- Directorial Debut: “Blink Twice” marks Zoë Kravitz’s first venture into directing a feature film. She has expressed excitement about taking on this new role and bringing her vision to life on screen.
- Film Overview: While specific plot details of “Blink Twice” have been kept under wraps, the film is described as a thriller with a strong narrative focus on character development and psychological tension. Kravitz has mentioned that the film will explore complex themes and relationships.
Zoë Kravitz, who is making her directorial debut with the film Blink Twice, has addressed comparisons between Channing Tatum’s character in the movie and the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. In an interview with IndieWire, Kravitz emphasized that while there are similarities, the character and story are intended as metaphors and are not directly based on Epstein. She co-wrote the film with E.T. Feigenbaum, a writer known for his work on the High Fidelity series.
Blink Twice follows Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, who is taken on a seemingly luxurious island vacation by a billionaire named Slater King, portrayed by Channing Tatum. However, the narrative takes a darker turn, drawing parallels to films like Get Out and Promising Young Woman. It’s described as a blend of social satire, class warfare, and gender politics, exploring themes of power dynamics and the abuse of authority.
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When questioned about whether Slater King’s character, not being inspired by any particular person, represents the broader concept of hidden dangers in society, Kravitz agreed. “Yeah, and it’s all a metaphor. It’s not so literal,” she said. Kravitz explained that the film’s script was developed well before the release of the Epstein documentary, and its storyline is much broader in scope. “I set this on an island because I wanted to isolate the characters and have them deal with this situation,” she continued. She drew inspiration from themes as diverse as the Garden of Eden and Lord of the Flies, highlighting how the abuse of power can occur at any level, not just among the wealthy or famous.
Kravitz elaborated on how the film’s narrative evolved over its seven-year journey to the screen, particularly influenced by the #MeToo movement and ongoing discussions about gender and power. “The subject matter is so ancient, it’s power, the oppression of women,” she explained. “I’m talking about the Garden of Eden and the Serpent of Knowledge, and I’m starting way back at the very beginning, and yet it feels so current, which is really interesting.”
She also noted that the script had to adapt continuously to remain relevant as societal norms and awareness changed. “When you’re writing about something that is still so alive, it keeps changing,” Kravitz said. She emphasized the importance of depicting behaviors that are contemporary red flags, like “Girl, don’t get on that plane with that guy. Haven’t you read the news lately?”
Despite the ongoing revelations about powerful men abusing their positions, Kravitz expressed frustration over the repeated public shock that accompanies such stories. “These stories would break about these people, and everyone wants to act all shocked. And my whole thing was, ‘You’re shocked that powerful men are abusing their power? This is a shock to you?’”
Kravitz further clarified that the film is not about any specific individual but is instead an exploration of power dynamics and the pervasive nature of abuse. “Boiling down what we’re really talking about in this film to two people is problematic,” she remarked, stressing the broader societal context.
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In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Kravitz discussed the personal connection she feels to the film’s themes. “This story is so personal to me in terms of exploring what it feels like to be a woman,” she said, revealing that discussions with Naomi Ackie helped solidify the shared experiences many women have regarding power and visibility. “It was a relief to realize, ‘Oh, you vibe with this.’”
Quotes and Info
- Zoë Kravitz on making her directorial debut: “Directing has been a dream of mine for a long time. I’m excited to finally have the opportunity to tell a story from my perspective and to work with an incredible cast and crew to bring this vision to life.”
- On her approach to filmmaking: “I want to create something that feels real and raw, something that reflects the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Film is such a powerful medium, and I’m excited to explore it in a new way.”
- Colleague on Kravitz’s vision: “Zoë has a unique eye and an incredible sense of style. Her approach to storytelling is fresh, and she’s not afraid to take risks. I think ‘Blink Twice’ is going to be something special.”
Key Points:
i. Zoë Kravitz addressed comparisons between Channing Tatum’s character in Blink Twice and Jeffrey Epstein, stating the character is metaphorical and not directly based on Epstein.
ii. The film, co-written by Kravitz, follows Naomi Ackie’s character Frida on a vacation that turns dark, exploring themes of power, class, and gender politics.
iii. Kravitz emphasized that the story’s intent is broader than any specific individual and that the abuse of power can occur at any level, not just among the wealthy or famous.
iv. The film’s narrative evolved over seven years, influenced by cultural shifts and the #MeToo movement, highlighting the ancient yet current themes of power and the oppression of women.
v. Kravitz described the film as a personal exploration of what it feels like to be a woman navigating power dynamics, hoping to resonate with broader audiences when Blink Twice releases on August 23.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News