Directors Prioritize Practical Effects and Originality in Sci-Fi Epic
Veteran Hollywood directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, with over two decades of experience, have consistently avoided shortcuts in filmmaking. Their latest project, the science-fiction adventure Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, exemplifies this commitment. Despite the temptation to rely heavily on green screens and digital effects for the space thriller, the duo insisted on constructing real sets and a physical puppet for the alien character Rocky.
A Commitment to Authenticity in Filmmaking
Adapted from Andy Weir's 2021 best-selling novel, the film follows Ryland Grace, a schoolteacher and former biologist played by Gosling, on a deep-space mission to save humanity. Upon arrival, he encounters Rocky, a spider-like alien with a similar objective. Miller emphasized their approach: "This movie is filled with visual effects—there are more than 2,000 visual effects shots. But we took the approach of, if we can build it, we should build it."
The directors built the entire interior of the spaceship, part of its exterior, real costumes, and a functional Rocky puppet. Miller explained that this was crucial for Gosling's performance, as "he wasn't going to have chemistry with a tennis ball and a stick." The relationship between Ryland and Rocky forms the emotional core of the story, requiring genuine interaction to achieve spontaneity and believability.
Originality as a Defense Against AI
Lord and Miller view originality as Hollywood's ultimate defense against the rising influence of artificial intelligence. They argue that AI can only regurgitate existing content, whereas true artistry involves creating something new. Miller stated, "The thing with AI is all it can do is regurgitate things that have come before it... Our job as filmmakers is to make things that are new that people haven't seen before."
Lord added that emphasizing the human element in production is key. "I want to have it feel that only one person could have made this prop and only one actor could have made that choice... This is the one time I can experience this thing. As an artist, I just don't find (AI) very interesting."
Navigating Changes in the Film Industry
Reflecting on industry shifts since their last directed film, 22 Jump Street twelve years ago, Lord noted that making a large-scale original movie like Project Hail Mary is increasingly rare. Miller observed, "The world is different now and making a big original movie like this is rare. We're lucky to have had the opportunity to make something that's a big international blockbuster based on an original thing that isn't a mega-franchise."
They believe audiences crave freshness, as evidenced by positive reactions to unexpected twists. Lord shared, "The audience feels blessed to have something like this... They're so happy to have something new. A movie that doesn't go where they expect."
Collaboration and Creative Process
The project began when Weir sent an early manuscript to Gosling, who then secured the rights and involved Lord and Miller. The directors were immediately captivated, with Lord recalling, "We read it in one night. We texted each other in the middle of reading it and went, 'This is going to be our next movie.'"
To bring Rocky to life, they auditioned puppeteers globally, ultimately selecting theatre artist James Ortiz after a chemistry read with Gosling. Lord highlighted the importance of this dynamic: "There was something about the way he bossed Ryan around that made Ryan have to react... It made for a real connection that you can't fake."
With a reported budget of $200 million US, Project Hail Mary represents a significant investment in original storytelling. The film also features Sandra Huller as the leader of the task force that recruits Ryland. As Hollywood grapples with AI and franchise dominance, Lord and Miller's work underscores the enduring value of human creativity and innovation in cinema.
