Ridley Scott Reveals Influences Behind 'The Dog Stars'

In his upcoming dystopian thriller, "The Dog Stars," Ridley Scott delves into the eerie and unexpected, drawing inspiration from both horror and comedy to enrich his narrative. The film follows a mechanic named Hig, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, on a perilous journey to Grand Junction, a place he believes may hold the remnants of civilization.

As Scott described in an interview with IndieWire, the key sequence set in Grand Junction required a significant tonal shift. Initially dissatisfied with the script's direction, he turned to Stanley Kubrick's classic horror film, "The Shining," for creative guidance. The iconic scene where Jack Nicholson's character interacts with an imagined bartender sparked an idea in Scott's mind. He aimed to infuse the Grand Junction airport scene with a similar unsettling quality that Kubrick masterfully executed.

Scott envisioned the airport as an art deco sanctuary amidst the desolation, a façade that ultimately conceals horror. He explained, "I wanted to get out of the grunge and have something different," leading to a location that is at once inviting and terrifying. Under the direction of production designer Chris Seavers, the airport is designed to lure the protagonists with comforts that mask its sinister undertones, much like the deceptive allure of the creepy flight attendant played by Allison Janney.

In a surprising twist, Scott also drew inspiration from a contrasting genre: the comedy "The Odd Couple." He sought to capture the dynamic between Hig and his survivalist companion Bangley, played by Josh Brolin, reminiscent of the bickering relationship between Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Scott noted, "In a way, right there is the dynamic between [Hig and Bangley]." This comedic element adds levity to the otherwise grim storyline.

To foster spontaneity and authenticity in performances, Scott employed a unique filming technique, using multiple cameras to capture the actors’ improvisational exchanges. He believes that casting is paramount in directing, allowing actors the freedom to explore their characters during filming without imposing rigid expectations.

With its blend of horror and humor, "The Dog Stars" promises to be an intriguing cinematic experience. The film is set to hit theaters on August 28, and fans can catch Scott's insights in the upcoming episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.

Source: www.indiewire.com