Key Highlights
- Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig discuss making “Wake Up Dead Man,” a film that explores faith within the Knives Out franchise.
- The movie’s first act focuses on character development before Benoit Blanc investigates the murder mystery.
- A relationship between Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) and Benoit Blanc drives the narrative, with both characters representing different viewpoints of faith.
- Johnson emphasizes the importance of a respectful conversation about faith in his film rather than a didactic one.
The Faithful Enigma: Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man”
Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig, the dynamic duo behind the Knives Out franchise, have once again taken on the challenge of blending murder mystery with faith in their latest installment, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
A Deep Dive into Character Development
The film’s narrative structure is noteworthy for its initial focus. In the first act, the audience is introduced to a cast of characters before Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig) steps in to solve the mystery. This approach allows for character development and backstory that enriches the overall story.
Dialogue Between Faith and Facts
The relationship between Father Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor, and Benoit Blanc is central to the film’s exploration of faith. Johnson explains, “The notion of actually having a real conversation about faith that wasn’t reductive or didactic, but was actually kind of talking about it in the context of a big, entertaining, fun, murder mystery, that’s really meant as a big tent thing for audiences to come and enjoy.”
Craig adds, “It’s one of many conversations we had. The joy is seeing how far we can push it and how we can make it the best it can be.” This collaboration highlights their creative process and commitment to storytelling.
The Unseen Detective: A Delayed Entrance
Johnson’s decision to delay Blanc’s entrance until about an hour into the film was intentional. Craig humorously comments, “Feels like two hours,” drawing a laugh from both himself and the audience. The delay allows for the necessary character development of Father Jud before Blanc can interact with him.
A Personal Connection: Johnson’s Background in Faith
Johnson’s own personal history with faith adds depth to his approach. “I didn’t grow up Catholic, but I grew up Protestant and very Christian. It was something that was really personal to me,” he says. This background gave him the confidence to tackle the subject matter without being preachy or dismissive.
Regarding Josh O’Connor’s rumored role as James Bond, Craig playfully remarks, “I have to iron something out here. I started that rumor.” Johnson adds, “Completely maliciously,” further adding to the humorous tone of their conversation.
A Sincere Story Amidst Mystery
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is set for release on Netflix on December 12. The film promises to be a continuation of the Knives Out franchise’s blend of humor and suspense, now exploring more complex themes such as faith.
This new entry in Johnson’s series invites audiences to engage with these themes without judgment, presenting them through the lens of a classic mystery. It is a testament to both Johnson’s storytelling prowess and Craig’s ability to bring depth to his character.
In conclusion, “Wake Up Dead Man” offers not only thrilling entertainment but also thoughtful exploration of faith in the context of a murder mystery. As audiences prepare for its release, they can expect a well-crafted narrative that balances comedy with serious themes.
