As he responds to criticisms of The Flash’s VFX sequences, a Batman movie now tops director Andy Muschietti’s to-do list.
As we covered last week, rumours have been swirling that Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash would be handed the reins to make the DC Universe’s first Batman film, The Brave And The Bold. That’s now confirmed, with DCU heads James Gunn and Peter Safran telling Variety the Muschietti was their first and only choice:
“We saw The Flash; even before taking the reins at DC Studios, and knew we were in the hands of not only a visionary director but a massive DC fan. It’s a magnificent film – funny, emotional, thrilling – and Andy’s affinity and passion for these characters and this world just resonates through every frame.
So, when it came time to find a director for The Brave and the Bold, there was really only one choice. Luckily, Andy said yes. Barbara signed on to produce with us, and we were on our way. They’re an extraordinary team, and we couldn’t have better or more inspiring partners as we embark on this thrilling new adventure in the DCU.”
The move certainly shows confidence in Muschietti (not to mention themselves) given that Gunn and Safran could have waited just a few more weeks to see how the world reacted to The Flash before making their choice public. As our review points out, it’s an enjoyable enough romp but hardly the saviour of superhero movies that it was painted to be ahead of its release.
Still, we can see how Muschietti’s fun style would work well with a Batman film that’s lighter in tone so we’re keen to see where he takes the character, not to mention how he handles Robin, a character we haven’t really seen in Batman movies since 1997.
Whilst Muschietti is hopefully enjoying the acclaim of a prestigious appointment, he’s also found himself defending The Flash's VFX sequences, a growing issue in these big tentpole movies. Some of the film’s more animated sequences do look a little off, but Muschietti has an answer for you on that front, telling io9 that “the idea, of course, is…we are in the perspective of the Flash. Everything is distorted in terms of lights and textures. We enter this ‘waterworld’ which is basically being in Barry’s POV. It was part of the design so if it looks a little weird to you that was intended.”
If that’s true, aiming for the uncanny valley effect is an odd creative choice given how much criticism that aesthetic has come in for over the years. Not to mention that there are other sequences later in the film (beyond the specific ones he mentions) that look far too digital as well. Still, it’s a good answer from the director because if he claims that’s the way he intended it, then who is the internet to argue? (although it will likely find a way…)
We’ll bring you more updates on both films as we hear them.
—
Thank you for visiting! If you’d like to support our attempts to make a non-clickbaity movie website:
Follow Film Stories on Twitter here, and on Facebook here.
Buy our Film Stories and Film Junior print magazines here.
Become a Patron here.
