After helming two influential films in the James Bond series—“GoldenEye” and “Casino Royale”—Martin Campbell has established himself as a reliable figure in the action film genre. His unpretentious skill set has spanned over 50 years, evident in his work on projects like “The Mask of Zorro” and “Edge of Darkness.”
Campbell’s newest endeavor, "Cleaner," showcases his extensive experience in crafting suspenseful narratives. Starring Daisy Ridley as a former soldier turned window cleaner, the film follows her attempt to rescue hostages, including her disabled brother, from a radical eco-terrorist group threatening a corporate headquarters. While fans may draw parallels to “Die Hard,” Campbell’s direction emphasizes unique storytelling elements, with Ridley performing many of her own stunts to embody a gritty portrayal of heroism.
In anticipation of the film’s release, Campbell spoke with Variety about the distinct challenges he faced making "Cleaner," reflecting on both the film’s production hurdles and his past works. He examined the limitations encountered while constructing tense sequences set 50 floors in the air and shared insights on navigating a career marked by early setbacks and successes.
When asked about “Cleaner” being his 20th feature film, Campbell seemed surprised by the number, highlighting how the gaps between projects make it difficult to keep track. He admitted that while some past projects fade from memory, the specificity of his experiences often resurfaces unexpectedly.
He acknowledged the thematic similarities with "Die Hard," while distinguishing his film’s narrative, specifically its exploration of eco-terrorism. He addressed the delicate issue of portraying activism and pointed out the film’s nuanced stance, which contrasts different factions within the eco-terrorist group.
Daisy Ridley’s commitment to performing her stunts added a visceral intensity to the film’s action scenes. Campbell emphasized the importance of allowing actors to immerse themselves in their roles, thus enhancing the realism of the action sequences. He noted that, when possible, utilizing the actor rather than a stunt double would yield a more authentic experience.
Regarding budget constraints, he tackled the logistical challenges of filming on limited resources, indicating the necessity for creative problem-solving techniques that can lead to equally impressive results. Such constraints can inspire innovative solutions that larger productions might overlook.
As for a trend of films featuring strong female leads—evident in "Dirty Angels" and "The Protégé"—Campbell clarified that his choice of projects wasn’t driven by this theme but rather by the scripts themselves and their inherent logic.
When discussing Ridley’s performance, Campbell highlighted the significance of her relationship with her brother, a core element of the film’s emotional weight. He emphasized Ridley’s versatility as an actress and the importance of her physical preparedness for the role.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Campbell revealed that some of the most rewarding projects were those that initially seemed like poor fits. He cited a past film, “Cast a Deadly Spell,” as an example where stepping out of his comfort zone proved beneficial.
His transition from directing "GoldenEye" to "The Mask of Zorro" wasn’t as straightforward as many might assume; despite initial hesitations, he was convinced by the film’s potential and his conversations with industry figures like Steven Spielberg.
Looking back on “Casino Royale,” Campbell expressed gratitude for the strong script and creative collaboration, elements that contributed significantly to the film’s success. He acknowledged that it’s challenging to predict a movie’s outcome during production, as exceptional casts and chemistry can unexpectedly align to create a hit.
Finally, Campbell shared his thoughts on understanding a film’s qualitative potential while editing. He admitted to feeling most optimistic about the project when watching it evolve in real-time, cautiously allowing a sense of accomplishment to build based on the film’s trajectory.
In closing, Campbell reflected on "Memory," a film he felt was undervalued by critics despite its strong storytelling, asserting that he stands by the work he has created throughout his dynamic career.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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Director Martin Campbell Talks ‘Cleaner,’ James Bond, ‘Zorro’
