The Resident Evil franchise has always walked a tightrope between gritty survival horror and over-the-top action, with later installments embracing more fantastical elements. Now, director Zach Cregger is aiming for a return to the series’ roots in his upcoming live-action adaptation, but even that grounded approach isn’t enough to guarantee his own survival.
Striking a Balance: Grounding the Horror
During a recent Reddit Ask Me Anything session (as reported by YouTuber Troy Hill Talks Movies), Cregger discussed his approach to the film. “I feel like some of the Resident Evil games get a little magical,” he said. He cited Resident Evil 8, where a character can transform into a bird, as an example. “I love it. I’ve played it a bunch of times. I think it’s an awesome game, but in terms of me making a movie out of it, it’s like I’ve got to try and limit some of the wild aspects of Resident Evil.”
Cregger explained that while the games offer explanations for seemingly impossible scenarios, like Mr. X’s impeccably stylish trench coat, his movie aims for a more immediate and chaotic feel. “This movie, it’s like the outbreak just happened,” he added. “I want to keep it chaotic, I want to keep it primal, and I want to just keep it as grounded as I can. The T-Virus causes all kinds of cool, fun mutations. That is enough, so I’m limiting it there.”
The director’s background in comedy, specifically his work with the troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know, surprisingly informed his approach to Resident Evil. “The muscles I developed for creating sketch comedy also helped me zero in on ‘absurd’ opportunities and find the right timing for unexpected results,” he explained. However, when it comes to his own survival chances within this world, Cregger is brutally honest.
“There’s no chance I would survive,” he bluntly stated. “I wouldn’t have survived the cop car attack because I would have probably just dropped to my knees and just been like, just bite me, just fing do it. I can’t handle that kind of energy. No, I would die so fast.”
Resident Evil hits theaters on September 18th, and early projections suggest a strong opening weekend in North America. For those interested in the visual inspirations behind the film, you can read more about how several of the best Resident Evil games influenced its aesthetic.
Comments
Be the first to comment.