Ayer Blasts “Suicide Squad” Studio Cut

By
Garth Franklin
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Ayer Blast Suicide Squad Studio Cut
Warner Bros. Pictures

With all the rave reviews for James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” now out, filmmaker David Ayer has now upped his criticism of the theatrical release of his 2016 “Suicide Squad” film.

That film, despite a solid box-office, has been seen as a wide disappointment. It’s also known that the studio, in a panic following the poor “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” reviews, took over the edit and commissioned multiple cuts of the film.

Ayer has long posted on social media about his dissatisfaction with the film’s infamously poorly edited and pop track-backed theatrical cut. He’s also stated that his cut, unlike Snyder’s “Justice League” which required a bunch of costly post-production, is already complete – it simply isn’t being released.

Today he posted a lengthy response to a Twitter poster wondering if he should quit pursuing a director’s cut release. He adds that he “will no longer speak publicly on the matter” after this statement:

“I never told my side of the story and never will… I’m old school like that. So I kept my mouth shut and took the tsunami of sometimes shocking personal criticism.

I put my life into Suicide Squad. I made something amazing. My cut is intricate and emotional journey with some bad people who are s–t on and discarded (a theme that resonates in my soul).

The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again. And my cut is not the ten-week director’s cut – it’s a fully mature edit by Lee Smith standing on the incredible work by John Gilroy.

It’s all Steven Price’s brilliant score, with not a single radio song in the whole thing. It has traditional character arcs, amazing performances, a solid third-act resolution. A handful of people have seen it.”

The director also added that he is ‘so proud’ of Gunn and despite what happened he still stands in full support of the studio:

“I’m so proud of James and excited for the success that’s coming. I support WB and am thrilled the franchise is getting the legs it needs. I’m rooting for everyone, the cast, the crew. Every movie is a miracle. And James’ brilliant work will be the miracles of miracles.”

In the wake of the posting, the #ReleaseTheAyerCut campaign has scored a bit of a new life on social media. Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” comes to cinemas and HBO Max on August 5th.