Director Zack Snyder is drawing attention following his latest film, The Last Photograph, and an interview with Variety where he defended the movie against backlash and offered new perspectives on his past work.
Reviews for The Last Photograph have been largely negative since its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Snyder himself noted the intense online discourse surrounding the film, with social media users labeling him a "fascist" and a "homophobe." He told Variety that the "discourse is incredibly energized by this battle" and that the "vitriol" directed at him is "incredible."
The Last Photograph centers on former DEA agent Ethan Black's search for his kidnapped niece and nephew in South America after their parents are killed. He is assisted by a war photographer who witnessed the murders, leading to a violent revenge narrative that some critics have found problematic, particularly in its depiction of violence toward women and children.
Snyder countered these criticisms by stating that violence in the film is applied equally to all genders and ages, comparing its distribution to the indiscriminate force of a hurricane. He asserted that the film's message is that "violence doesn't work and doesn't get anything done." He also dismissed accusations of being a fascist, stating, "Obviously, I'm not a fascist."
Recalling a similar reaction to his 2006 film 300 at the Berlin Film Festival, where some attendees reportedly booed and walked out, Snyder addressed questions about his political leanings. When asked if he was "pro-gay or pro-NRA," Snyder responded, "I'll be honest: I'm a tiny bit of both." He then added, "But obviously I'm pro-gay. I made the gayest movie ever made."
Snyder elaborated on his assessment of 300, stating, "300 is one of the gayest movies ever made. I always go, 'Look, there are few movies where people come in straight and come out gay, and 300 is one of them.'"
While The Last Photograph's distribution plans remain uncertain, its critical reception has generated public interest. IGN's review of 300 at the time of its release gave it a 9.9 out of 10, calling it a "one-of-a-kind masterpiece," a stark contrast to its current assessment of Snyder's new film.