Marvel Star Chris Evans Couldn’t Understand His Rare Non-Marvel Movie Script That Got Critical Acclaim, Chose to Trust Oscar Winning Director Anyway
In the realm of heightened storytelling and the creation of unreal worlds that enthrall audiences, few actors possess the pedigree and experience quite like Chris Evans. Known for his iconic tenure as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’s no stranger to the grandeur of fantastical narratives. Yet, in a refreshing departure from the superhero genre, Chris Evans recently embarked on a cinematic journey of a different kind, one that challenged his understanding of storytelling and transported him into a dystopian masterpiece.
In a candid interview, Evans opened up about his experience working with visionary filmmaker Bong Joon Ho and his initial struggles to decipher the intricate script and the enigmatic world it portrayed. As he delved into a role that required him to lead the lower-class tail-section passengers in this apocalyptic sci-fi landscape, Evans found himself in uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of his craft and leaving an indelible mark on the world of dystopian storytelling.
Chris Evans’ Struggles with Grasping the Intricacies of the Snowpiercer Script
In 2013, director Bong Joon Ho unveiled Snowpiercer, a thought-provoking dystopian masterpiece. Among the talented cast, doubts initially swirled about the project’s potential. Notably, Chris Evans, a key figure in the film, openly shared his reservations. Evans struggled to grasp the script’s complexity, revealing his initial doubts in an interview. Chris Evans found himself perplexed by the complex rules that governed the dystopian world depicted in the film.
He grappled with fundamental questions, pondering whether to follow an intimate character-focused approach or delve into the intricate societal aspects that shaped the dystopian society. This script presented an undeniably formidable challenge for the actor, one that required careful and creative consideration. Evans told GQ,
“When I first read the script, I didn’t quite get it. I was like, ‘So…what?’ Whenever it’s a movie that’s world-building, you’re creating a completely separate environment. There’s just kind of a conceit that you have to say, ‘OK, so everyone just accepts this, this is just how it is? No one is kind of outraged that this is the structure? That’s just the norm, OK.”
Yet, amidst his uncertainties, there was a shimmer of hope. Evans acknowledged the film’s undeniable allure, which included the opportunity to witness the enigmatic Tilda Swinton in action, portraying a larger-than-life character. He did so not only because of the director’s stellar reputation but also because of the remarkable clarity of vision that Bong Joon Ho brought to the project.
Bong Joon Ho’s Journey to Win Chris Evans’ Trust on Snowpiercer
Successful films rely heavily on the collaboration between directors and actors, especially when intricate world-building is involved, as in Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer. Trust is the linchpin of this relationship, and Chris Evans, despite initial struggles with the complex narrative, placed unwavering trust in the director. Bong Joon Ho’s reputation as a visionary extended beyond the script, influencing the entire team with his clear vision for both the story and practical execution. This significantly aided actors like Chris Evans in navigating the challenging script and complex world-building. Evans told GQ,
And as an actor, that’s the most important thing, to trust the director. Otherwise you’re playing defense. Otherwise you’re like, ‘Alright, this first take, well, I’ll just do this, just so I can at least protect that. Then I’ll try this, but I don’t want to try that because I don’t know if they know how to use that take. Any take I give them can be used against me…”
Bong Joon Ho’s directorial skill shone through as he communicated his vision effectively, translating it into practical elements on set. With a director of his caliber, actors like Chris Evans had unwavering trust in the vision, enabling them to deliver their best performances and turn a complex script into a convincing and immersive cinematic experience.
Source: YouTube
