Taylor Sheridan's Directorial Journey: From 'Vile' to 'Wind River
Taylor Sheridan, a prominent TV creator, is currently involved in writing, producing, and directing various shows like "Mayor of Kingstown," "Tulsa King," and multiple spin-offs of the popular series "Yellowstone." Despite his current success, Sheridan started his career as an actor and gained recognition for his role in "Sons of Anarchy." He made his directorial debut with the 2011 horror film "Vile," which he has distanced himself from due to its poor quality. Sheridan admitted that he helped keep the production on track but does not consider himself the true director of the film. Despite the negative reception of "Vile," Sheridan's experience on the project influenced his later work, including the 2017 thriller "Wind River."
"Vile" falls into the category of "torture porn" horror films, a subgenre that gained popularity after the success of "Saw" in 2004. The movie follows a group of young people who encounter horrifying experiences after picking up a hitchhiker in the woods. They wake up to find themselves captive, with a vial attached to their necks that must be filled with fluid through enduring extreme pain. The film's plot is predictable, featuring clichéd characters and exaggerated performances by inexperienced actors. Despite its amateurish quality, "Vile" embodies the characteristics of a low-budget horror film with a poorly written script and simplistic dialogue.
Sheridan's involvement in "Vile" was limited, and he has openly expressed his disapproval of the film's final outcome. While he assisted in completing the production, Sheridan does not consider himself the true director of "Vile." The movie's lackluster reception and subpar quality led Sheridan to distance himself from the project, focusing on his subsequent directorial efforts like "Wind River." Sheridan's experience with "Vile" served as a learning opportunity that he applied to his future projects, emphasizing his growth as a filmmaker.
In conclusion, Taylor Sheridan's early directorial venture with "Vile" may not have been a success, but it played a significant role in shaping his career as a filmmaker. Despite the film's shortcomings, Sheridan's involvement in "Vile" provided valuable lessons that influenced his later works, showcasing his evolution as a director in the industry.