What's happening with The Happening, Shamyalan?!

Ok, let's talk film. All I can say is that I would not want to be M Night Shamyalan about right now. I am sure his nerves have to be going into overload. His career make or break film, "The Happening" will be invading theaters this Friday. Yet, his execution or redemption will be unveiled early this week as reviews start rolling in this week. The premiere is in Hollywood tonight and I can guarantee you that M. Night must be popping the xanax out of nervousness. If its a hit, it's gonna be banana creme pie. We hope for the beat for you Shamyalan.

Jon Favreau is "concerned" about not getting a follow up call from the Marvel execs to further his contract to direct the Iron Man sequel "concerned, however, about the announced release date of April 2010. Neither Robert nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is in light of the fact that we have no script, story or even writers hired yet. This genre of movie is best when it is done thoughtfully and with plenty of preparation. It might be better to follow the BB/DK, X/X2 three year release pattern than to scramble for a date. It is difficult because there are no Marvel 09 releases and they need product, but I also think we owe it to the fans to have a great version of IM2 and, at this point, we would have less time to make it than the first one.” as he is quoted on his Myspace.



The fact that Downey hasn't even been contacted may prove his theory that Marvel may too busy pushing the Iron Man sequel than to worry about a sequel from one of it's highest grossing movies ever. Here's the thing with that. Execs basically are not concerned with this film because they don't have to now. They will deal with it when they have to. They are waiting to see the Hulk numbers before they make a decision on the Iron Man sequel. I guarantee you they will push the Iron Man sequel back if the Hulk makes a killing this weekend. Iron Man already has a release date of April 2010. If the Hulk makes more money than Iron Man they will give Iron Man's spot to The Hulk in a heartbeat. That's what they are waiting for Jon. They don't care about your career, they are wondering what to do right now about the next sequel.

I can tell you right now what is going to happen. The Hulk will not be a huge moneymaker like Iron Man. It doesn't have the audience pull. Only the main male 13-30 demo is looking forward to The Hulk. With Iron Man you have the main demo and some of the other demos watching it, like the female demo and the older 35-65 demo. Iron Man just has a broader audience. Yet Marvel is sticking their head up their ass ignoring the Golden Calf of Iron Man here. They are telling Favreau and Downey to stick it while they wait for numbers that are not going to pan out like they want to.

Right now, Marvel is like Disney, hoping for Caspian to make huge numbers. The Hulk will not do huge numbers. Especially since it is a remake of a bad film that came out a few years ago. That Hulk made a lot of money, yet let everyone down cause it was not good. I think a lot of people are still bitter from that experience. Plus the Hulk does not have an emotional appeal for young movie goers. Its a 70's TV show that no one really remembers. I am not seeing the fan base for this film. I see a decent opening weekend of 50-60 but nothing more. Iron Man had a 100 mil opening. So if all the chips are against them, why are they not jumping on this Iron Man sequel. They need to get that going. I will tell you why, ego. EGO in Hollywood is too rampant. They refuse to look stupid on this Hulk franchise. I assure you The Hulk will not go anywhere. They will be fighting for lost time soon.

Another thing about Marvel. I know they are thinking this. The are contemplating on rehiring Jon Favreau. I know they are. They want a run of the mill ACTION director like Michael Apted or Jan de Bont. I GUARANTEE you they are looking to replace Jon. They may not. They may have half a brain and go to the guy, (guy behind the guy) who gave them their Golden Calf. More than likely, they will dump him and go with a "bona fide" action director. I hope they don't. I want more than anything to see Jon return. I am a huge fan. But I am telling you how Hollywood thinks. And this is what they are thinking now. God knows how these people would ever survive in the real world.

So I never actually talk about the craft of film that I advertise on my blog. I am too busy bagging on execs a lot. I find that so much fun though. They are so predictable, it entertains me. Yet moving along with the point of my blog...Interview with Hulk director Louie Letterier on some news program over the weekend. I don't remember what program it was. But he states what few directors have the gusto to do. That he says, he "always keeps the camera moving". I am reminded about how important this is as director to keep that camera moving.

Some directors out there rather stick with their static shots and over the shoulder..etc. Yet a good director will always have that sweeping, moving effect in their films. Take old school directors like David Lean who constantly kept his 75mm camera moving as if it were a living organism. Speilberg does this all time. Look at a Spielberg film I guarantee you his camera moves with the characters. Scorsese in Goodfellas, great example of keeping that camera moving with the action and the plot. It's so much more interesting that way.

Now there is a fine line between moving the camera and having it jump up and down like Paul Greengrass. Mind you should not attempt to move the camera like Greengrass unless you are Greengrass. Just my humble opinion. But look at those directors I mentioned and as a director, you should always keep your camera moving. TV shows and Movies of the Week have their stoic shots. Don't be afraid to follow the action closely. Your audience will thank you for it.
Until Tomorrow, Let's talk film!