Renowned actor Michael Keaton recently disclosed certain aspects of the much-anticipated sequel to ‘Beetlejuice’, emphasizing his iconic character remains unaltered to conform to prevailing notions of political correctness. Now aged 72, the acclaimed performance artist clarified that part of his decision to re-engage with the project three and a half decades later, was vested in the requirement to preserve his main character’s limited on-screen presence, much like the original movie.
Michael Keaton, in a recent chat with GQ, expounded upon his perspective. ‘The plan was unequivocal—there’s no overloading of screen time with Beetlejuice because that would ruin it,’ he insisted ardently. Keaton then teased that the Beetlejuice’s role in the narrative differs from the original, sharing, ‘In this iteration, Beetlejuice’s influence on plot progression is less pivotal than beforehand. He is intertwined with the storyline more so than being the driving force.’
The 1988 cult classic fantasy horror Dilm ‘Beetlejuice’ only featured the title character, played expertly by Keaton, for a total of 17 minutes. Keaton further clarified that Beetlejuice is classified as an ‘it’, not in response to a societal fixation with pronouns but because of the character’s inherent nature.
Keaton shed light on the nature of the eponymous character saying, ‘Sure, he’s a being but more of a phenomenon rather than embodying a traditional gender. This isn’t my attempt to be politically correct. Rather, I see Beetlejuice as an entity, principally a force. And although there’s a strong male presence, it’s more of the foolish male presence, which personally, I find quite delightful.’
He added, ‘One mustn’t tamper with that because it isn’t as if you’d say, ‘Oh, it’s a fresh start, this entity would act differently now.’ It simply wouldn’t ring true to the character’s original essence.’ He emphasized the preservation of the original spirit of the character over political correctness or changing societal norms.
The star performer, also famous for his ‘Batman’ stint, previously voiced his enthusiasm about working again with director Tim Burton. ‘This is the most ebullient I’ve been on set in ages. You’d easily assume it would be fun considering the kind of project we are into. However, it isn’t always that straightforward,’ he confessed back in February, as earlier reported by The Daily Wire.
Keaton and Burton, preferring a more traditional touch to the sequel, decided to utilize classic special effects techniques rather than resorting to the ubiquity of computer-generated imagery (CGI). ‘After initial discussions, we settled on not letting advanced technology overwhelm us, should we decide to collaborate again,’ Keaton stated, ‘It was important for the cinematic experience to feel manually crafted.’
Keaton was filled with renewed exhilaration as he touted the advantages of these older methods, stating, ‘It’s positively thrilling! To be given the chance to do this again after years of fictitiously interacting with someone facing a gargantuan screen… it’s pure, untainted joy.’
Keaton proceeded to express his apprehension towards CGI during his conversation with GQ, remarking, ‘In large measure, I feel audiences subliminally distance themselves from the unfolding plot on the screen when CGI is heavily employed. Although they would certainly reconcile with it and move along, the enjoyment isn’t quite the same for a significant number of films.’
He continued, risking a hot take, ‘That feeling of visceral involvement can sometimes get lost in the slick polish of modern technology.’ Keaton expressed an earnest belief in the charm of traditional filmmaking, suggesting a certain nostalgia for an era before the prevalence of modern technologies in the film industry.
Echoing sentiments of old-school movie fanatics who believe in the power of organic creation, Keaton also hinted that leveraging dated special effects methods enhances the overall relatability for the spectator, enabling them to establish a stronger emotional connection with the unfolding drama and characters.
Emphasizing the necessity of visceral connection over technically impressive effects, Keaton’s views are a refreshing stance in a world increasingly becoming reliant on technology. His perspective serves as a gentle reminder about the power and beauty of manual filmmaking, offering an almost sensory, hands-on experience for actors, creators, and ultimately, the audience.
While it is true that technology has done wonders for the film industry, Keaton’s comments allude to nostalgia for the ‘good old days’. A sentiment that, despite the leaps in technology, there remains an allure to the tactile craft of old-style special effects. After all, creating a cinematic spectacle is just as much about evoking tangible emotion as it is about visually stunning the audience.
Michael Keaton’s anticipation and reverence for the upcoming ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel goes beyond just the prospect of reprising his iconic role. He is clearly thrilled at the opportunity to go back to his roots, joining hands with Tim Burton, the original captain of the ship, and working in a more hands-on, familiar setting.
Quite evidently, the Beetljuice sequel intends to be more than just a revisit to a classic; it intends to be a homage to a bygone era of filmmaking. The enduring spirit of ‘Beetlejuice’, it seems, is set to return not just through the character on the screen, but also through the processes behind the screen that peas in a pod Keaton and Burton intend to adopt in its creation.
Mark your calendars for a journey back in time, for the beloved character, ‘Beetlejuice’, is returning to the big screen on September 6. The creative choices behind its production promise a thrilling ride and a nostalgic plunge into the technique and style of filmmaking from decades past.