Cautionary tale about technology
TEJAS EWING
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Director Rob Cohen talks about "Stealth," tech know-how and his future project.
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Rob Cohen
His Hollywood career spans over 30 years and is dotted with hits like "The Witches of Eastwick" and "Dragon: The Bruce Lee story" ... His last two films were "Fast and the Furious" (2001) and "XXX" (2002). Director Rob Cohen's latest, "Stealth," is a "seamless blend between reality and CG imagination."Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
When directing an action film, what is the key to a successful shoot?
It requires both. The complexity of my action scenes would be impossible to execute on an improvisational basis: too much specialised equipment, man-power, and specific allocation of time are required to achieve the maximum effect with the minimum of waste and danger.
What were the specific challenges of directing a film about air warfare?
Everything about the treatment of an aerial combat in "Stealth" was new. In a 1-hour-and-53-minute-film, a full 47 and 1/2 minutes was 3-D CG FX. This would be a lot for a science fiction film, but my film takes place right here on earth.
What has attracted you to the action genre ?
With "Stealth," for the first time in my life, I became interested in the military. I hate war. I [wanted] to show ...all the alternatives to the horrible institution of war"Stealth" gave me a chance to look at how the post - "Top Gun" war film could be made and the cautionary implications of turning more and more of the killing over to machines. It was also ironic to me to be using the most sophisticated computers and programs to make a cautionary tale about technology itself.
What was it like working with Jamie Foxx? Did the actors have to undergo any special preparation for the roles?
Jamie was a two-legged party. I loved his energy, confidence, and humour. Josh did intense training with the Navy, swat teams, and stunt co-ordinators. Jessica went to Lamore Naval Air Force Station and bunked with women pilots plus I put her on a strenuous physical regimen to thicken her neck and shoulders.
As a producer and director, what elements attract you to an upcoming project?
A visual and cultural feast, that is what I create next but as my mother used to say, "man plans and god laughs." Namaste.
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