When this was published in “Sobranie Exclusive”, it was the first interview for Russian mass media with the director of the comedic melodrama, “500 days of summer” and also of “The Amazing Spider-man” - Marc Webb.
On the day we met with Mr. Webb, there were several negative reviews of his work on “The Amazing Spider-man.” It’s not a secret that the media, as well as the fans of the comics that dislike the director, actively discuss the disconnection of the plot between the first and second parts in the tetralogy. They also discuss the abrupt death of the mistress of the main character, and the unexplainable delay of the premiere for the third film from 2016 to 2018….
It’s not surprising, that Marc, who keeps the media at arms length, was apprehensive to agree to interview. I decided to violate the journalist rule and promised not to ask any intrusive questions. I did it consciously just because I understood that if I were to ask those questions, the interview would be over, before it begins. Attacking him was not my goal. As we say in Russia “Do not shoot the pianist! He plays the only way he is capable of”. Therefore, we spoke about his work on his debut film “500 days of summer”, which by the way, was positively accepted by both the critics and the audience. Of course, we also spoke about “The Amazing Spider-man” which made him known as a world-renowned director.
Sasha Korbut: Marc, 120 years ago the Lumiere brothers created cinematography. Back then, no one could order them how to make a movie; they did as they pleased. Today, in the XXI century, the movie industry has grown to a large extent: the director works alongside producers, screen writers, stage managers etc. To what extent do you feel unrestricted, as a director on any movie?
Mark Webb: Of course everything depends on what I am working on. The extent of my influence can differ depending on what I am working on, whether it be a full length movie, a music video or commercial. Only the director is responsible for the finished product. Of course, a director has to know how to negotiate, compromise, and discuss the details, but the director has the authority to always say “no”. Difficulties arise more often, for example, not co-workers but with organizing the set location. The director has to predict the issues and know how to deal with them. He defines his own role and the degree of influence in the production but the ability and compromise should be the integral qualities of a professional director.
You could put the question this way – would the producers be satisfied with the director’s version of the final product? But it does not change the fact that the director, as I previously stated, has the ability to say no. It is the director who sits in the editorial box and decides what to cut and what to leave in. He has the official authority. Another question to be concerned of is if the production company will release the movie or not. So far I am fortunate enough to work with the companies who don’t tie up my hands. I have had only positive experience in working with producing companies.
SK: The film “500 Days of Summer” was your film debut. Were you satisfied with the result?
MW: Well, “to be satisfied” is a very relative concept. I think that it is always possible to do better. I will say this, I am proud of this movie. I got an invaluable experience and learned a lot.
“I would not be able to make this movie, for example, 20 years from now and this is why I had to make it at that time when the emotions were still fresh.”
SK: What exactly did you learn?
MW: Exactly what I mentioned earlier in the interview: to negotiate. For example, with the actors. We learned how to work together and become a one single organism. I worked well with Joe and Zoe, we created a comfortable atmosphere during the entire duration of the movie.
SK: In one of the interviews you said “When your heart is broken it consumes you. And it is an emotion I wanted to make a movie about before I forgot how it felt”
Tell me, have you already forgotten?
MW: I think I will never forget that feeling. Those things will always remain with me at the bottom of my heart. The emotions were so strong that it felt like I was on the verge of life and death like an apocalypse was happening inside of me. And, with time, I started to notice that this apocalyptic state of feeling is gradually leaving me. I realized that I would not be able to make this movie, for example, 20 years from now and this is why I had to make it at that time when the emotions were still fresh.
SK: How much of Marc Webb is in Tom’s character?
MW: In that movie you can recognize me not only in a main character, but each of the characters. The main character Tom Hanson – is a combination of the director and the screen writer, which is myself and Scott Neustadter. The story line actually came from Scott; the movie is based on his experience of a broken heart.
SK: How was Joseph Gordon Levitt chosen to play the leading role?
MW: It was my idea! At that time I already held auditions and chose Zoe Deschanel for the leading female role. I just needed to find a suitable partner who could follow the dynamics of the story and also someone who could make the audience feel the chemistry between the characters. After seeing Joe at the audition, I wrote a letter to the studio requesting to hire him for the leading role and he took it on perfectly.
“500 Days of Summer” is considered a romantic comedy, however I try not to put any label on the movie. Levitt has created a very realistic character, so real that you could meet him on the street at any moment. Therefore, the humor in the movie was very natural. Levitt was not trying to be funny, he seemed funny because of his genuine emotions of trying to be serious. I realized that I wanted him for the lead role after seeing his movies such as “Mysterious skin” and “Brick”.
“Everybody can be Spider-man no matter what race, nationality or skin color you are.”
SK: Let’s talk about superheroes. There are a lot of comic characters with superpowers but Spider-man seems to be the most popular one. Why? What’s the secret of his success?
MW: At first kids needs superheroes, especially the ones who are becoming adolescents. At this period of their life they are in a search of protection and a sense of authority which they often find not in life, but in books, movies and comics. There are few things that made Spider-man recognized by all. First, he is an adolescent which means he is close to age of those who read about him. Second – his outfit completely covers his body and face which means everybody can be Spider-man no matter what race, nationality or skin color you are. Iron man’s outfit is also fully covered, but Tony Stark does not hide his identity which makes him different from Spider-man. I believe that this is the main secret of Spider-man’s popularity.
SK: In one of the interviews you said that “Spider-man is a sort of popcorn movie unless you put an important massage between the lines”. What is the message?
MW: At the beginning, the main character is trying to figure out who he is – Peter Parker or Spider-man? He constantly has to wear a mask. Isn’t this what we encounter daily? In every movie I am trying to hide a deeper meaning. Speaking of Spider-man – the first movie was centered around loss in life: Peter lost his father, the antagonist lost his arm etc. “The Amazing Spider-man: High Voltage” talks about time and the value of it. The climax of the story happens in the tower when Spider-man is holding the arm of the clock and his love interest Gwen is about to die. He is trying to stop time and delay the death, but it does not work.
SK: Well, we know the consequences. The main character Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) is going to die at the end of the movie. It was a shock for many fans. How is it possible that a third part is soon to come but the love interest of the Spider-man is dead. Rumors were spread via the internet that the director will bring Gwen back to life…
MW: No. That’s all I can say so far. And I think it was important to show that there is a possibility of death for the main characters despite the continuation of the plot. It also is a good maneuver for the director. Look at the success of the TV show “Game of Thrones.” Why is the audience always on the edge of their seats? Because you never know who will live to see the next episode.
“Since my childhood I have been a big fan of Spider-man, but I could have never imagined that some day I would have become the director of a film about my hero.”
SK: You officially announced that the third part of “The Amazing Spider-man” is going to be your last directorial work in this project. In the subsequent film you will only be an assistant. Why?
MW: Because there are many other stories which I would like to tell besides Peter Parker’s story. And for that, I need time.
SK: Have you ever thought that “The Amazing Spider-man” made you famous and you will always be associated with this movie. In the acting world it is a pretty usual case. For example, Sarah Jessica Parker, Macaulay Caulking and Daniel Redcliff - everybody knows them as Carrie, Kevin and Harry.
MW: I don’t think that the same applies with directors. We are behind the camera, and not in front. But if people would remember me only as the director of “The Amazing Spider-man,” I would not be upset.
SK: When Peter Jackson received an Oscar for “Lord of the Ring,” in his speech he said that since he was a child, he always dreamt to film the book of Tolkien. What about you in terms of Spider-man?
MW: Since my childhood I have been a big fan of Spider-man, but I could have never imagined that some day I would have become the director of a film about my hero. I though that I would shoot only independent films, not commercial…
What I personally like about Spider-man is that he is smart, funny and an outcast. He does not try to harm the enemies. His weapon is a soft but durable cobweb. He is the protector and guardian of the people – these qualities I really appreciate.
“Spider-man is much bigger than just a man in a mask ”
SK: My favorite moment of the second part of the movie is when a little boy, inspired by the actions of Spider man, puts on his mask and stands up against the villain (Paul Giamatti). This moment seemed to me the most important in the film. It is sort of a metaphor about the hero’s actions and their consequences. Was it your idea?
MW: It’s actually was Andrew Garfield’s idea. This scene was really drastic in the movie - it shows that Spider-man is much bigger than just a man in a mask.
SK: Name me a few movies that made an impact on your life.
MW: “City Lights” with Charlie Chaplin, “Dead Poet Society” with Robin Williams, “Witness” when I was an adolescent… “Top Gun” and “Room with the View” are two of my favorites. “Love Mood”, “Shanghai Express” etc.
SK: What was a recent movie that you’ve see that you would highly recommend to watch?
MW: “Whiplash” by Damien Chazelle
SK: A movie director that inspires you?
MW: Peter Weir
SK: An actor who you would like to work with?
MW: Jeff Bridges. I dream to film him in my movie.
SK: Well, that’s what I wish for you. Thank you for the interview.