Marvel Studios’ newest feature film, Thor: Love and Thunder, brings the titular Asgardian warrior back to center stage in his first solo outing since 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok. The movie received a lot of praises and was well-received. Taika Waititi, the director of this film was greatly praised for making the Thor franchise more humorous and lighthearted.
In Love and Thunder , Waititi resigned as director, with the same negative reaction for the sequel to Ragnarok .. The script and tone of Thor4 were criticized by the audience. Many felt that there wasn’t enough room to allow characters to express their emotions before making a joke. Waititi’s sense of humor is well-known. However, some groups feel he went too far.
Those who were involved in Love and Thunder also noted Waititi’s loose and spontaneous style of directing. Waititi ” throws away the script completely. “ This technique can create an allegedly controlled atmosphere of chaos on the set. The film’s cowriter can attest.
Thor 4 Writer Talks Taika Waititi’s Directing Style
Speaking of Variety, Thor – Love and Thunder Co-writer Jennifer Kaytin Robinson commented on Taika Waititi’s unusual choices in the writing process. Specifically, she clarified reports about Waititi’s script-changing antics, stating that he doesn’t throw out the script entirely; rather, he “pluses” the story while maintaining its core:
” We worked together on them. He was a master of his work. He really spent months sitting in Zooms and rooms together, for many months. Then, he would finally get it. We would then rehearse and throw it out. He does toss it away, but the core remains. He pluses. It’s impossible not to try and plus. It’s impossible to imagine Taika ever writing something, then saying “It’s done. We’ll shoot it.” ‘”
Robinson described what the set was like. Waititi followed her around with her computer, taking notes of all the edits he made.
” There were many versions. The next day, we would gather around tables and read the photos. It would go like this: idea, idea. idea. My laptop would be in my lap and I would listen to the story, close my Heimdall eyes, and start writing. Then, I’d turn around and tell him what it was. That was just one version. The second version was in the first block rehearsal. Things would change and then I’d just be using my computer to type with one hand while following Taika around changing things or moving things. It’s not the entire film but Hemsworth & Pratt walked through the trench with Pratt and me. I remember feeling like I was walking alongside Chris, Taika and Chris in this metaphorical trench they made that makes it seem like you are on a planet. It’s like I am just thinking, “What the fuck?” What is the secret to my success? It was quite bizarre. “
She commented also on the fact they were actually writing the movie “in actual time” as the film was being shot:
” Then I’d say that Taika stands directly behind the screen, while I would be next to him and shout things. Never did I shout. Taika would then choose the best option for me. However, I was able to spend a lot time with Taika and had access to a small monitor so that we could write the film almost as fast as it was being shot. There were many ways to put together this movie. Taika’s mind just works at an unnatural pace. The way he thinks and looks at the world is amazing. “
The writer also stated that Taika ” and her were a “good team”, noting that she often reigned him in when necessary:
“No. I believe that Taika was a great team. I remember reminding him to “Oh, get that line.” Ah, that’s it. I was able for him to lean on me and go in so many different directions, knowing that there was someone who could bring it back. The whole process can get a bit chaotic once you start editing. So, I tried to be present to ensure that everything was done. These are usually very minor things in Marvel movies. “
Crazy Times on Love and Thunder
It seems that being on the set Thor could get overwhelming. It seems that Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is more than capable of keeping up with Taika Waititi’s rapid-paced ways.
How about the cast? Natalie Portman, who played Dr. Jane Foster in the film, was quoted as saying Waititi’s directing style was “daunting” but that she was also able to use that to find enjoyment in making the movie.
The idea that they just made up things as they went along is intriguing. One has to wonder, though, if Waititi allowed that kind of freedom in his last MCU film, Thor . Are the rewards worth it?
It’s important to note that Love and Thunder saw a sharp drop in box-office sales during the second weekend. Cinemascore gave the film a B+. Many still believe that the film is an enjoyable and solid blockbuster for summer.
Marvel Studios’ Thor is currently playing in theaters and will probably drop on Disney+ in the latter part of August.
