Rian Johnson's specific talent is that—when he's at his best—he can make basically flawless movies.

Wake Up, Dead Man does the same thing for me that Knives Out did.

Every line, every character moment, everything you see on screen serves a purpose. It advances the plot or is thematically important or tells you something about a character.

It's the perfect style for a classic mystery. It fulfills the promise the mystery writer makes to the audience: "this is all relevant. I promise."

@artemis If you like this style of storytelling, and if you like fantasy (which, as a Guillermo del Toro fan, you probably do!) then I really recommend looking at Brandon Sanderson's books. Telling stories where every scene is purposeful, making promises at the beginning of the book and fulfilling them later in an epic way, putting foreshadowing right in front of your face that you cannot see, making rereads at least as enjoyable as the first read... it's all in there. 🤩

@ska
That is a compelling recommendation. I've been vaguely aware that Sanderson's stuff might be worth checking out, but now you've intrigued me.

@artemis if you do end up checking out Sanderson, keep in mind that 10% of all money he earns goes to the Mormon church where it will be used to support tons of anti-queer and other far right causes. One rare case where it’s probably better to not support the author financially (not like he needs the money anyway).