Adam Sandler stars in "Spaceman," continuing the tradition
of films featuring men isolated in space. This tradition includes "First Man" with Ryan Gosling,
"Ad Astra" with Brad Pitt,
"Moon" with Sam Rockwell,
and "Interstellar" with
Matthew McConaughey, as well as Andrei Tarkovsky’s "Solaris."
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| Adam Sandler in 'Spaceman' NETFLIX |
"Spaceman," based on Jaroslav Kalfar’s novel, is set in an alternate future where the Czechs lead the space race. The film follows Jakub (Sandler), a cosmonaut on a solo mission to investigate a mysterious dust cloud near Jupiter, believed to hold the universe's secrets.
Jakub, portrayed by Adam Sandler,
faces profound loneliness and existential turmoil millions of miles from home
and his pregnant wife, Lenka (played by Carey Mulligan). However, his emotional
journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a massive, telepathic, and
empathetic space spider, voiced by Paul Dano, offering assistance.
"Spaceman" is only the second feature film by Swedish director Johan
Renck, known for his TV work, including the Emmy-winning "Chernobyl," and music videos for
artists like Beyoncé, Madonna, and David Bowie. Renck's production company,
Sinestra, established with "Spaceman"
producer Michael Parets, marks a new chapter in his career, focusing on diverse
cinematic endeavors. Sinestra, with a first-look deal with Fremantle, will
produce Renck's upcoming projects, including a film about Saddam Hussein's
final days.
Renck discussed "Spaceman" in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of its world premiere in the Berlinale Special program at the Berlin International Film Festival.
What drew you to this story of a
lonely man in space?
After completing "Chernobyl,"
a demanding limited series, I was drained. As usual, I contemplated quitting
the industry due to the toll it takes. I was planning to focus on opening a
restaurant in Brooklyn and staying put, avoiding the stress of filmmaking.
Then, I received an early draft of
the "Spaceman" script. Despite my intentions, I felt compelled to
take on this project after reading the book. The story resonated deeply with
me, as it mirrors my own experiences as a man whose ambition and ego have
strained relationships, including my three marriages.
Additionally, I've always been drawn to theoretical sci-fi, inspired by filmmakers like Tarkovsky. The themes of solitude in space and how it reflects our experiences during the pandemic intrigued me. The spaceship's isolation mirrors our lockdown experiences, with the spider creature symbolizing our internal struggles and efforts to navigate life's challenges.
The aesthetic of this film is
reminiscent of Chernobyl with a ’70s/’80s Soviet-era analog
technology, despite being a science fiction film. What is it about this
aesthetic that so appeals to you?
As a filmmaker, I value the visual
aspects of storytelling, which is why I entered the film industry. Film allows
you to create entire worlds and be in control. "Spaceman" is a
departure from reality; no one would realistically embark on a solo journey to
Jupiter, and the real-time communication depicted is impossible due to the vast
distances involved. This already places the film in the realm of science
fiction.
I was drawn to the idea of a
retro-futuristic setting, eschewing sleek, minimalist design for a chaotic,
messy aesthetic. I prefer analog elements over screens, which I dislike
intensely.
My creative process differs from many filmmakers; I don't use film references but instead rely on books. I visualize the film in my mind rather than drawing inspiration from other movies. I avoid derivative work, unless it's a deliberate choice. Despite this, "Spaceman" and "Chernobyl" share a similar aesthetic, as the source material for "Spaceman" is based on the Czech Republic, with thematic connections to the remnants of the Communist regime, similar to the setting of 1980s Russia and Ukraine in "Chernobyl."
What did you think of Adam Sandler
as your ideal Czech cosmonaut?
Adam Sandler's performance in
"Spaceman" is remarkable, especially considering the physical
challenges he faced. Despite not being a gymnast or bodybuilder, he
convincingly portrayed his character while suspended in mid-air, often acting
against a tennis ball. His portrayal captured profound curiosity and
bafflement, showcasing his talent even in challenging circumstances.
Paul Dano was the ideal choice for voicing the space spider Hanus, selected for his cadence and personality. However, recording his voice was postponed until after filming, adding complexity to the production process. Despite the challenges, Adam Sandler's exceptional performance was a constant source of amazement and admiration for the director, who considers him the best human being and a crucial part of bringing the film to life.
Carey Mulligan gives another
astounding performance. Interestingly, her character seems connected to
her Oscar-nominated role in Maestro. Again she’s playing a
very intelligent, capable woman who is beginning to question her marriage to an
ambitious, famous and emotionally distant man.
Carrie Mulligan, portraying Lenka
in "Spaceman," impressed
the director with her exceptional talent and professionalism. He considers her
the most exquisite actor he has ever worked with, praising her technical
perfection and delightful personality. Mulligan's dedication to her craft,
matching the director's own seriousness, made working with her a joy.
He even expressed that once she and Adam Sandler were in character, he felt he could leave the set, confident that they could handle everything. Mulligan's mastery and versatility as an actress made her a blissful collaborator, easing the director's job and enhancing the overall production.
So all the space effects were done
in camera, with wire work, etc. No vomit comet?
The director of "Spaceman" made a deliberate choice
to use practical effects, CGI, and various camera techniques to create the
sensation of zero gravity. They employed rigs and other methods to simulate
weightlessness, focusing on getting the camera movements to convey the feeling
of floating.
The director tasked the cinematographer, Jakob Ihre, with finding ways to make the cameras appear "out of control," using cranes with 360 lenses to constantly move in various directions. This approach allowed for shots where actors like Adam Sandler could appear to be floating effortlessly, even when they were not actually suspended in rigs.
You’ve done award-winning
television and hundreds of amazing music videos and commercials. Does this mark
the start of a different direction for you into film?
In 2008, I directed "Downloading Nancy," a film that premiered at Sundance and was known for its dark and nihilistic themes. While the film didn't favorably impact my standing in the American movie industry due to its intense nature, it led to a pivotal moment when Vince Gilligan, creator of "Breaking Bad," recognized my talent for camera work. He offered me a position on the show, which initially I hesitated to accept, preferring to focus on film.
However, Vince's perspective
resonated with me. He pointed out the opportunity to work with exceptional
scripts and actors in television, allowing me to refine my craft. This
experience led me to work on "Breaking
Bad" and eventually transition into miniseries, which I now love for
their depth in both plot and character development.
Despite the challenges, I find
filmmaking to be incredibly rewarding, especially in its demand for precision.
Every aspect must be meticulously crafted, making the process both daunting and
exhilarating. I am currently focused on exploring the medium of film further,
eager to push my limits and see how far I can take my work.
