The Crow’s Rebirth: A Conversation with Director Rupert Sanders
"Don’t check the calendar. It’s not April Fools’ Day." This statement, a bold and funny declaration, perfectly illustrates the unexpected return of The Crow. After nearly 20 years of development hell, a new film, a reimagining of the 1994 cult classic, is finally gracing the silver screen. This reboot, directed by Rupert Sanders (Foundation, Snow White and the Huntsman, Ghost in the Shell), tells the tale of Eric Draven, a rocker brought back from the dead to seek vengeance for the murder of his beloved Shelly. The story itself is reminiscent of James O’Barr’s original comic, yet Sanders takes a unique and refreshing approach. He places a greater emphasis on the depth of Eric and Shelly’s relationship, presenting a more grounded and human romance that leads to a brutal and explosive spectacle.
Much like the original film, this Crow has been burdened by a history of failed attempts and a persistent myth of a curse. However, Sanders, in a bold statement, dismisses this notion: "I think what happened to Brandon was a tragedy and film sets are dangerous." He emphasizes the importance of safety protocols, stating that "We had no live-firing guns at all on set." This bold perspective reflects a necessary reframing of the tragedy and a commitment to placing safety at the forefront of filmmaking.
Despite the negative buzz surrounding the project, Sanders believes that the film will surprise audiences. In a bold assertion, he states, "I think as people are exposed to it, they have a similar reaction to you." This confidence stems from his belief that the film is a faithful interpretation of the source material. It’s a bold claim, given the original film’s status as a cult classic, but the director is confident in his vision. He acknowledges the differences between the original comic and the original film, and believes that his version is a unique interpretation of the material.
Sanders also reaffirms his independence from previous attempts at adapting The Crow. He declares, "I didn’t really know much about [the other versions]. I don’t really read the trades that much." This statement demonstrates his focus on creating his own vision, unburdened by the weight of past failures or attempts. He emphasizes the importance of a clear vision and the collaborative spirit that fuels the filmmaking process. "We made this movie inexpensively with a very interesting cast. We made it R-rated. We made it, in a way, the same way as the original movie was made."
The director goes on to discuss the resonance of the story, highlighting its core themes of love, loss, and grief. He boldly declares, "We’re all going to lose people we love and we’re all going to die." This universal truth is the heart of The Crow. It’s a story that explores the raw emotions of humanity in the face of tragedy.
"It’s a really beautiful love story for young people," Sanders continues, emphasizing the film’s unconventional approach to romance. This focus on the relationship between Eric and Shelly is a bold departure from the original film, which prioritized the action and avenging hero. "I really wanted her to be the driving engine of the movie." The director believes that in order to understand the lengths Eric will go to for his beloved, the audience must fall in love with Shelly just as deeply as he does. This focus on a more developed female character is a powerful statement about the importance of representation and female agency within a well-worn genre.
Sanders also highlights the depth of Eric’s character, stating that "he’s not on a blind mission of revenge." He points out that Eric is a complex and tortured soul, torn between his desire for vengeance and his overwhelming grief. This is a bold departure from the classic "hero on a mission" tropes of the superhero genre. "He’s crying while he’s doing it," underscores the humanity and emotion he brings to the role.
The casting of Bill Skarsgård (It) as Eric and FKA twigs (Honey Boy) as Shelly is a bold choice, bringing together two actors with strong independent credentials. Sanders explains, "I think both of them were really conscious of trying to create this realism between the two of them.” This realism is a direct response to the over-the-top and often unrealistic world of many contemporary superhero films. "I remember the first day we shot at the lake and they were just hanging out together and kissing and Bill was rolling joints and it was just very beautiful. And I was just like, “Wow, these two have really got something that I think people are going to really relate to.”" This natural chemistry between the two actors is at the heart of the film’s success, demonstrating the importance of genuine connection in creating a compelling narrative.
The film’s reliance on practical effects, with only minimal reliance on CGI, is another bold statement. "There’s very little green screen in the movie apart from what we shot the crows on." This decision reflects a commitment to a more grounded and realistic aesthetic, further distancing the film from the often overly stylized world of Hollywood blockbusters.
While the film is a love story at its core, Sanders doesn’t shy away from the graphic violence that is integral to the source material. "It’s always in character," he explains, defending the film’s intense action sequences. This brutal violence serves as a counterpoint to the film’s romance, highlighting the darker sides of humanity and the complex relationship between love and violence.
Sanders concludes by comparing his Crow to other adaptations of classic works: "It’s like theater. Every month there’s a new adaptation of Macbeth. Amazing people have done it throughout history." He believes that his film is a valid addition to the continuum of Crow interpretations, and hopes that audiences will appreciate it for its unique approach and its bold commitment to exploring the complex themes of the source material.
This interview with Rupert Sanders offers a fresh perspective on the Crow reboot, highlighting the director’s confidence in his vision and his bold decisions to create a unique and compelling film. The new Crow is not a simple reimagining, but rather a deeply personal interpretation of the source material, one that strikes a bold balance between romance, violence, and a keenly observed humanity.
