Joseph Kahn’s Return to the Big Screen with “Ick”
What do the hits “Without Me” by Eminem, “LoveGame” by Lady Gaga, and “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift share? They were all directed by the acclaimed music video director Joseph Kahn. After stepping away from the film industry for several years, Kahn makes a noteworthy return with his latest film, “Ick,” a creature-feature comedy now playing in cinemas.
In “Ick,” Kahn revives his early-2000s flair and adapts it for a 2025 audience, crafting a film that blends visual effects with themes of nostalgia and the prevalent influence of Gen Z culture. The movie stars Brandon Routh, Malina Pauli Weissman, Mena Suvari, Harrison Cone, and Taia Sophia. It centers around Hank, a former high school star who now works as a janitor at the same school. As Hank and the graduating class of Eastbrook High confront bleak visions of their future, they comically overlook the threat of an alien invader known simply as the Ick, which poses a dire threat to their very existence.
Just days before “Ick” was widely released on July 27, Joseph Kahn sat down with The Bangin Beats to discuss his journey back to feature filmmaking, the essence of post-irony in cinema, and the challenging process of securing rights to use music by the band Creed in his film.
Rediscovering the Feature Film Landscape
Kahn began developing “Ick” shortly after the release of his 2018 film “Bodied.” He knew he wanted to delve into the creature feature genre and collaborated with writer Sam Laskey to bring this vision to life. The script for “Ick” was finalized around 2019, with plans to start production in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought those plans to a halt, leading to a two-year delay and Kahn temporarily relocating from Los Angeles to Texas. Once the pandemic restrictions eased, Kahn was eager to commence filming without the added costs and complications of COVID-19 safety protocols.
Nostalgia as a Narrative Device
Having spent over three decades directing music videos, Kahn has witnessed several generational shifts in pop culture. “Ick” serves as a commentary on these transitions, particularly focusing on the perceptions and criticisms that pass from one generation to the next. Kahn uses the film to explore the concept of a Millennial character re-entering a high school environment dominated by Gen Z, using this scenario to playfully address misconceptions and cultural differences between the generations.
The Art of Camp and Post-Irony
Kahn describes his style as “post-irony,” where the humor might leave audiences guessing whether it’s sincere or satirical. This approach contrasts with mainstream studio comedies that often feel compelled to signal jokes explicitly. Kahn believes that his subtler method resonates with a sophisticated audience that appreciates nuance and can engage with the film on multiple levels.
Dynamic Editing and the Pace of the Film
Often described as having an “MTV style,” Kahn embraces a fast-paced editing style that he feels speaks directly to the Gen Z audience, who are accustomed to rapid content consumption and creation through modern technology. This editing style aims to match the heightened sensory experiences of younger viewers who have grown up in a digital age.
Satire and Relevance in “Ick”
“Ick” satirizes how society reacts to disasters, emphasizing the short-lived communal panic followed by a return to normalcy. Kahn crafted this narrative in 2018, well before the pandemic, intending to reflect on societal resilience or folly in the face of calamity. The film, through its satirical lens, explores the fragmentation rather than unity in times of crisis.
Inspiration and Special Effects in “Ick”
The creature in “Ick” draws inspiration from classic monster movies like “War of the Worlds” and “The Thing,” combining elements of various iconic monsters to create something uniquely terrifying. Kahn also discusses the innovative use of visual effects to keep production costs low while achieving a look that feels both authentic and expansive.
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Choosing the Soundtrack: A Nostalgic Mix
The soundtrack of “Ick,” featuring hits from the late ’90s and early 2000s, plays a critical role in echoing the film’s themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Kahn initially didn’t plan for such a robust soundtrack but found that the music perfectly complemented the film’s tone, blending elements of horror with humor akin to “American Pie.”
Challenges with Music Rights
Obtaining the rights to use music by Creed proved especially challenging, as it was integral to the plot. Kahn’s music supervisor went to great lengths to secure these rights, which were only confirmed shortly before the film’s premiere. This ordeal highlighted the complex process of music licensing in film production, particularly when specific tracks are crucial to the narrative.
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With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.