![Exploring David Cronenberg’s Decision to Avoid Directing “Star Trek: Discovery” Episodes 2 l intro 1716315238](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/l-intro-1716315238.jpg?w=1170)
Many have questioned why visionary director David Cronenberg has never stepped behind the camera for an episode of “Star Trek: Discovery.” The director himself has clarified the reasons behind this decision, stating, “[I]t’s a different kind of directing. It’s almost a completely different modality of work because so many things are established. You come in to direct an episode of something like ‘Star Trek,’ the casting’s been done, the tone of the script’s been done. And you’re not there for months and months of CG work and post-production, including the dialogue.”
This approach to filmmaking diverges significantly from what Cronenberg is accustomed to. The esteemed filmmaker, who not only directs but sometimes acts, elaborated on the various technical challenges that were part of his experience being on the “Star Trek: Discovery” set:
“So, you have to replace the dialogue. Normally, you do that in a studio, but because of Covid, we couldn’t do that. I ended up in a closed closet, using an app on my iPhone to record additional dialogue, which was quite remarkable! It really is doable. … I’d never done that before, because it’s never been necessary before. But that was a new thing and, in its own weird way, very Star Trek-y.”
Cronenberg may not take up the director’s chair for a “Star Trek” episode, but he continues his cinematic pursuits. His hiatus from directing concluded with the 2022 film titled “Crimes of the Future,” and his latest directorial project, “The Shrouds,” was recently on display at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
FAQs About David Cronenberg and Star Trek: Discovery
Did David Cronenberg ever appear in Star Trek: Discovery?
While David Cronenberg has not directed an episode of the series, he has indeed appeared as an actor in “Star Trek: Discovery.”
What type of directorial reputation does David Cronenberg have?
David Cronenberg is known for his innovative and often body horror-focused directorial style, which may not align with “Star Trek: Discovery’s” pre-established tone.
What concerns did Cronenberg have about directing an established series like Star Trek?
He expressed that directing for a show with established elements such as casting and tone would be a departure from his usual directorial approach, which generally includes more involvement in every stage of production.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced Cronenberg’s work methods?
Yes, as evidenced by his experience with recording additional dialogue via an iPhone app due to restrictions preventing traditional ADR sessions in-studio.
Conclusion
While fans may have hoped to see David Cronenberg apply his distinct cinematic touch to “Star Trek: Discovery,” the director has made it clear that his filmmaking style does not mesh well with the operational constraints of directing episodes for an established series. Despite this, Cronenberg remains an active figure in the film industry, continuously exploring new horizons in storytelling and technology, which in itself is very much in the spirit of Star Trek’s exploratory ethos.