Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves and director Jan de Bont revisit ‘Speed’ 30 years later
As a longtime admirer of Keanu Reeves and his action-packed roles, I was absolutely thrilled to delve into this intriguing conversation between the Speed stars themselves. Listening to them reminisce about their experiences working on the film, it’s clear that they all shared a unique bond, fueled by their shared passion for delivering top-notch entertainment.
A folding chair and a paper plate for a steering wheel.
During the screening of “Speed” on Tuesday night at the Egyptian Theatre, which was one of the last events for this year’s Beyond Fest at American Cinematheque, Sandra Bullock recollected her audition experience for that 1994 blockbuster movie.
Following the screening that echoed with constant applause from the fully occupied crowd, Bullock shared a heartfelt 50-minute conversation on stage with her co-star Keanu Reeves and director Jan de Bont. This was their inaugural joint discussion about the film in front of a live audience.
The movie titled “Speed,” raking in over $350 million globally and garnering two Oscars for its sound, catapulted Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves to international stardom. This film served as a directorial debut for Jan de Bont, who had previously enjoyed a successful career as a cinematographer on movies like “Die Hard” and “Basic Instinct.
According to de Bont, it was clear from the beginning that the film would be successful due to the strong chemistry between Keanu and Sandra during filming. Their teamwork, including performing many of their own stunts, made the reactions feel genuine because they had to respond spontaneously to each other’s actions. Additionally, the movie is filled with humorous dialogue, and it offers an uninterrupted stream of real action without relying on CGI or artificial effects. Everything you see in the film is authentic.
The conversation was skillfully moderated by journalist Jim Hemphill after an introduction by Kris Tapley, host of the “50 MPH” podcast dedicated to “Speed” and credited as a driving force behind Tuesday’s event.
Tapley remarked, “You know, things just aren’t built as sturdily as they once were, and that sentiment has never been more applicable than when considering a movie like ‘Speed.’
In simpler terms, Bullock reminisced about numerous aspects from her pivotal audition – such as the vehicle she rode in and the doorway she passed through – leading up to landing the role that ultimately catapulted her to stardom.
Bullock stated, “I hadn’t anticipated securing this position, but what ultimately led to my hiring was persistence.” In a charming manner reminiscent of her acting prowess, she further mentioned, “You see, others declined the offer before me.
As De Bont questioned if others were contenders for the role, Bullock firmly stated, “Others had priority over me – I’ve already encountered them.
“The moment I saw you, I knew,” said De Bont.
However, you found me successful where one, two, and three had failed,” Bullock said eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Later on, Bullock faced Reeves, who hadn’t spoken much earlier, and remarked, “It seems Keanu was quite reserved during filming. I remember him saying something like, ‘Who among us will talk less first?’
In the movie, Keanu Reeves’ character is depicted as a Los Angeles SWAT officer. He thwarts a ransom bombing scheme masterminded by an aggrieved ex-police officer, portrayed by Dennis Hopper. Subsequently, this antagonist devises another plot that involves planting a bomb on a city bus, which will explode if the speed of the vehicle drops below 50 mph. Sandra Bullock plays a passenger who is recruited by Reeves’ character to drive the bus.
In his own words, Reeves admitted that he wasn’t immediately convinced about the project. However, after encountering De Bont, who he referred to as a “crazy genius,” he agreed to be a part of the film. Excited by Jan’s vision for the action, humor, and heightened reality he was aiming for, Reeves said, “When I saw his enthusiasm and determination, ‘It’s real and I want to make it happen,’ I was like, absolutely yes!
Among the diverse subjects discussed were:
Bullock mentioned that although she didn’t operate the bus during filming, she obtained a valid bus driver’s license from Santa Monica.
Bullock stated, “I was in control of the bus, but someone else was operating it from the back, or even up on the rooftop. That day, whoever Jan wanted me to collide with, I was violently steered towards.
Keanu Reeves expressed his thoughts about the film’s stunt coordinator, Gary Hymes, saying, “I prefer to participate in scenes whenever possible since it strengthens the narrative by maintaining a character presence. It eliminates the need for abrupt cuts elsewhere. Moreover, Gary Hymes was always encouraging and said ‘Go ahead, stay safe, but let’s do this!’ I truly value his enthusiasm.
Reeves remembered shooting one stunt where, as he put it, “We were a little under-informed.”
When the bus I was on started colliding with other vehicles, I found myself echoing the chaos that ensued, as I portrayed the panicked cries of my fellow passengers.
“The reactions were great,” director De Bont deadpanned.
In a subsequent remark, I found myself expressing my fondness for Jan de Bont, the Dutch filmmaker, by saying, “He’s got a unique approach – one we don’t always reveal for dramatic effect.
De Bont pointed out that the movie’s production cost was a modest $31 million. He further emphasized, “At this moment, it wouldn’t be possible to produce it for $150 million.
Regarding Hopper, the famously erratic cast member who played the menacing antagonist, Reeves commented, “He’s incredibly talented, captivating, and utterly dedicated.
De Bont interjected, “And he’s also a little nuts.”
Reeves enthusiastically agreed, ‘Absolutely!’ He might be a bit eccentric, but he’s incredibly skilled at what he does. Exceptionally professional. Even the most absurd lines we exchanged were fantastic.
After Reeves faced Bullock to inquire about her encounters with “The Hopper”, she responded, “I found him quite ordinary – though that term doesn’t suit him well, perhaps he seemed peculiar to you all, but he was exceptionally kind towards me.
Bullock further explained, “He was a person who craved an endless supply of life’s experiences. He felt that things were moving too quickly, and he yearned for even greater amounts of what life had to offer.
Looking back at the moment they initially watched the movie, Bullock reminisced about catching a glimpse during post-production, captivated by the employment of storyboard sketches to fill in for scenes yet unfinished – unaware that this wasn’t how it would ultimately appear in the final cut of the film.
Bullock commented, ‘That’s intriguing,’ she said. ‘Perhaps it will be a cartoon and then back to reality.’ At first, I thought I was confused about the film’s concept, but later I discovered they were storyboards. I didn’t inquire, I didn’t question it. And when I saw it again, I understood, ‘Ah, now I get it.’
Bullock playfully added, “You did a good job, Jan de Bont.”
Regarding the prospect of the three original actors coming together for “Speed 3,” Bullock commented to De Bont: “Today he’s so mild-mannered and kind. But that’s not the tough guy I recall from before.
Bullock further stated, “However, he’s the one who combined the effort and the concept, understood what the audience desired, and compelled everyone to deliver it. So, which movie would satisfy Jan’s creative mind? It would demand a lot from all of us. I’m not sure if our current industry is prepared to accept that challenge and show the courage to execute it. Perhaps, but there’s a chance I might be mistaken.
Read More
- TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
- RTM PREDICTION. RTM cryptocurrency
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- BAG PREDICTION. BAG cryptocurrency
- BCH PREDICTION. BCH cryptocurrency
- USD BRL PREDICTION
- AVAX PREDICTION. AVAX cryptocurrency
- XNO PREDICTION. XNO cryptocurrency
- BITCI PREDICTION. BITCI cryptocurrency
- OCT PREDICTION. OCT cryptocurrency
2024-10-09 21:31