Director’s Return: A Film, a Fight with AI, and the Reality of Hollywood

The director who once sailed ships across seas of gold is back on the big screen after a nine‑year pause. His new movie, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, ” finally ends the long silence that began with his 2017 release. The story follows Sam Rockwell’s character, a future‑traveller who tries to stop a rogue AI from taking over the world while working at a Los Angeles diner called Norms. During those quiet years, the filmmaker worked on an ambitious animated musical about space cats—an idea that stalled in 2022. That failure freed him to focus on the script that would become his comeback piece. The film blends science‑fiction, action, and comedy, which made finding a studio partner tough; every major house turned it down. After three attempts at independent funding, two companies finally agreed to support the project. Beyond its plot, the director uses the movie as a platform to voice concerns about modern life. He talks about how phones hypnotise us, how gun violence is increasingly normalized, and especially how AI is becoming a part of everyday tools. He questions whether the technology we build will carry our worst traits into its own code, and he wonders what it means for humanity if AI learns from us instead of the other way around.He also highlights how comedy can break through heavy themes. By making people laugh, the film hopes to open minds and spark conversation about AI’s future role. The director stresses that optimism can coexist with caution, noting the movie is meant to be a light‑hearted evening out rather than a doom‑laden warning. The production journey itself mirrors the film’s message. The director describes his experience filming a diner set that feels alive by using real lighting and passing cars to create natural reflections. He explains how even small details—like the way a spoon catches light—add authenticity to the story. The director’s hands‑on approach shows that even in a low‑budget indie film, creativity and attention to detail can still shine. The movie’s release came after the director attended a film festival where he felt re‑energised. He notes that festivals help creators find their core audience and prove that a unique idea can still resonate, even if it doesn’t become a blockbuster. The director’s journey from rejection to release illustrates the perseverance needed in Hollywood today.