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Johnson Unpacks 'Impossible Crime' in New Blanc Film
14 Dec
Summary
- Filmmaker Rian Johnson focuses on character depth before mystery plot.
- The film examines faith in America, inspired by gothic mysteries.
- Benoit Blanc is absent for the first act, focusing on new conflicts.

Filmmaker Rian Johnson shares insights into his meticulous process for creating the Benoit Blanc murder mysteries, including the recently released "Wake Up Dead Man." He emphasizes that his writing starts with the core story and character motivations, rather than the mystery itself, a method that has earned him Oscar nominations.
Johnson explains that "Wake Up Dead Man" delves into the complex issue of faith in America, moving beyond Agatha Christie's influence to embrace the gothic tone of John Dickson Carr. The film is set in a remote upstate New York church, adding to its eerie atmosphere and limiting the pool of suspects.
Notably, Benoit Blanc remains absent for the first act, allowing for the development of new character conflicts and themes. This deliberate structural choice, Johnson notes, was essential for establishing the narrative groundwork before the detective's intervention, making it his most challenging script yet.




