Barry Jenkins recently participated in a new profile with Vulture, aiming to address a question that has been on everyone's mind since his last project. Why, after directing masterpieces like "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk", is he now making a photorealistic CGI lion movie for Disney? This complex query led to extensive discussions, interviews, and technical innovations. Even after all that, the answer remains somewhat ambiguous - a sort of "Wouldn't know I didn't like it if I didn't try it" attitude. Jenkins himself admitted three years later that making an all-digital film like this is "not his thing."

Desperation for Creativity in a Sterile Universe

The profile reveals how Jenkins and his dedicated team were on a quest for creativity within a deliberately sterile virtual world. There were numerous conversations about Jenkins "wandering off" to discover odd little details in the film's digital sets while the crew explored them in virtual reality. They also fought to keep moments where the virtual camera operator stumbled, adding a sense of realistic motion to the proceedings. If you're intrigued by the concept of virtual movie-making, this profile offers a solid look. Some of the technology is truly remarkable, even if the final result isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Jenkins' Struggle to Keep His Vision

Jenkins, who was coming off the chaotic making of his TV series "The Underground Railroad", is both funny and self-aware about this project. He constantly focused on making a "Barry Jenkins movie" within the technical constraints, rather than letting them shape his end product. However, he also sounds exhausted by the whole experience. As he stated, "I can't tweet about the Super Bowl without somebody reminding me that I'm making this fucking film." Regarding digital production, he emphasized, "It is not my thing. I want to work the other way again, where I want to physically get everything there. I always believe that what is here is enough, and let me just figure out the chemistry to make alchemy. How can these people, this light, this environment, come together to create an image that is moving, that is beautiful, that creates a text that is deep enough, dense enough, rich enough to speak to someone?" Yet, he also became excited about the idea of using the Mufasa tech to make a Muppets movie, suggesting that the influence had truly taken hold.

The Impact on Jenkins' Career

This project has had a significant impact on Jenkins' career. It shows his willingness to explore new territories and take on challenges outside his comfort zone. While he may not be a fan of digital production, his involvement in this CGI lion movie has opened up new possibilities and perspectives. It has also sparked discussions and curiosity among audiences and industry insiders alike. Jenkins' journey with this project serves as a reminder that even great directors can step out of their comfort zones and embrace new technologies.

The Release and Expectations

"Mufasa" is set to open in theaters on December 20. Audiences are eager to see how Jenkins' unique vision will translate into the digital realm. There are high expectations, but also some reservations due to his initial reservations about digital production. Only time will tell how this movie will be received and what impact it will have on Jenkins' career and the world of cinema.