Michael B. Jordan used anime-inspired visuals and themes in Creed III to delve into the characters' unspoken emotions and childhood trauma.
Jordan embraced the challenge of directing in Creed III after gaining confidence through the support of trusted collaborators and balancing his roles as actor and director.
Deep dives
Creed 3: A Quadrilingual Film with Boxing and Personal Drama
In this podcast episode, director and actor Michael B. Jordan discusses his directorial debut, Creed 3. The film explores the personal fight between boxing champion Adonis Creed and his childhood friend turned rival, Damien. With a quadrilingual approach to storytelling through English, Spanish, ASL, and boxing, Creed 3 delves into themes of communication and masculinity. Jordan shares his journey of taking on the dual roles of actor and director, discussing the challenges of handling physical demands while directing. He also talks about the importance of communication and collaboration with the crew, and how he aimed to create a unique experience, including an anime-inspired sequence called 'The Void' that represents the characters' unspoken emotions and childhood trauma. Jordan reveals the power of directing and expresses his anticipation for future projects, whether acting, directing, or a combination of both.
Learning to Direct: From Seed of an Idea to Taking the Helm
In this episode, Michael B. Jordan discusses his journey to becoming a director with Creed 3. He reveals how the idea of directing sparked after observing director Ryan Coogler on the set of Fruitvale Station. The concept grew stronger during the production of Creed 2, when producer Erwin Winkler suggested Jordan take the helm. Although initially unsure, Jordan embraced the challenge and gained confidence through the support of trusted collaborators. He learned to balance his roles as actor and director by developing a system for scenes and using playback strategically. Jordan also discusses the importance of rehearsals, problem-solving during post-production, and the joy of shaping a movie's final form.
Bringing Anime Influence and Intimacy to the Boxing Ring
The podcast dives into the anime-inspired sequence in Creed 3 called 'The Void.' Jordan explains his love for anime and how he wanted to incorporate its themes of friendship, revenge, and emotional depth into the film. He wanted to use punches and choreography as a form of communication between characters in the boxing ring. The 'Void' sequence represents a conversation that Adonis Creed and Damien never had, allowing them to confront their childhood trauma and explore ideas of masculinity. Jordan carefully selected pivotal locations from their past to shape their relationship. He also emphasizes the value of subjective interpretation, as viewers connect with the anime-inspired visuals and the emotional journey of the characters.
The Director-Actor Balance: Challenges, Communication, and Future Projects
In this final segment, Michael B. Jordan reflects on the challenges of balancing his roles as director and actor. He reveals that tech scouting and communicating with the crew were initially unfamiliar territory, but he navigated them with the help of experienced collaborators. Jordan acknowledges the power imbalance often perceived between directors and actors, stressing the importance of open communication and collaboration. He also discusses the post-production process, where he had the opportunity to shape the movie and discover unexpected solutions. As he contemplates his future projects, Jordan expresses gratitude for the opportunity to greenlight his own movies and his determination to create impactful stories with universal appeal.
Director Michael B. Jordan discusses his new film, Creed III, with fellow director Tim Miller in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, Jordan discusses the challenge of directing himself, how the fight scenes were another language within the film, and how anime allowed the themes of the story to resonate.
The film follows boxing champion Adonis Creed as he is forced to put his future on the line when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, eager to settle an old score and prove that he deserves his shot in the ring.
Please note: spoilers are included.
See photos and a summary of this event below:
https://www.dga.org/Events/2023/April2023/Creed003_QnA_0323.aspx
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