Demystifying Rian Johnson's Journey: Debunking False Premises and Clickbait
Recently, a video surfaced online that purported to showcase Rian Johnson's plans to potentially 'split the Star Wars fandom.' However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this video does not support its claim. Let's delve into the actual content and context behind the so-called revelations.
The Reality of the Video
The video in question features a young Rian Johnson discussing his filmmaking philosophies and ideas that predate his involvement in the Star Wars franchise. Johnson shares insights into his creative process and some of the artistic techniques that he felt were underutilized in his works. While these ideas may have been implemented in The Last Jedi (TLJ), they do not constitute a 'plan' to divide the Star Wars community. The concepts discussed in the video are reflections of his directorial style rather than deliberate tactics to alienate fans.
False Premise and Clickbait Ethos
Posting this video as a means to reveal a 'shocking' revelation is nothing more than clickbait. It attempts to capitalize on the suspense and controversy surrounding The Last Jedi (TLJ) by suggesting a deeper, darker motive behind the film. The video's title and content mislead viewers, leading them to question the intentions of Rian Johnson and the Star Wars franchise itself. It's worth noting that such sensationalism has a history of undermining legitimate critiques and arguments about the quality of the film.
Poor Content and Vague Claims
The video itself is poorly executed, lacking in substantial content and clear sourcing. There are no concrete interview clips included, no transcript provided, and no specific dates of the 'interview.' The person responsible for the video, referred to as 'Zeroh,' is vague and ambiguous regarding the origin of the claims. Furthermore, the 'interview' was conducted well before Rian Johnson was even assigned to direct Episode VIII. The credibility of 'Zeroh' is questionable at best, as they have no background or expertise to discern the director's intent or behavior.
Historical Context and Fanbase Division
It's important to remember that the concept of fanbase division in Star Wars is not novel. The franchise has faced significant division throughout its history. The prequel trilogy created a rift among fans, as did the original trilogy's release and the ongoing EU (Expanded Universe) integration. Rian Johnson is not the architect of these divisions. The criticisms surrounding The Last Jedi are rooted in broader discussions about the franchise's direction and interpretations, not specific 'plans' put forth by Johnson.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the video in question is a prime example of clickbait designed to spark controversy and provoke strong opinions. By critiquing it for what it explicitly is—not a revelation of a hidden plan but a discussion of filmmaking ideas—it becomes clear that the video offers nothing of value to the conversation surrounding Star Wars. Falling for such content reinforces a cycle of generalized and often inaccurate arguments, which does a disservice to thoughtful discussions about the franchise.