John Carter stands as one of the most intriguing and controversial films in the history of science fiction cinema. Despite its ambitious scope and rich source material, the movie struggled to find its footing and ultimately became a massive box office bomb. But is it truly as disastrous as its reputation suggests? Let’s delve into the story behind the film and explore why it’s worthy of a second look.
The Story So Far
Set against the backdrop of the mysterious and fantastical landscapes of Mars, John Carter follows the journey of a Civil War veteran, John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to the Red Planet. Here, he finds himself caught in a fierce conflict between the planet’s inhabitants, including the noble Thark leader Tars Tarkas (voiced by Willem Dafoe) and the beautiful Dejah Thoris (played by Lynn Collins), the Princess of Mars. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, John discovers not only the powers within himself but also the fate of an entire civilization hangs in the balance.
A Glimpse into Production
The concept of John Carter was both ambitious and laden with potential. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the mastermind behind Pixar classics like Finding Nemo and WALL-E, this film marked his foray into live-action filmmaking. Alongside him was Michael Chabon, renowned for his literary prowess, who co-wrote the screenplay.
However, the film’s path to the big screen was riddled with challenges. Casting was a point of contention, as Tom Cruise had long expressed interest in the lead role. Stanton, however, had already envisioned Kitsch portraying the titular character. In an oral history shared by TheWrap, Stanton reflected on the casting process, highlighting Cruise’s professionalism and respect for Kitsch’s audition journey.
The Marketing Misstep
Despite the film’s star-studded cast and stunning visuals, John Carter faced a significant hurdle: its marketing campaign. The decision to simply title the film John Carter instead of A Princess of Mars alienated potential audiences unfamiliar with the source material. Moreover, Stanton’s choice to downplay his Pixar background in the promotional materials meant they missed tapping into a wider audience that may have been drawn in by his previous successes.
Disney’s marketing team, led by an executive without film experience, compounded these issues, leading to what many deemed one of the worst marketing campaigns in history. A Disney executive was quoted as saying that it felt like they “went out of their way to not make us care.”
A Film Ahead of Its Time
Upon revisiting John Carter, it becomes clear that the film possesses qualities that resonate with contemporary audiences. Its intricate political intrigue and worldbuilding rival those found in popular franchises like Dune and Game of Thrones. Stanton’s experience at Pixar shines through in the film’s character animation and design, making even the alien inhabitants feel relatable and engaging.
The narrative not only captures the essence of Burroughs’ A Princess of Mars but also infuses it with humor and heart, creating a blend that appeals to fans of both action and science fiction. While the film may have stumbled at the box office, it showcases the potential for a rich universe waiting to be explored further.
Conclusion
In hindsight, John Carter serves as a poignant reminder of how crucial marketing and execution are to a film’s success. Despite its setbacks, the film has gradually gained a following, with audiences beginning to appreciate its ambition and artistry. As Disney shifted its focus to more established franchises following this misstep, the potential for John Carter remains tantalizingly unrealized. Perhaps in a world where new adaptations and reboots are commonplace, this story deserves a second chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is John Carter about?
John Carter follows a Civil War veteran who is transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the planet’s inhabitants.
2. Who directed John Carter?
The film was directed by Andrew Stanton, known for his work with Pixar.
3. Why did John Carter fail at the box office?
The film’s failure is attributed to poor marketing strategies and a lack of audience awareness of the source material.
4. Who starred in John Carter?
The film stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Strong.
5. Is John Carter worth watching?
Yes, the film is worth a watch for its stunning visuals and ambitious storytelling, despite its initial reception.
6. What is the runtime of John Carter?
The film has a runtime of 132 minutes.
7. Where can I watch John Carter?
John Carter is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
8. When was John Carter released?
The film was released on March 9, 2012.
9. Who wrote the screenplay for John Carter?
The screenplay was co-written by Michael Chabon.
10. What themes are explored in John Carter?
The film explores themes of identity, heroism, and the consequences of war, set against a backdrop of political intrigue.
Tags: John Carter, Andrew Stanton, Taylor Kitsch, Disney, Sci-Fi, Movie Review, Box Office Bomb, Film Analysis, Streaming