Cate Blanchett’s Chainsaw & The Unlikely Success of Borderlands: From Video Game to Big Screen
The release of "Borderlands" on August 9th, 2022, is an event that has left many scratching their heads, wondering how this movie came to be. It’s not the video game adaptation itself that’s surprising – after all, we’ve seen countless gaming franchises attempt the transition to the big screen. But what truly makes "Borderlands" stand out is the sheer star power behind it. Imagine a cast list featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, Ariana Greenblatt, Edgar Ramírez, the voice of Jack Black, and, yes, Cate Blanchett. It’s a veritable buffet of A-list talent, and somehow, they all agreed to participate in this wild, post-apocalyptic journey across the planet of Pandora.
While the movie’s success remains uncertain, one thing is clear — the casting of Cate Blanchett as Lilith, a powerful and enigmatic Siren who can manipulate reality itself, is a brilliant strategic move. Blanchett, known for her critically acclaimed performances in dramatic roles, has cemented her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in both Hollywood and the world of high-art cinema. And yet, she has never shied away from venturing into the realm of mainstream blockbusters, with notable appearances in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," and even "Thor: Ragnarok."
So what was it that lured this Oscar-winning actress to the peculiar world of "Borderlands"? Speaking to Empire magazine, Blanchett revealed a rather unexpected influence: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "I was spending a lot of time in the garden, using the chainsaw a little too freely," she confessed. "My husband said, ‘This film could save your life.’" While it’s hard to argue with the wisdom of a chainsaw-wielding Blanchett, her decision wasn’t solely motivated by pandemic-induced boredom. Blanchett dives headfirst into her research, and she took this opportunity to immerse herself in the "Borderlands" universe: "My thumbs can barely control a phone, but I bought a PS5 and we played each other," she explained. "I wanted to know the limits of the game and what fans loved about the character. I got really absorbed in that whole world. The cosplayers. The YouTube make-up tutorials."
Blanchett’s dedication to understanding the source material is a testament to her commitment to the project, but also hints at a deeper reason for her involvement. In the same interview, she confessed, "The crazy asks are usually the things I gravitate towards; the things I could never conceive of." Taking on a role in a movie that seemed like such an unlikely fit, a project that exists at the intersection of video game culture, sci-fi action, and darkly comedic humor, is precisely the kind of "crazy ask" that Blanchett thrives on. "The gun-slinging stuff was so much fun," she admits, showing a surprising willingness to embrace the action-packed world of "Borderlands."
The decision to cast Blanchett, a name synonymous with artistic excellence and intellectual depth, in a role that could easily be categorized as "popcorn entertainment," is a bold and calculated move. This choice not only serves to draw in a wider audience, but also elevates "Borderlands" to a level that transcends the typical video game movie adaptation. It suggests that this film aspires to something more— perhaps a blend of raw action, humor, and heart, capable of captivating both longtime fans of the video game series and those venturing into the "Borderlands" universe for the first time.
But why is "Borderlands" such a big deal in the gaming world? First announced in 2009, the franchise quickly gained a fervent following thanks to its unique blend of action-packed gameplay, dark humor, and a vibrant world teeming with distinct characters and personalities.
The game itself is a first-person shooter with a role-playing game (RPG) element, placing players in the role of Vault Hunters who must navigate the unforgiving landscape of Pandora in search of legendary Vaults – ancient, mysterious structures said to hold immense power. But finding the Vault is only part of the challenge; players must also survive encounters with bandits, ferocious creatures, and even other Vault Hunters. This is a world where anything goes, where morality bends to the whims of survival, and where humor often serves as a defense mechanism against the harsh realities of life on Pandora.
As the franchise grew, so did its popularity, spawning four main installments and a plethora of spin-offs, DLC, and other expanded content. "Borderlands" has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide and securing its place as a prominent fixture within the gaming landscape. It’s a world filled with gritty realism yet infused with an almost cartoonish sense of absurdity – a perfect storm of elements that have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The appeal of "Borderlands" lies in its ability to tap into a diverse spectrum of gaming aesthetics. From the gritty action of traditional shooters to the character development and narrative of RPGs, "Borderlands" offers something for every type of gamer. However, what truly sets the franchise apart is its sense of humor. "Borderlands" doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries, injecting its narrative with dark, sarcastic wit and absurdity that, somehow, manages to strike a chord with players.
This irreverent humor is a key component of the franchise’s identity, and one of the primary reasons why "Borderlands" has resonated with so many players. The game’s world, populated by a motley crew of bandits, monsters, and Vault Hunters, becomes a playground for exploring the darker elements of human nature — greed, violence, betrayal — all wrapped in a surprisingly funny package.
But why is this humor so impactful? One explanation lies in the "dark humor" theory that posits that humor derived from bleak and potentially disturbing topics can be a coping mechanism. Within the harsh realities of Pandora, where survival is a daily struggle, and violence and death are commonplace, humor offers a valuable outlet for players to process and navigate these difficult themes without letting them completely consume them.
The game’s creators haven’t shied away from exploring serious themes, weaving them into the fabric of its humorous narrative. The relentless cycle of violence, the exploitation of the weak, and the corrupting influence of power are all present, yet they are not treated with a somber seriousness. Instead, they are embraced and amplified through the lens of humor, providing a fresh perspective on these issues and offering players an opportunity to experience them in a new, more playful light.
The movie adaptation, much like the game it draws inspiration from, seems poised to tap into this unique brand of dark humor. The trailer, released in January 2022, offered glimpses of the chaotic and irreverent world of "Borderlands," featuring quick-witted banter, over-the-top violence, and a general sense of disregard for convention.
It’s clear that the filmmakers understood the importance of retaining the game’s humor and spirit. They have recruited a cast who are adept at injecting humor, both heartfelt and sardonic, into their roles. The casting of Kevin Hart as Roland, a stoic and reliable soldier, is a bold choice that suggests a departure from Hart’s usual comedic repertoire. Hart’s presence, however, could be a masterstroke, allowing him to bring his unique comedic talents to a character that, on the surface, seems like a straightforward, serious character. The trailer hints at Hart’s comedic abilities being used to great effect, as he seemingly delivers some of the movie’s funniest lines.
While the core appeal of "Borderlands" lies in its action-packed gameplay and dark humor, the franchise also boasts an imaginative and compelling world, populated by a diverse cast of memorable characters. The game’s art style, a blend of realistic environments and stylized visuals, has proven to be a captivating blend, resulting in an immersive experience that feels distinct from other games on the market.
The movie seems equally committed to capturing the essence of Pandora, with the trailer showcasing a visual aesthetic that mirrors the game’s unique mix of realism and outlandishness. It’s a world that feels simultaneously familiar and alien, grounded in a gritty reality but punctuated by moments of pure absurdity. From the towering, bioluminescent plant-life to the crumbling remnants of an ancient civilization, the movie promises to deliver a visually stunning world that mirrors the game’s immersive qualities.
Ultimately, the success of "Borderlands" will hinge on its ability to translate the core elements of the game — the action, the humor, the world, and the characters — to the big screen. The team behind the film has assembled a remarkable cast and crew, bringing together industry veterans like Eli Roth, known for his work in horror and action films, with actors known for their comedic timing, dramatic range, and an undeniable charisma.
The movie "Borderlands" is a gamble, an experiment in adapting a wildly popular and beloved video game franchise to the world of cinema. But with a cast this stacked, a director with experience navigating the challenging terrain of both action and horror, and a commitment to capturing the heart and soul of a beloved franchise, this movie has the potential to be something truly special. Perhaps, as Blanchett suggested, it truly could be the cinematic experience we need — a wild, chaotic journey through a world of dark humor, action-packed mayhem, and perhaps, just perhaps, a dose of genuine humanity lurking beneath all the guns, violence, and absurdity.