Zack Snyder has been a controversial filmmaker for decades. Not because of his politics or the things we usually associate with controversy, but because almost every project he does is creatively divisive. His latest project for Netflix, “Rebel Moon,” is no exception.
“Star Wars” has clearly lost its way, at least cinematically, and Snyder (via Netflix) seems to be trying to fill the gap in the space opera genre. Disney’s sequel trilogy was one of the most bizarre pop culture fiascos of all time, one that has left Disney with no confidence in where it should go.
Snyder tried to get in on the new “Star Wars” projects when Disney initially bought Lucasfilm. Part of his pitch was a more “mature” take on the galaxy far, far away. With the possible exception of his debut film, an excellent remake of “Dawn of the Dead,” Snyder has never had his finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist, evidenced by taking such a clownish pitch to Disney.
Of course, they passed, and the idea eventually morphed into “Rebel Moon.” The end result is not good, but it is very much a Zach Snyder space opera. Snyder is nothing if not a visionary. His films are always loaded with visual drama and scope. Unfortunately, that’s all they are — a lot of style with no substance. In an era that is not known for visionary directors, at least not ones who make big bucks at the box office, this is both frustrating and
