Had one serious note not been shown to Transformers One director Josh Cooley, the movie would have been far more violent. A prequel to the entire Transformers franchise, the movie stars Chris Hemsworth (Optimus Prime), Brian Tyree Henry (Megatron), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), and Keegan-Michael Key (Bumblebee). It explores the roots of the conflict that would someday consume Cybertron and lead to the birth of the Decepticons.

In an interview with Variety, Cooley explained that he envisioned a much darker movie. He planned to show the violence and its consequences in depth, but he elected to pull back and shroud some of the more serious elements after receiving to tone it down. Cooley believes that it resulted in a Jaws-like effect that made the retained violence more compelling. Check out his full quote below:

Well, if there was any conversation at all, it was more about how things were presented on screen. We had some more obvious [moments of violence], not even at the end of the movie, but early on we had some shots that were very clear — you’re just seeing it. And the note was, “that might be too much.” And I was glad to get the note, because it allowed me to almost… not show the shark in Jaws, you know what I mean? Where, here’s the violent act, but you’re not really seeing what’s coming out of it, which actually makes that even more intense. So it was just finding that balance, knowing that this was going to be a film that’s for everyone. I think even with the climax of the film between the two of them, it was like, let’s show what feels right and not get over the top with it.

What The Decrease In Violence Means For Transformers One

The Cleaner Story Made For A Lower Rating

While retaining the stakes, Cooley ensured that Transformers One would have fewer gruesome or grisly scenes. Instead of depicting excessive violence, the movie that was released enjoyed a PG rating. That meant that no audiences would be restricted from seeing it, which is essential for a movie that may struggle to achieve profitability. It opened to a $25 million take, which is far from enough off of Transformer One's $75 million budget. After the cut that theaters take, it will need at least $150 million to make a profit.

When violence is used, it is far more effective.

The PG rating is perfect for ensuring that parents and guardians can bring their children. That extends the reach of the movie. However, that was the old calculus for profitability. The current reality is that many movies continue to see success in spite of their ratings. The R-rated Deadpool & Wolverine earned over $1.25 billion at the box office, and Joker earned $1 billion. The true benefit of the lower level of violence is that it ensures a more compelling use of brutality. When violence is used, it is far more effective, a truth that Cooley's Jaws comparison evokes.

Our Take On Transformers One's Violence

It Is Not Quite As Effective As Jaws

While limiting violence does suit the tone of the animated Transformers franchise, it is not quite as impactful as Cooley implies. The effectiveness of Jaws' shark is that preventing it from being seen ensures that there is always a sense of tension and mystery. There is not much mystery in Transformers One's avoidance of excessive violence. Instead, it simply reflects a need to maintain a rating, which represents a shift away from Michael Bay's explosions and chaos. It is still refreshing to see some restraint, and the franchise-high 98% Rotten Tomatoes audience score represents some serious success.

Source: Variety