Matthew Vaughn's latest film, Argylle, may not have garnered the attention or acclaim that was initially anticipated. From the mystery surrounding the author of the source novel to the underwhelming reveal, this project has been surrounded by a shroud of uncertainty. Let's delve into the details and shed some light on the intrigue.
Initially, the author behind the novel Argylle was a topic of fervent speculation. Fans and media alike were buzzing with theories, ranging from renowned pop stars like Taylor Swift to literary heavyweights such as J.K. Rowling. However, the truth was finally unveiled in an interview with the UK newspaper, The Telegraph. It was revealed that Elly Conway, the enigmatic author, was, in fact, a collaborative effort between renowned authors Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen. It seems that Taylor Swift can finally be ruled out.
The collaboration between Hayes, known for his critically acclaimed novel I Am Pilgrim, and Cohen, came about thanks to Matthew Vaughn. Following the cancellation of plans to adapt Hayes's I Am Pilgrim, Vaughn had a unique proposition. He approached Hayes with the idea of creating a book that the film's protagonist would have written, rather than a conventional novelization of the movie. Hayes then enlisted Cohen's writing skills, as his existing project was already behind schedule.
The writing process for Argylle was a synergy of Cohen's storytelling skills, forming the crux of the novel, and Hayes's contributions, which he described as 'connective tissue.' Going further, both Apple and Universal Studios also had their own input into the story. The result was a collaborative effort that resembled a writers' circle round-robin, crossing boundaries between different mediums.
Argylle, both the novel and the film, offers a unique experience that goes beyond a typical cinema outing. It merges different forms of entertainment, providing an extra layer of immersion for audiences. However, the theatrical release of the film fell short of expectations, grossing only $35 million worldwide. To break even, it was reported that the film would need to earn $500 million through traditional studio distribution.
Marketing strategies can be a double-edged sword. When successful, they can generate massive buzz, attract audiences, and elevate a project to new heights. However, when the hype and speculation outweigh the reality, the final reveal can often fall flat. Sadly, the revelation of the writing duo behind Argylle didn't create the anticipated buzz. The solving of the Elly Conway mystery wasn't met with the enthusiasm that was initially expected.
Even after the news was unveiled in The Telegraph and shared on Cohen's Instagram account, many steadfastly clung to the possibility of Swift or Rowling's involvement. It's worth noting that perhaps the film would have fared better at the box office if it had been able to tap into the immense fan bases of these megastars. Instead, Argylle has become a love-it-or-hate-it movie. While critics lean towards the latter, the film's audience score has been gradually rising as viewers embrace its inherent silliness and accept it for what it is.
Argylle has now hit cinemas and will make its way to Apple TV+ in the future. As audiences continue to form their own opinions, the film's fate remains uncertain. Whether it's the allure of the mysterious author or the quirky execution of the story, Argylle has certainly made its mark in the world of cinema. Only time will tell if this unique venture will leave a lasting impression on audiences.
