8 Reasons Why Rian Johnson Should Direct Phantom Of The Opera

In Johnson's work up until now, with films such as Brick, Looper, and The Last Jedi, he has continuously been able to provide spectacle. Even in Brick, his earliest film, he was able to capture an impressive and commanding visual style with a shoestring budget.

But none of his spectacles are without meaning. The planet of Crait in Last Jedi is a gorgeous and captivating visual choice, that is largely representative of the film's stance on war and violence itself. The exaggerated camera movements in Brick during any fight sequence is there to disorient the audience and make them feel the punch rather than just watch it.

A show like Phantom needs this kind of steady hand at the helm. Phantom is full of visual imagination but it must be backed up by purpose. The sets, costuming, and decor are all awe-inducing, but the productions that have relied solely on these as a crutch, have failed. Without meaning, it's all just well-made icing on top of a rotten cake.

Whereas other filmmakers are regularly guilty of spectacle for spectacle's sake, Johnson frequently shows restraint, resulting in a much more affecting product.