Writer-director Darren Aronfosky's mother! was quite possibly the most controversial horror movie of this year. Hell, it might be the most controversial of the last 10 years.
In fact, we have heard the likes of Martin Scorsese, Paramount and lead actress Jennifer Lawrence come to the movie's defense, but what does Aronofsky himself think of the movie's reaction?
In a recent roundtable with THR (the same one in which Jordan Peele talked about Ira Levin's novels and their influence on GET OUT) Aronofsky talked a bit about the film and how he dealt with the backlash.
Darren Aronofsky on mother!:
We knew it was always going to be an assault on the senses and very intense. We knew it would be all over the place and a big explosion, and we were excited about that. We were excited to make a film that would have a big debate.
He continues:
My mentor, [director] Stuart Rosenberg, always said, "Bad reviews hurt; good reviews are worse." And I live by that. But in today's world, because of just how connected everyone is, you can't avoid information bombarding you. It doesn't upset me. It excites me. The fear for me is to be a disposable piece of cinema, like a McDonald's meal, and the wrapper goes in the trash and two hours later you're like, "What did I see?"
Personally, I'll take a movie, for better or worse, that tries to mix it up and keep an audience off balance, rather than a film which plays it safe across the boards – which is what we get MUCH more often.
What did you think of Darren Aronofsky's mother!? Are you in the "love it" or " hate it" crowd? Make sure to hit us up and let us know what you think in the comments below or on social media!
Synopsis:
A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion, and sacrifice.
The film is written & directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Brian Gleeson, Domhnall Gleeson, and Ed Harris.
mother! hits Digital HD December 5 and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs December 19.