The Next Reel Film Podcast Underworld • The Next Reel
“Whether you like it or not, you’re in the middle of a war that’s been raging the better part of a thousand years. A blood feud between vampires and lycans. Werewolves.”
Moving from the art department on films like Independence Day to commercials to music videos, it makes sense that Len Wiseman brings a very specific look to his films. Pairing that look with his passion for genre movies, it seems obvious that he would be the man behind the Underworld franchise. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our foray into Wiseman’s franchise with is 2003 film Underworld.
We talk about the history of werewolves and vampires and how their pairing works effectively. We look at Wiseman’s journey to this film and how it was his art background that nabbed him the job. We chat about Kate Beckinsale as Selene and why she works so well in this film and franchise, which came at a point in her career where it seemed like a step away from the expected path. We touch on Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, and other actors and what they bring to the table. We discuss the soap operatic feel the script has and how it works in context of this story. We look at the team behind the cinematography, production design, costume design, and music and how well their individual parts come together to form this unique whole. And we look at the cinematically defining moments that make even the sometimes dated CG work.
It’s a delightful and fun dive into a brilliantly constructed world. We have a great time talking about it so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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