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Sony
“Men in Black” stands out as a refreshing summer blockbuster, particularly in an era where superhero movies tend to over-explain. Rather than repeating information, the film smoothly transitions from one plot point to another. This approach, which treats viewers as intelligent and observant, has been well-received by audiences across all demographics. The film’s gratifying conclusion is a testament to its success.
However, the production of a movie is rarely a smooth process. There are always bumps along the way, and the final product often deviates from the original script. During test screenings, filmmakers may realize that certain jokes aren’t landing, action sequences seem misplaced, or the plot is difficult to follow. This was the case with “Men in Black.”
During its test screenings, John Calley, the newly appointed Sony president of production, felt that the film’s plot was not resonating with the audience, as evidenced by its score of 78 out of 100. In Barry Sonnenfeld’s memoir “Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time: True Stories from a Career in Hollywood,” the director surprisingly agreed with Calley’s assessment and proposed a solution.
Simplicity is key
Sony
In his memoir, Sonnenfeld recounts Calley’s wish for a more straightforward plot with higher stakes. Calley was particularly concerned about the film’s depiction of two alien races, the Arquillians and the Bugs, waging a war on Earth that seemingly had no impact on our planet.
Sonnenfeld had anticipated this feedback. He suggested a plot modification that would make the story more gripping without requiring additional shooting.
Sonnenfeld proposed a storyline where the Arquillians and the Bugs are competing to acquire Orion’s Belt. The fate of the universe depends on who gets it first: if the Arquillians succeed, the universe will be safe; if the Bugs get it, they will cause chaos across space and time.
Sonnenfeld’s idea was to incorporate this new plot into an existing scene with two Arquillian ambassadors. Despite Walter F. Parkes, the film’s producer, initially dismissing the idea as too simple, Calley was convinced.
With the film’s release date fast approaching, the next test screening was likely to be the last. The new plot was implemented, and the film’s score increased to 89 out of 100. Sonnenfeld’s idea was a success, adding a sense of urgency to the film’s conclusion. While the plot may be simple, it’s the film’s overall execution that makes it a classic sci-fi adventure.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
