Anderson talks AvP

[The Drunkk Machine]

Posted at the IMDB forums:

Hi, I'm back from the screening and Q&A and while I was able to ask some of the questions you guys posed, I couldn't get them all in. Regardless, many of the people who were also there had similar questions.

First of all, this screening was made up of industry professionals and filmmakers. No actors, but David Fincher, (Director of Alien 3) was there, which was cool. Now the audience were trying to be respectful in the beginning but as the film unfolded, the audience ended up really trashing the film. It was astounding to see Anderson's colleagues and friends openly making fun of his film, with him in the room!

When the Predator took off his helmet in front of Lex after the explosions someone shouted "Gimme some sugar, baby." I mean, this movie was bad, but I didn't expect these people to be so blatant about it.

When Anderson and the effects guys approached the tables, they were smirking with each other. The first subject that came up, no thanks to me, was the length and PG-13 rating.

So here it is, from the horses mouth.

About the studio's cutting of the film, which he had no control over, he said, and I quote, "All of the best scenes were cut." Anderson was obviously very annoyed at the way the film was released. However, this was not purely because of the PG-13 limitation, which incidentally, the studio enforced THREE WEEKS before the release date! It was always going to be R until then. Part of the reason for the cutting was that some of the effects were not ready by the time the release date came around. The effects team had very little time to do anything.

As far as the content that was cut, apparently we see all those who die, die on screen, but he also said that there is a sub-plot that we will have to wait for on DVD. Yes there will be an R-rated Director's cut DVD although they don't know the release date yet.

Without saying anything that could dig his own grave, Anderson tactfully pinned the fault of the poor quality of the film on the studio's cut. We all know that the script and performances was not quite up to par either, but then it was time for me to ask my first question.

"What specifically, makes you [Anderson] such a fan of the original 6 films?"

He went on to say that he thought they each had their own unique voice and were incredibly creative within a genre that often leads to purely formulaic films (ahem, mate, this is you!). He said that he was attempting to add his own unique voice to the series while paying hommage to the original source material. He also thought that the creatures, were the two greatest inventions in Science Fiction history. Someone then said, "Beyond lightsabers?" and he replied, "yes, even beyond lightsabers."

Some other effects questions were asked, which had some cool insights. The explosion sequence encompassed for half the budget, which was only 65mil in the first place (for a film like this, this is nothing), and all the shifting of the walls, yes ALL OF IT, was completely CGI. There were no moving live sets. Having watched it again, I have to say, I couldn't tell, and all my friends know that if there's some CG in a film, I'll see it. That impressed me. Also, they changed the appearance of the Queen slightly, adding a ridge to her crown and taking away, what they call, the "high heals" that she wore (the second reverse knee). Also, 80% of all the shots with an Alien in it was the hydraulic Alien they built.

Anyway, effects aside, I asked another question.

"I know that the AVP project has been surrounded by controversy since the first attempt in the early nineties. Why did you choose to not use any of the pre-existing stories, the original comic series, the Peter Briggs script, etc?"

He told me that he wanted to make the film his own. He also proclaimed that he'd had the idea for this film ever since seeing Predator 2. I thought that was probably ego-driven BS, but regardless, it's what he said. He also said that the Peter Briggs script is completely off-limits, shelved indefinately by Dark Horse and they won't let anyone tough it. Sounds to me like he tried, heh heh.

Later I asked some technical nerd questions. I wasn't the only one. I started by stating that I noticed some glaring continuity errors between this film and the pre-established occurences in the previous 6 films. Anderson stopped me before I could continue and said due to the "mangling" of the film, there was a lot left out. I asked, "Does that include the acceleration of the alien life cycle or was that just conveniant."

Whoops, I had hit a nerve. He shook his head. "No, no, the machine that the Predators built to house the Queen pumps her full of hormones that accelerate the birth of the creatures. If we'd seen the REAL film, we'd know that." Ouch.

The answer to why Aliens attacked the incubated predator was that the alien inside the Predator was not sanctified by the Aliens because it was essentially a different species due to the DNA reflex the Alien's possess. Okay, I guess I could go with that.

The Q&A wrapped up with talks about the digital intermediate and the difference between working with Super35 and Anamorphic.

I tried asking a last question but they ended it before I could. I pretty much hogged the Q&A as it was.

Afterwards I went and shook Anderson's hand. He remembered me from a mutual acquaintances birthday party. I told him I couldn;t wait for the Director's Cut and was really nice. I asked about a sequal and he said he'd thought about it but nothing concrete was in motion. They were waiting to see about the returns. I told him I had what he neede and I would send him my treatment through CAA. I assured him it was a direct sequal and he said, "Good." I then said, so they're letting you have a Director's cut, huh? He said, "yeah, it'll be great." Then I said, can I give you some advice from the youngest generation of filmmakers, namely, me." He said, "Sure, go for it." I said, "The facehuggers are fast, damn fast, get rid of the matrix shot when they jump out of the eggs for the first time." He said he'd take that into consideration. Then I started talking about the reviews. I talked about IMDB and how much of a "Lover Versus Haters" war had erupted. He seemed amused by that and then said, to my surprise, well, as a filmmaker, I'm satisfied with the film, but as a fan of the originals, this cut really pisses me off, so it makes sense I guess." he said he'd check it out (the IMDB boards) but I can't gaurantee that will happen. Just know that, if in a week or two someone comes on claiming to be Anderson, it might well be him.

All in all I was really happy about what he had to say. It was great to hear a filmmaker so honest about his work and he knows that he has a long way to go before he is any good as a filmmaker. Having talked to him before, I know that the films he is making now are films that, he feels, will only get him to a place where he can really excel.

Oh well, there it is, hope that shed some light on some stuff. Oh, and apparently, the book they wrote is based on the original R-rated cut, so that'll tell you what is missing.

Really important stuff highlighted, but really you should just read all of it. Thanks to Gold for the information I just whored.

[Smithenstein_old]

YAHTZEE!!! Thank you Anderson, you've now confirmed what we were all wishing for: a Director's Cut!

OK, so someone was right, though it wasn't genetic engineering, it was hormones. YES! So that machine did SOMETHING after all!

You should post a link to the forum's thread. I know it's against the rules, but this is News damnit, and that's where the News is sourced from, so that shouldn't be against the damn rules. Post the link!

[The Drunkk Machine]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0370263/board/flat/11022775

[Smithenstein_old]

Love ya, Alf.

[Daemos]

Whoops, I had hit a nerve. He shook his head. "No, no, the machine that the Predators built to house the Queen pumps her full of hormones that accelerate the birth of the creatures. If we'd seen the REAL film, we'd know that." Ouch.

Eeww. This is the AR mutation theory all over again.

[Skibadee]

Indeed, Daemos.

I really don't like that Queen + Hormones thing.

Although, if what he claims is true, about the best parts and some things that fixed the continuity errors being cut and their presence will be on a special edition DC, then I'm excited all over again.

[Xenomrph]

Whoops, I had hit a nerve. He shook his head. "No, no, the machine that the Predators built to house the Queen pumps her full of hormones that accelerate the birth of the creatures. If we'd seen the REAL film, we'd know that." Ouch.

WOO! I told you all! Did anyone believe me? Nooooo.

due to the DNA reflex the Alien's possess.

Well, I guess that's that. Again, just like I said. Shit, he even used the theory's exact title.

You should post a link to the forum's thread. I know it's against the rules, but this is News damnit, and that's where the News is sourced from, so that shouldn't be against the damn rules.

Why is it against the rules...?
I was under the impression that posting source links to articles and whatnot was a good thing.

[Kindred]

GREAT I KNEW IT!!!!

[Smithenstein_old]

Originally posted by Xenomrph
Why is it against the rules...?
I was under the impression that posting source links to articles and whatnot was a good thing.

The rule states you can't post links to OTHER forums.

[Xenomrph]

Even if that forum is the source for an article...? That's kinda goofy.

I mean, I can see why the forum officials wouldn't want people "advertising" another forum, but in a case like this, I think it simply constitutes citing a source. I can't see the fault in that.

[Injektilo]

I thought as much.

Can bet your arse Fox will force-feed us a no-brass-knobs theatrical cut DVD first and the DC at least 6 months later though. Gits. :

[Kindred]

Im happy its R but i dont want to see exactly the book.
because some parts annoyed me
(The whole "convo" between Lex and Scar)

[Xenomrph]

Hey, I'm willing to wait.

Shit, I'm probably willing to buy the theatrical edition and then fork out even more $$$ on the special edition DVD. I already did it several times with the other Alien/Predator movies.

[Injektilo]

You raging fanboy, you.

[Xenomrph]

....and proud of it.

[Smithenstein_old]

Actually I will buy the theatrical first just so I can have my fill of AvP whenever I want it, and then buy the director's cut so I can be a satisfied fanboy.

[Kindred]

FOX loves people like you Xeno lol

[J A Eyers]

Finally, some sympathy for the man most hurt by PG13. I mean, everyone says the Alien and Predator films are all R-rated, and then complain about Anderson getting the gig, but then, he's no stranger to the R rating himself.

Who was this guy at the Q&A, anyway? He calls himself a filmmaker, but what does that mean? He likes to film plastic bags floating in the wind on his camcorder?

[YEYINDE]

This is definately very good news and I will also most likely end up getting both dvds because there more than likely will be a wait for the dc version...unless they release a 2 disc and have one like the butterfly effect with both cuts and the other with special features

[Kimarhi Ronso]

Again............I'm skeptical.

[Xenomrph]

FOX loves people like you Xeno lol

Damn straight! ::cuddles with his plush facehugger:: (yes, I DO own a plush facehugger. Just bought it yesterday. I call it Huggy)

He calls himself a filmmaker, but what does that mean? He likes to film plastic bags floating in the wind on his camcorder?

ROFL! I can't quite place why, but I found that hilarious.

[Kindred]

@Kimahri
about what? lol

[Smithenstein_old]

Originally posted by Xenomrph
Damn straight! ::cuddles with his plush facehugger:: (yes, I DO own a plush facehugger. Just bought it yesterday. I call it Huggy)


ROFL! I can't quite place why, but I found that hilarious.

I thought of American Beauty at first, then I thought of Not Another Teen Movie, and I too laughed.

[Xenomrph]

Haven't seen 'Not Another Teen Movie', actually...

[skullsplitter]

"what's that looming shadow in the upper left corner?"
-"It's the PG-13 scissor..."

Really, some parts were TOO rushed to be the original cut, so I hope more details get out soon (whoohooh, finally 2 hours and finished effects )

[Kindred]

im pissed we didnt get to see the full finished real product at the theaters. most critics(and some fans) wouldnt run their mouth as much.

[Froggy]

Poor Mr. Anderson. I actually feel sorry for the guy. Sheesh...he had to turn it from R to PG-13 in 3 weeks?!

Fuck you, FOX. Fuck you very much.

Well...at least we know we're getting that special edition, now.

[Kindred]

Seriously though if i was him i would hire a hitman. lol

[J A Eyers]

On the negative side, not only do we Brits have to wait another two months for the mauled version, but now we have to wait even longer for the proper one.

[Kindred]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
poor you man.
If i could help you in anyway, ask.