk away. Just do us all a favor, could you? Maybe?
(found via FilmDrunk)
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MC | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
There is a mini-documentary on The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull about the making of the movie, and it was revealed that Spielberg wasn’t keen on the particular sci-fi angle that George Lucas was hellbent on using as the focus of the movie.
Burbanked | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
@MC: I’m sure it was a case of Lucas wearing the others down. He’s the ultimate owner of the property, and therefore has the final stamp of what will be and won’t. Great for him, but you’d think at some point Spielberg would want to say “you know what? I don’t really need this.”
It reminds me a lot of Raimi having Venom pushed down his throat by Marvel for SM3. The result is essentially the same: a movie that is fairly well-made and successful, but with a story that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. A successful, powerful director who throws up his hands and gives the producer what he wants, regardless of quality.
Ray | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
In recapping Lucas’ creative process, Harrison Ford left out the part where Lucas creeps into Jett Lucas’ room and writes down whatever words Jett mumbles in his sleep. Then then, of course, make their way directly into the script verbatim.
Like you said, why does Spielberg even put up with this shit?? He’s the greatest director in American movie history, for God’s sake!! Meanwhile, Lucas is like that friend who has developed a terrible drug habit. You try and try to be ther and help them … but finally you need to cut them off, if nothing else than your own sanity or their own good.
Spielberg, you need to cut Lucas loose.