When the conversation shifted from the potential of Hollywood’s video game renaissance to the gothic allure of “Nosferatu,” Jared Hess, the director of “A Minecraft Movie,” expressed his admiration for Robert Eggers’ bold reinterpretation of the classic vampire tale. For Hess, the essence of Eggers’ work serves as a testament to a fundamental principle that he aims to embody in his own film: the importance of distinct personality and unexpected elements in storytelling.
“A lot of big movies from the last 20-plus years, so much of the imagery and the experience feels similar,” Hess remarked. “My favorite films are the ones that have personality and characters and interesting things that are unexpected and that surprise you. Those films always inspire me.”
From Indie Roots to Blockbuster Heights
Hess first captured attention at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 with “Napoleon Dynamite,” a film that showcased his unique vision despite his youth. While it took time for the quirky comedy to gain traction, Hess attributes its eventual success to a fortunate partnership with Fox Searchlight. “It came out before social media, so ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ was a true word-of-mouth experience,” he explained. “I just wish that studios and streamers today would take a chance on those remarkable films that are breaking new ground.”
In stark contrast to the indie spirit of his earlier work, “Minecraft” represents a different scale entirely. As the best-selling video game of all time, the project was a significant leap for Hess, who found himself at the helm of a cinematic phenomenon. With over 7 million in box office earnings after just three weekends, “A Minecraft Movie” dwarfs the .1 million total of “Napoleon Dynamite.”
“It’s such a fun journey,” Hess shared, reflecting on his diverse body of work, which includes a true-crime documentary for Netflix and music videos for The Postal Service. “You never know what the universe is going to bring your way.”
A Family Affair in Filmmaking
Before diving into “Minecraft,” Hess had been seeking to launch a project with Legendary Pictures for years. The opportunity to adapt the beloved game came in December 2019, thanks to producers Mary Parent and Cale Boyter. The film’s development soon became a family affair, with Hess’s children acting as unofficial consultants throughout the process. Their playful interactions with the game, including elaborate fortress designs, added a personal touch to the project.
“Yeah, they murdered me,” Hess laughed, recalling a particularly amusing moment when his children trapped him inside a fortress with untamed wolves. “That’s what happens!”
Creative Challenges and Opportunities
Hess acknowledged the challenges of adapting a game like “Minecraft,” which lacks a traditional narrative structure. “One of the biggest challenges with ‘Minecraft’ initially was like, ‘Well, there’s no story here. So, how do we do it?’” he explained. However, this absence of a defined storyline also opened up creative possibilities, allowing for the character of Steve to be a blank canvas. With the comedic talents of Jack Black, Hess felt empowered to explore limitless creative avenues.
Starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and a host of newcomers, “A Minecraft Movie” embraces a surreal aesthetic. The production took Hess and his family from Utah to New Zealand, where filming primarily occurred in Auckland. Hess expressed excitement about working in a country known for its cinematic achievements and world-class crews, which facilitated the creation of practical sets that enhanced the film’s immersive experience.
The Heartbeat of Collaboration
Hess’s collaborative spirit is evident in his approach to filmmaking. He emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication with the game developers at Mojang Studios to ensure fidelity to the source material while pushing the boundaries of storytelling. “We wanted to stay true to the rules of the game, but not be limited by it,” he noted, illustrating the delicate balance between adaptation and innovation.
Despite the film’s commercial success, critical reception has been mixed. Hess acknowledged the varied opinions, stating, “The reality is I did write on ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ and there are a lot of people that wrote on it. Ultimately, you can only give credit to a certain number of writers, but I definitely wrote on it.”
Reflections on Comedy and Creativity
Hess’s comedic style, characterized by silliness and empathy, remains consistent regardless of budget. He described directing a blockbuster as akin to crafting an indie film, focusing on character and story. “It’s character and story and trying to communicate to the best of your ability what you think is going to be the best version of something,” he explained.
Looking back on his career, Hess recalled the meticulous attention to detail that defined his work on “Napoleon Dynamite.” Actor Jon Gries reminisced about Hess’s precise direction, highlighting the director’s commitment to crafting memorable performances.
As Hess continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood, he remains hopeful for change. “I just want desperately for it to change,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of many creators striving for broader opportunities in the industry.
A Minecraft Movie is currently in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the imaginative world of the beloved game through Hess’s unique lens.
