Key Takeaways:
– Taylor Sheridan brought new levels of unpredictability to Hollywood with his 2015 movie Sicario.
– Sheridan broke away from rigid script structures common to many film and TV projects.
– The seasoned screenwriter/actor maintains that unpredictability enhances audience engagement.
– Sheridan's unpredictable nature extends beyond his writing, as demonstrated in a memorable early-career audition incident.
Challenging Norms with Sicario
Known for his work in Hollywood since the early 2000s, Taylor Sheridan's ascent as a sought-after screenwriter and director truly sparked with the release of his gripping drama Sicario in 2015. Showcasing A-list talents including Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin, Sicario garnered nearly $85 million, a commendable feat for a film produced on a budget of $30 million.
The edgy plot, deeply rooted in the US government's ceaseless war against drugs and their efforts to tame US-Mexican cartels, was uniquely dark. So much so that Sheridan feared it may be too intense for mainstream Hollywood. However, despite these initial concerns, Sicario entered production in 2013, making its grand entrance on the silver screen in September 2015.
Breaking Free From Script Conformity
A notable aspect of Sicario was that it defied the expected script structure, a trend often followed religiously in Hollywood. In his pursuit of a fresh narrative approach, Sheridan challenged audiences to keep guessing what might happen next in his film.
In a candid interview with Esquire, Sheridan unpacked his vision for Sicario, emphasizing his divergent approach based on his experience in television. According to him, TV projects are mostly predictable due to their teasers, which set up the episode. This predictability, he insisted, extended to film projects as well. Sheridan aimed to disrupt this convenience by teasing a constant sense of uncertainty in Sicario.
Unpredictability Called The Shot
Sheridan's belief is that audiences can feel ‘what's coming'. His goal was to completely dismantle this notion with Sicario. He wanted to convey that anything could happen at any point, thus ensuring audiences are on tenterhooks, uncertain about upcoming plot turns.
Sheridan's Own Brush with Unpredictability
The unconventional streak in Sheridan is not confined to his work. Back at the dawn of his career, he gave an unexpected performance during an audition for a Montgomery Ward commercial. When Sheridan's acting partner repeatedly interrupted him, the budding scriptwriter issued a stern warning. However, his partner's disregard triggered Sheridan's unpredictable side, resulting in him throwing a punch. Despite this unexpected outburst, Sheridan was awarded the part due to the humor the producer found in the situation.
Proof of Sheridan's Blend of Talent and Luck
Sheridan's journey is a mix of unique talent and favorable circumstances. His knack for creating engaging, unpredictable narratives has reshaped traditional script structures in the film industry. Additionally, his quick-wittedness and assertion of boundaries in personal interactions have added to his impressive Hollywood persona. As he continues to evolve, Sheridan remains a force to be reckoned with, forever challenging audience and industry expectations.
