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Known for his polarizing yet renowned films, Zack Snyder is a filmmaker who dares to step outside the box. His journey as a director began with a remake of George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead,” and has spanned across various genres, including the convoluted DC universe with “Justice League.” But what kind of films does a director like Snyder enjoy? Which movies serve as his inspiration?
When his recent film “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” premiered on Netflix in late 2023, Snyder shared his top four movies of all time in a conversation with Letterboxd. At the top of his list, without a second of hesitation, he mentioned George Lucas’ iconic “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Here’s his viewpoint on it:
“‘Star Wars’ is my choice, without question. It was 1977. If you’re my age and you don’t consider it, I’d be shocked. I mean, you mention [Andrei] Tarkovsky, but what’s your real point? Let’s be honest.”
Considering Snyder’s own “Rebel Moon” began as a “Star Wars” concept, this preference is hardly surprising. Furthermore, Snyder was young enough to witness the beginning of Lucas’ revolutionary journey in theaters. The influence of “Star Wars” is not just significant but rather monumental, and it’s vital to highlight its groundbreaking impact at its time. It shaped an entire generation of filmmakers and movie enthusiasts worldwide.
Zack Snyder’s Preferred Films Make Perfect Sense
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In a rather concise manner, Snyder also mentioned Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” John Boorman’s “Excalibur,” and David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” as his other favorite films, stating, “Currently, these sum up my preference.” This suggests that Snyder’s favorite films might vary depending on when you ask him, which is quite reasonable. Nevertheless, these four films provide a glimpse into Snyder’s influences, and they make absolute sense.
“Star Wars” had such a profound impact on “Rebel Moon” that it seems unnecessary to delve deeper into that. The next stand-out film after “Star Wars” is probably 1981’s “Excalibur,” another clear choice by Snyder. This grand fantasy epic is a beloved gem among those who grew up in the ’80s and has cultivated a faithful fan base for over 40 years. Its majestic scale and tone are evident in Snyder’s work, from his DC universe projects to lesser-known films like “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.”
“All That Jazz” and “Blue Velvet,” both indisputable classics, are perhaps less predictable as sources of direct influence on Snyder’s work. “All That Jazz,” one of the most acclaimed musicals, has not yet inspired Snyder to direct a musical of his own. However, the film’s fantastical elements could have impacted his film “Sucker Punch.”
“Blue Velvet” is often hailed as one of Lynch’s best pieces, if not the best. The psychological horror and noir elements in it are something Snyder would likely appreciate. While it’s not to suggest that there are many similarities between Lynch and Snyder’s directorial styles, it’s easy to see how Lynch’s unconventional approach could influence Snyder’s unique film-making style. If you were to mix these four movies, the result would undoubtedly resemble Snyder’s distinctive style.
“Rebel Moon” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zack Snyder’s favorite movies?
Zack Snyder’s favorite movies are “Star Wars: A New Hope,” “All That Jazz,” “Excalibur,” and “Blue Velvet.”
What is Zack Snyder’s latest movie?
Zack Snyder’s latest movie is “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire,” which premiered on Netflix in late 2023.
Has “Star Wars” influenced Zack Snyder’s work?
Yes, “Star Wars” has had a significant influence on Zack Snyder’s work, particularly on his film “Rebel Moon,” which originally began as a “Star Wars” concept.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
