When director Timur Bekmambetov entered the press room to be interviewed a very special guest came up behind him and hugged him. Thomas Kretschmann, who plays the character of Cross in Timur's latest film, wrapped his arms tightly around the director exclaiming, "I love this man!"
Timur was a bit shy about the exchange, but sang Kretschman's praises. In fact, he sang his entire casts praises when he spoke about his experiences directing 'Wanted', which is Timur's first foray into directing an American film.
A well-respected and prominent director in his home country of Russia, Timur is best known for directing the two largest grossing movies in Russian history. 'Night Watch' and the sequel 'Day Watch' were smash hits in his own country, and helped launch Timur's career. 'Wanted', due in theaters nationwide on June 27th, will likely propel Timur's career to a whole new level.
Was there a difference between Timur's experiences working with an American cast compared to Russia?
"I didn't find the difference between my Russian experience and American, I didn't find it very different," the director said. "The American actors are more…they feel they are responsible for every word. They aren't as big as Russian stars. They don't feel yet the personal responsibility for what they do."
What drew Timur to this particular story?
"James McAvoy's character. He's one of the millions of people sitting in an office around the world. There is no chance to escape. This was important to me to see what's inside them and what they are dreaming about. The whole movie it's his dream…. nightmare."
'Wanted' is based on the graphic novel by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. However, the film is far different from the graphic novel.
"The comic book is the first act of the movie. When Wesley revolts and he wants to change his life; he has enough power and to destroy things. The movie there is a second part when we know there is a reason to be bad because you need to save the world and support humanity."
With the graphic novel the characters were drawn to look like certain recognizable figures. For instance the character of Wesley in the graphic novel looks remarkably similar to rap artist Eminem. The rendering of the characters in the graphic novel, however, did not influence Timur.
"I never thought about it. There was a moment when we discussed it and I am happy I picked James because he's a good actor. It wasn't enough to just be a cool singer. I don't think Eminem was representative enough for the world wide big release," said Bekmambetov. "I think James McAvoy would be a person who would be a person that can be identified with for many many people."
In fact, McAvoy really does play the everyman, and a fantasy for so many men.
"It's exactly why I picked James. He's real. You can identify with him because he has a very specific sense of humor. He's not depressive even if the whole world around him is boring; he's still alive and that's very important. It's why you are identifying yourself with him.
"James, there is an optimism inside. We all have abilities, but we don't know how to use it. We don't have enough bravery to break the wall…I made an experiment in Russia. We made a short Internet spot where a man destroys the whole office.
"We made it in Russia and now today like ten million people have seen it. We made it in the CG office. The guy destroys the office. It was a viral promo for this. For me it was a test because people responded so much [to the video]."
Look for more from Bekmambetov and the rest of the cast and crew of 'Wanted' all this week. 'Wanted' opens June 27th in theaters everywhere.
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