Rob Marshall talks about directing the latest in the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Making Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides took Rob Marshall and his cast and crew on a grand adventure across the world. And it was, one of the most memorable experiences of his life, according to the director.
"It was a grand adventure on screen and off," says Marshall. "Each moment while making this film, whether in Hawaii or London or somewhere else, everyone felt great to be a part of this unique experience," says Marshall, director of hit films like Chicago, Memoirs of A Geisha and Nine, who have together garnered a total of 23 Oscar nominations.
"I've always wanted to do a classic adventure film," he says. "The action in Pirates, like dance, is choreographed within an inch of its life," he says.
It also represented an opportunity to work with Johnny Depp, an actor Marshall has wanted to team up with for years. "Johnny is an extraordinary person because not only is he a genius and a creative force, but is also a kind, thoughtful and elegant man."
Depp returns as the lovable rogue Captain Jack Sparrow and this time he's on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, pursued by an exotic, dangerous band of adversaries, some old — like Barbossa played by Geoffrey Rush — and some new, including the evil Blackbeard ( Ian McShane) and his daughter, Angelica (Penélope Cruz).
Marshall says he couldn't think of anyone else besides Penélope Cruz in the movie. "It had to be an actress who could match Depp on every level. There had to be a sensuality to the character, humour, strength — a female pirate who is as smart, crafty and as clever as Jack Sparrow," says Marshall.
On Stranger Tides is filmed entirely in 3D, a format that enhances the experience for the audience, says Marshall, but represented another big challenge for the director and his crew. "We took delicate cameras into jungles, beaches, caves and ships. It was a challenge. We discovered a lot on our feet as we were going. The movie is a skillful blend of action, humour, romance and, I hope, a spellbinding adventure for my audience. It was an amazing experience making the film," he says. "I'll never forget it."
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