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Martin Campbell has solidified his legacy in the action film genre through his directorial work on iconic titles like “GoldenEye” and “Casino Royale.” His diverse filmography, which includes notable projects such as “The Mask of Zorro” and adaptations like “Edge of Darkness” and “Memory,” demonstrates a remarkable versatility that has kept him relevant and respected in the industry for over five decades. Campbell’s unpretentious yet masterful approach to filmmaking has garnered him a distinguished reputation, making him a staple in the action cinema landscape.

In his latest offering, “Cleaner,” Campbell utilizes his extensive background in crafting edge-of-your-seat thrillers. The film stars Daisy Ridley as a former soldier turned window washer who finds herself in a race against time to thwart a radical eco-terrorist group. This group has taken control of a corporate headquarters, holding hostages, including her disabled brother. Although Campbell faces inevitable comparisons to “Die Hard,” he skillfully orchestrates a gripping narrative filled with suspense, relying on Ridley to perform many of her own stunts, showcasing a vivid and gritty depiction of heroism under extreme pressure.

Prior to the Friday release of “Cleaner,” Campbell engaged in a conversation with Variety to discuss the unique challenges presented by this film within the broader context of his illustrious career. He elaborated on the financial constraints and logistical hurdles of shooting a high-stakes narrative set on the 50th floor of a skyscraper. Additionally, Campbell reflected on several of his past successes, including projects he had initially turned down multiple times, sharing valuable insights about navigating the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks.

Reflecting on Your Career: “Cleaner” Marks Your Twentieth Feature Film as a Director

Is it really my twentieth? You seem to know my filmography better than I do, Todd. It’s quite a milestone, isn’t it?

Did the Journey Feel as Long as Twenty Films Suggest?

No, not really. The time between films can be so significant that you don’t often stop to tally them up. Sometimes I find myself recalling some dreadful film I was involved with years ago, and I think, “Oh God, I had completely forgotten about that experience.” It’s fascinating how selective memory works in this industry.

Exploring the “Die Hard” Vibe: Is “Cleaner” a Containment Thriller?

Not exactly. There are countless films set on a plane, for example, and each has its own unique identity. While there are some parallels to “Die Hard,” especially with our story involving a cleaner against eco-terrorists in a skyscraper, the narrative is distinct. The eco-terrorist aspect, combined with the internal conflicts within their group, adds layers of complexity that differ significantly from “Die Hard.” Additionally, the relationship dynamics between Daisy’s character and her brother set this film apart, making it a unique experience in its own right while still drawing upon some architectural similarities.

Navigating Eco-Terrorism: Balancing Activism and Storytelling

The issue of eco-terrorism is incredibly pertinent today, particularly in the United States, where political climates can overshadow pressing environmental concerns. In “Cleaner,” eco-terrorists are presented in a nuanced light, as there are two factions within the group. One faction advocates for non-violent means, believing that no lives should be lost, while the other is willing to resort to extreme measures. This duality creates a thrilling momentum within the narrative, driving the plot forward while engaging with real-world issues surrounding environmental activism.

Crafting Visceral Action: Daisy Ridley’s Commitment to Stunts

Daisy Ridley performed a significant amount of her stunts in “Cleaner,” showcasing her dedication to the role. The actress was supported by a talented stunt double for the more dangerous sequences, but her commitment to performing as many stunts as possible contributed to the film’s visceral and authentic action. Her performance heightens the tension and excitement, allowing audiences to experience the adrenaline rush alongside her character.

Actor Engagement: The Key to Effective Action Sequences

The success of intense action scenes heavily relies on the actor’s willingness to engage fully. While it’s crucial to utilize the actor when possible, as their performance adds a unique layer to the action, there’s always a possibility to creatively stage scenes even if an actor opts out of certain stunts. However, having an actor willing to dive into the action allows for a more authentic portrayal, making it easier to capture the desired intensity on camera without compromising the vision.

Budgeting for “Cleaner”: A Different Approach to Filmmaking

Indeed, “Cleaner” was produced on a tighter budget compared to some of the larger studio films I’ve worked on. This financial constraint necessitated creativity and innovation in production, particularly when it came to the visual effects and shooting locations. We had extensive discussions on how to effectively shoot scenes at great heights without the luxury of expansive sets or budgets. With a talented crew and thorough storyboarding, we devised clever solutions that allowed us to achieve high-quality results despite financial limitations, demonstrating that restrictions can sometimes lead to more inventive outcomes.

Female Protagonists: A Trend in Your Recent Projects

Not particularly. In “Dirty Angels,” it was essential to feature a team of women due to the unique challenges faced by women in Afghanistan. The narrative naturally lent itself to a female lead, as they are often marginalized in that context. My choice of projects hasn’t been a deliberate trend but rather a reflection of the stories that resonate with me, regardless of the gender of the protagonist.

Collaborating with Daisy: Enhancing Her Character’s Depth

Our discussions centered around the relationship between Daisy’s character and her brother, which is pivotal to the story. This dynamic is her primary connection aside from her conflicted relationship with Taz. Daisy’s versatility as an actress allowed us to explore these nuances, ensuring she could physically and emotionally embody the complexities of her role effectively.

Learning from Past Projects: Reflections on “Green Lantern”

Interestingly, it’s often the unconventional projects that yield valuable lessons. For instance, I directed an HBO film titled “Cast a Deadly Spell,” which was a unique blend of HP Lovecraft and film noir. Initially, I felt out of place for the project, but it ended up being a success and taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. I have a deep love for thrillers, and while I admire films like the original “Die Hard,” my formative cinematic influences stem from classic films of the ’60s, which continue to inspire my work today.

“GoldenEye”: A Turning Point that Showcased Your Directorial Prowess

Ironically, I landed the “GoldenEye” directing gig due to a project that didn’t perform well at the box office. My film “No Escape,” which featured Ray Liotta, failed to make a significant impact. However, it caught the attention of John Calley at United Artists, who reached out to me with the opportunity to direct Bond. It’s fascinating how one project, despite its lack of success, became my calling card for such a prestigious role.

Capitalizing on Momentum: The Mask of Zorro After GoldenEye

Not really. In fact, I turned down “Zorro” three times before ultimately agreeing to take it on. Robert Rodriguez was initially set to direct but backed out due to budget constraints. I was hesitant about the script despite its strong premise. However, after a persuasive call from Steven Spielberg, I eventually said yes. Even as I accepted the project, I sat at dinner with my agent and lawyer, convinced I had made a terrible mistake.

Did “The Mask of Zorro” Come Together as You Hoped?

Despite initial doubts, we managed to bring in additional writers, and the project found its footing. The president of TriStar Pictures at the time, Calley, had his reservations about the concept but ultimately greenlit it, stating he could recover the investment even if it didn’t perform well. His confidence allowed us to move forward, and we ultimately created a film that resonated with audiences.

Returning to the Bond Franchise: Confidence with “Casino Royale”

By the time we were working on “Casino Royale,” we were fortunate to have the draft from Paul Haggis, who is an exceptional writer. His ability to break the story in a matter of weeks was invaluable. Additionally, Barbara Broccoli’s insistence on casting Daniel Craig was pivotal; her vision led us to a more gritty and realistic approach, which ultimately contributed to the film’s success and set a new tone for the franchise.

The Magic of Filmmaking: Balancing Stars and Scripts

I don’t view filmmaking in such binary terms. It’s a complex process, especially with high-stakes action films that often feature elaborate sequences. While you do your best to push through challenges and create the best product possible, it’s impossible to predict whether a film will resonate until it’s complete. Fortunately, in “Casino Royale,” the cast