Director Adam McKay consulted with Space.com about his upcoming film “Dont Look Up.” (Image credit: Netflix)Warning: spoilers aheadWhat would humankind do if a giant area rock were hurtling straight towards Earth? According to director Adam McKay (“The Big Short,” “Anchorman,” “Step Brothers”), we might not even care.In McKays most current movie, “Dont Look Up,” a dark funny making its Netflix debut on Dec. 10, two astronomers make the shocking discovery that a large comet they describe as a “planet killer” is headed directly for Earth. However, in a series of unexpected (and sadly unsurprising) occasions, humanity doesnt really see (or even think) the pushing risk of the situation. In an unique interview with Space.com, McKay discussed his inspiration for the movie, its not-so-secret surprise significance and what he believes might happen if a comet were actually headed for Earth.Related: NASAs DART asteroid-impact mission explained in photos”What I enjoyed about the idea a lot is that it, right away, for all of us brings up memories of films that weve seen,” McKay said about the movie, which is one in a long line of motion pictures that focus around an asteroid or comet headed to ruin Earth. McKay added, “If youre viewing a motion picture [ like this] … the scientist makes the discovery, the researcher tells someone, they go to the White House, they get to work on the issue. We all know that routine,” he said.McKay chosen to frame things from a more reasonable perspective. “It made me laugh and it likewise horrified me to envision what that regimen would resemble now and were seeing it play out,” he said. “I bet you if they went to the White House, that we d keep em waiting for six, 7 hours.” “And I do believe thats what would take place,” he said. “I believe if an astronomer discovered a [harmful] comet and alerted the federal government and was going to consult with the President, I bet you d be kept waiting throughout the day.””I go 50/50,” McKay stated about whether he thinks humankind would do the best thing if a giant space rock were truly on its method to Earth.He likened the scenario to what has unfolded with the COVID-19 pandemic. “I composed the script prior to COVID, but youre seeing amazing amounts of COVID rejection, foot-dragging, since there [are] concerns about the economy, individuals playing politics,” he said.But the pandemic isnt the only connection thats apparent while enjoying the film. Related: The Greatest Comet Close Encounters of All TimeA not-so-hidden significance”Its a Clark Kent level camouflage for the climate crisis,” McKay said about the movie, referencing Supermans Clark Kent “disguise” that was comprised mainly of a set of glasses.In demonstrating how humankind might respond (severely) to news of its impending demise by method of a giant comet, McKay holds up a mirror to how our species is reacting to environment change. Essentially, we understand its occurring, we understand how major it is, but we arent imitating it.”Were not attempting that hard with disguising it [environment modification],” he stated. The film is a “riff on how would people respond to this … its rejection, its interruption. You hear the news not mention it and after that they go right to an industrial for a gas-driven cars and truck or an oil company. Its dispute of interest, its careerism. Its a lot of people who are economically insecure. And it takes a great deal of guts to raise your hand at that paper meeting and go, why dont we have a giant headline that states, Oh, my God, were all going to pass away!”The film delivers a message about environment modification without preaching or lecturing by utilizing tools like humor, storytelling and a huge comet. While the motion picture has a powerful message behind it, McKay has a basic wish for how it might impact audiences.”I dont expect, you understand, spiritual, earthshaking, mind-changing results from this film, but simply, if you might look at the world and see the diversions, see the earnings intention, see the careerism, see the contentiousness that produces revenues separated a bit from what matters simply a little bit much better, I would enjoy with that,” McKay said.Although this is a motion picture that demonstrates how mankind is reacting badly to environment modification, McKay is positive about planet Earth. “Ultimately, Im very hopeful about the future when it comes to the environment because we have an Excalibur, we have a trump card,” he stated. “Its science! Science can do amazing, amazing things. Take a look at all the countless lives that have currently been conserved by a vaccine that was developed at record pace.” McKay pointed out a variety of clinical climate efforts and new advancements in carbon capture technology, renewable resource and more. “I simply hope people– through laughing, through engaging with the film– could just see things a little bit differently when it comes to and feel the urgency of the climate crisis and feel the urgency of the minute, possibly just a bit more,” he said.Science fiction becomes factMcKays passion for science likewise shone through as he went over NASAs current DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) objective that actually saw the firm launch a spacecraft to practice what it may do if a giant space rock were, in reality, threatening Earth. DART introduced on Nov. 24 for a 10-month journey to an asteroid system where it will practice smashing into a space rock to alter its orbit. In “Dont Look Up,” a similar mission using a similar planetary defense technique is launched and goes hilariously incorrect.”I think its fantastic,” McKay stated. “Its an example of science, of researchers using collective action, empirical ideas, to possibly conserve billions of lives to stop a great catastrophe.”Email Chelsea Gohd at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
According to director Adam McKay (“The Big Short,” “Anchorman,” “Step Brothers”), we might not even care.In McKays latest film, “Dont Look Up,” a dark funny making its Netflix debut on Dec. 10, 2 astronomers make the stunning discovery that a large comet they explain as a “world killer” is headed straight for Earth. In an unique interview with Space.com, McKay discussed his motivation for the movie, its not-so-secret surprise significance and what he believes may happen if a comet were really headed for Earth.Related: NASAs DART asteroid-impact mission explained in pictures”What I loved about the idea so much is that it, right away, for all of us brings up memories of films that weve seen,” McKay said about the movie, which is one in a long line of movies that focus around an asteroid or comet headed to damage Earth.”I go 50/50,” McKay said about whether he thinks mankind would do the ideal thing if a giant area rock were really on its way to Earth.He compared the circumstance to what has actually unfolded with the COVID-19 pandemic. Related: The Greatest Comet Close Encounters of All TimeA not-so-hidden meaning”Its a Clark Kent level disguise for the environment crisis,” McKay said about the film, referencing Supermans Clark Kent “camouflage” that was made up mainly of a pair of glasses.In revealing how humankind may respond (badly) to news of its imminent death by method of a giant comet, McKay holds up a mirror to how our types is reacting to environment change. I think its terrific,” McKay stated.
