Director Brad Bird, known for animated hits like 'Ratatouille' and 'The Incredibles,' is set to release his unique blend of hard-boiled detective fiction and pulp science fiction, 'Ray Gunn,' on Netflix on December 18. Bird described the upcoming film as a mashup of 'The Maltese Falcon' and 'Buck Rogers,' aiming for a retro-futuristic aesthetic where a 1930s vision of the future is realized with elements like jetpacks, flying cars, and aliens.
"I like the contradiction of things that are considered very modern and futuristic, but having it look like a person 70 years ago imagined the future," Bird told Polygon. The film is set in the sprawling metropolis of Metropia, where most detective work is automated, but private investigator Ray Gunn (Sam Rockwell) takes on a case for pop star Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson) that could jeopardize her career and life. The project is rooted in Bird's affection for noir themes, which he believes remain timeless.
To prepare audiences for 'Ray Gunn,' Bird has curated a list of five films that have influenced his vision for the project. These selections span classic noir, science fiction, and even comedy, each offering a distinct flavor that contributes to the film's unique atmosphere.
Influential Classics
Bird's list begins with Stanley Kubrick's 1956 directorial debut, 'The Killing.' This classic noir follows Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) as he orchestrates an elaborate heist after being released from prison, with complications arising from various eccentric characters. The film is noted for its dark narrative and is said to have inspired Quentin Tarantino's 'Reservoir Dogs.'
Roman Polanski's 1974 film 'Chinatown' is cited by Bird as "practically a perfect movie." Set in 1937 Los Angeles, the story stars Jack Nicholson as PI Jake Gittes, who uncovers a sinister plot involving drought, property schemes, and murder while investigating what initially appears to be a simple infidelity case. The film is a prime example of noir's critique of powerful figures exploiting the vulnerable.
Curtis Hanson's 1997 adaptation of James Ellroy's novel, 'L.A. Confidential,' is another essential watch. The film features a star-studded cast portraying different members of the LAPD, including Guy Pearce as the justice-driven Edmund Exley, Kevin Spacey as the compromised Jack Vincennes, and Russell Crowe as the enforcer Bud White. This stylish and often brutal film delves into the darker aspects of Los Angeles.
For a dose of dark comedy, Bird recommends the Coen Brothers' 1998 film 'The Big Lebowski.' Inspired by detective fiction author Raymond Chandler, the film follows the accident-prone Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) as he gets entangled in a case of mistaken identity. Bird calls the movie "completely absurd and, in my estimation, one of the funniest movies ever made," praising its dialogue and eccentric characters.
Finally, Bird suggests Denis Villeneuve's 2017 film 'Blade Runner 2049,' calling it a "superior sequel" to Ridley Scott's original. The film explores a future Los Angeles where bioengineered humans known as replicants are central to the plot. Ryan Gosling plays K, a blade runner who uncovers secrets that challenge his understanding of reality and could ignite a conflict. The movie's striking visual design, featuring large-scale holograms, clearly resonates with the retro-futuristic aesthetic Bird is cultivating for 'Ray Gunn.'
These five films offer a comprehensive look at the noir and science fiction elements that are shaping Bird's upcoming Netflix original.