Zack Snyder on Joe Rogan: Diving Deep into Rebel Moon and Filmmaking
Zack Snyder, the visionary director behind films like “300,” “Watchmen,” and several DC Comics adaptations, recently sat down with Joe Rogan for a fascinating conversation. They covered everything from his latest project, “Rebel Moon,” to his broader philosophy on filmmaking, dealing with studio pressures, and the creative process. It’s a wide-ranging chat that offers a peek inside the mind of a director who’s never afraid to take risks and push boundaries.
TL;DR
- Zack Snyder discusses his latest project, “Rebel Moon,” a sci-fi epic inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.”
- He opens up about the challenges and compromises involved in working with major studios and navigating their expectations.
- Snyder shares his thoughts on fan reactions to his films and how he approaches criticism.
- The conversation delves into Snyder’s visual style, his use of slow-motion, and his passion for creating immersive cinematic experiences.
Key Topics Covered
The Genesis of “Rebel Moon”
Snyder explains that “Rebel Moon” started as a pitch for a “Star Wars” film, but eventually evolved into its own unique universe. He emphasizes the influence of Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” on the storyline, where a group of disparate warriors comes together to defend a vulnerable village. He describes the extensive world-building that went into creating the “Rebel Moon” universe, from the intricate costumes and set designs to the diverse alien species and cultures.
Snyder highlights the freedom he had to create his own mythology and visual style without the constraints of an established franchise. He talks about how he worked to give each character their own unique history and motivation. What I found interesting was that he wanted to create something that felt both familiar and completely new at the same time.
“I really wanted to make a world that felt like it had a history, that it had a lived-in quality to it.” – Zack Snyder
Navigating Studio Politics and Creative Control
The discussion touches on Snyder’s experiences working with major studios like Warner Bros. and the challenges of maintaining creative control over his projects. He acknowledges the inherent tension between artistic vision and commercial expectations, and he candidly discusses the compromises he’s had to make along the way. Snyder also talks about the pressures of meeting deadlines, dealing with studio interference, and navigating the complex web of studio politics.
He shares insights into how he tries to balance his artistic integrity with the demands of studio executives. Snyder also reflects on the importance of having a strong vision and fighting for his creative choices. Snyder admits that you have to be willing to compromise in certain situations. But he emphasized that the main thing is to stay true to the core of the project.
Fan Reactions and Critical Reception
Snyder addresses the often-passionate and sometimes-divisive reactions to his films. He talks about how he tries to engage with fans and listen to their feedback, while also staying true to his own artistic vision. He acknowledges that not everyone will love his work, and he accepts that criticism is part of the process.
One thing that really stood out was how he handles negative criticism. He seemed to take it in stride and understand that it is part of the creative process. The fact that he does not let the hate affect him or his work I found very intriguing.
“You can’t make everyone happy. You just have to make the movie that you want to make.” – Zack Snyder
Visual Style and Filmmaking Techniques
Rogan and Snyder delve into his signature visual style, including his use of slow-motion, dramatic lighting, and stylized action sequences. He explains the thought process behind these choices and how they contribute to the overall cinematic experience he’s trying to create. He discusses his preference for practical effects over CGI whenever possible, and he explains how he works with his cinematographers and special effects teams to bring his vision to life.
Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories
Snyder recounts the story of how he initially pitched “Rebel Moon” as a “Star Wars” film to Lucasfilm. He describes his excitement at the prospect of working in the “Star Wars” universe, but also acknowledges that his vision was ultimately too dark and edgy for the franchise. However, this rejection led to the development of “Rebel Moon” as its own original property, which Snyder believes allowed him to create something even more unique and personal. This story really highlights the silver linings that can come with rejection.
Another interesting anecdote was about the use of slow motion. Snyder admits that it has become something of a signature for him, but he does not overuse it for no reason. He will use it to highlight a specific moment in time or to create dramatic effect.
Conclusion
This conversation between Zack Snyder and Joe Rogan is a compelling look into the mind of a filmmaker who’s not afraid to take risks and challenge conventions. It’s a must-listen for fans of Snyder’s work, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone interested in the creative process. The discussion is filled with insights into the challenges and rewards of filmmaking, the importance of staying true to your vision, and the art of creating immersive cinematic experiences. Anyone interested in the creative process, film, or the mind of Zack Snyder should definitely check this one out!
Watch the Full Episode
Want to dive even deeper? Check out the full conversation on YouTube and hear it all straight from Zack Snyder himself!
Joe Rogan Experience #2114 – Zack Snyder on YouTube
Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller for Exercise and Recovery
$18.99 (as of March 14, 2025 04:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WILSON NBA DRV Series Basketball
$10.99 (as of March 14, 2025 04:43 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)