Things We Saw Today: Rian Johnson Isn’t Afraid to Handle Politics Straight on in Knives Out

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Rian Johnson isn’t afraid to let you know exactly how he feels. Since his profile was elevated due to making the polarizing Star Wars: The Last Jedi, it’s hard for him to say or do anything without it attracting internet attention. With his latest film, Knives Out, the director told Variety that he had no problem putting his politics front and center.

When it was brought up that critics have been picking up on Trump-related political commentary in Knives Out, Johnson replied, “I would hope so. It’s not very subtle. This isn’t a subtle film.” He went on to say that when he decided the film would take place in 2019’s America, that meant discussing things that are relevant to the time. “To me, that’s only exciting if you’re going to very openly address the stuff that we’re all yelling about. Obviously, there’s a perspective on everything that’s happening, but hopefully it’s being presented in a way that we can watch it and laugh a little bit. We all deserve that right now.”

We certainly do, and I look forward to seeing Knives Out and not just for Chris Evans in a well-maintained sweater.

(via Variety, image: Lia Toby/Getty Images for BF)

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Princess Weekes
Princess (she/her-bisexual) is a Brooklyn born Megan Fox truther, who loves Sailor Moon, mythology, and diversity within sci-fi/fantasy. Still lives in Brooklyn with her over 500 Pokémon that she has Eevee trained into a mighty army. Team Zutara forever.