Doctor Jekyll Director Joe Stephenson on Creating Modern Hammer Horror

As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in exploring diverse characters and narratives, I find this modern retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” particularly intriguing. The decision to have a transgender protagonist whose transness is woven seamlessly into her character without serving as a plot device is both refreshing and progressive. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of storytelling, where characters from all walks of life can be portrayed authentically on screen.

The character portrayed by Eddie Izzard as Doctor Jekyll can now be streamed on demand platforms, offering a contemporary take on the timeless novel. In this adaptation, Dr. Jekyll is a descendant of Henry Jekyll and is fixated on furthering and refining his work. The story unfolds as a suspenseful thriller, with Scott Chambers’ character, Rob, finding himself confined within the house alongside the enigmatic Dr. Jekyll, attempting to comprehend the strange occurrences happening around him. Directed by Joe Stephenson, the film pays homage to the Hammer horror genre’s campy style.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to witness the resurgence of the legendary Hammer brand, a name that carries an unmistakable charm in the realm of cult, B-horror films, with roots tracing back as far as the 1950s (although the studio itself was established in 1934). Recently, I had the privilege to chat with Director Jekyll over at ComicBook, discussing our shared passion project – Doctor Jekyll – the hurdles we faced during production, and the unique experience of crafting a contemporary Hammer horror masterpiece.

Was this movie written with Eddie in mind?

In establishing this project, our approach to casting was deliberately free from any consideration of gender, as we aimed to determine the best fit for each role.

In our discussions, we pondered over what would set this tale apart and whether the narrative would involve issues related to gender. We explored numerous potential performers, spanning a broad spectrum.

During our conversations, we encountered some truly remarkable individuals who showed genuine interest, but I found myself more focused on creating a film that catered to others rather than expressing my own creative vision and producing work that truly reflected me.

Initially, I was striving to create a work that would meet certain criteria and be considered “high-end horror,” but it wasn’t something I felt a strong connection to. Despite my admiration for such films, I didn’t wish to produce one myself. Then, when the suggestion of Eddie arose, it seemed perfectly fitting.

In simpler terms, As I read, something clicked – it was both funny and smart, with a unique stream-of-consciousness feel to it. Suddenly, everything made sense to me. And even though the character transforms into a trans person, as Eddie himself is, this doesn’t alter the storyline. The narrative remains the same; it just turns out that Jekyll is trans.

In essence, I didn’t intend to craft a story with trans themes at all, and neither did Eddie. His involvement was solely due to his talents, not any connection to the subject matter. He was indeed the perfect fit. This decision allowed me to embrace the campy aspects and the vintage Hammer style even more enthusiastically, as I felt liberated by it, thinking, “Fantastic, now I can really give it my all,” which was exactly what I desired.

As a fan, I found myself stepping into someone else’s narrative, but the moment Eddie was cast, everything clicked into place – in an oddly satisfying, quirky-film sort of manner.

Some individuals have expressed concerns that the portrayal of Jekyll and Hyde might simply involve Eddie transitioning between genders, which they find potentially awkward or uneasy.

Indeed, that scenario simply didn’t materialize, and it had been destined not to from the start. The storyline had already been finalized. The character’s gender was intentionally ambiguous – the role of Dr. Jekyll in the script could have been anyone. So I found myself thinking, “Anyone can be a doctor.”

As a passionate viewer, I find it captivating when a character is portrayed as trans, and this aspect of their identity is seamlessly integrated into their story without serving as a plot device or driving force. Instead, her transness is woven into the fabric of her character, a vital part of her history and identity, yet it remains independent from the narrative’s events. It neither influences nor affects the course of the movie in any way.

In a modern twist that keeps technology at bay for an engaging narrative, I can’t help but wonder if there were any real-life tech moguls who inspired the character of Jekyll in this retelling. Was there any particular story or figure that served as a blueprint?

Of course, the characters that instantly pop into your head are intentional. We’re subtly suggesting you think about certain individuals. However, it wasn’t based on any specific person. Instead, it was a concept: intergenerational wealth disparity, power that wealth brings, and its influence across various industries.

That disparity is massive, and the choices that people make, and the idea that she’s taking a drug, and creating drugs, and making money off drugs, whereas Rob has been penalized and has been, has suffered for having experimented with drugs, basically. She got rich over it, and he’s had to go to a juvenile prison and things.

As a gamer, the gap between my skills and those of my opponents truly stood out as crucial. Of course, I could mention specific names, but honestly, it’s not necessary. The point is clearly evident.

How significant was it to secure Rob’s role, given that for about three quarters of the film, only these two actors appear on screen.

I remember it clearly – my very first film experience. Scott was the star of that production, and I can still recall the excitement and anticipation we all felt as he stepped onto set for the first time. It was a role tailor-made for him, a perfect fit, and watching him bring it to life was an unforgettable experience. His talent and dedication were evident in every scene, and his performance left a lasting impression on me. I believe that his debut film played a significant role in shaping his successful career in the industry, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of such a memorable moment in his life and mine.

It’s intriguing to note that the character in this film is likely to be anticipated as rather streetwise and tough. In other words, people might anticipate him to appear rugged and unrefined.

It’s important to acknowledge that many young individuals find themselves in the grip of drug problems. This isn’t exclusive to any particular kind of individual, and it’s unfair to stereotype in this way. Instead, let’s focus on a more engaging perspective: We’re dealing with an individual who, despite his good nature, has unfortunately been led astray by the wrong crowd. Contrary to expectations, he is actually quite sensitive at heart.

I dislike the use of common storytelling devices known as tropes. I find it problematic, particularly when it appears to stigmatize a specific group of individuals. It seems to portray them in an unflattering light, labeling them as rough or from tough backgrounds, often associated with the working class. However, this character has had a difficult life, but he doesn’t fit that stereotype, and I found that refreshing. That was something Scott was keen on avoiding, and it was quite unexpected, which made it enjoyable.

It’s clear that with Eddie on board, their interactions would impact both performances significantly. Essentially, they need to find a way to share the spotlight evenly. In essence, the dynamic between them is what’s being captured on screen. Moreover, as we shoot, the characters develop organically due to their reactions towards each other. This back-and-forth interplay is what makes it enjoyable for me. I prefer projects that let actors collaborate at their own pace rather than rushing through something. They get to play off each other and jointly craft these characters.

Essentially, Scott was always meant to play the role. The challenge lay in understanding the nuances of the character and how this character related to Jekyll.

In addition to Sandra’s character, she initially appears to embody the corrupting influence of wealth and power; however, this interpretation becomes somewhat ambiguous later on.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that Lindsay Duncan is an extraordinary actress. Her talent is simply astonishing; she’s a true legend in the industry. And let me tell you, we fans are always eager to appreciate her work to the fullest!

From Rob’s point of view, he perceives her as being unkind and disliking him. However, in reality, she deeply cares for Nina, has insights into certain situations, and is attempting to safeguard Rob by indicating that if the job and environment aren’t suitable for him, there could be negative consequences.

They enjoyed themselves. Lindsay and Eddie have previously collaborated on stage, creating an easy camaraderie between them. This made them feel at ease, which was delightful. We delved into their past, as well as speculating about Nina’s recent history where she stepped out of the spotlight.

Lindsay fully immersed herself in the role, portraying a character reminiscent of those found in Hammer films. We chose to present this character from Rob’s viewpoint because it reflects his experience. There’s another intriguing aspect to her personality that would have been showcased if we had told the story from a different perspective.

In what way did the style of the Hammer label influence your work? At first, I found it to be quite suitable for a PG-13 rating, but then there was that particular scene…

It gets there. [Laughs] It does get there eventually.

As a die-hard fan, I found myself yearning for a trip down memory lane, revisiting a genre of films that seems increasingly scarce these days – the slow burn leading to an epic climax, a style reminiscent of the classic Hammer productions.

In a nutshell, the movie “Prince of Darkness” offers a slow-burning suspenseful atmosphere where characters explore a mysterious house, expressing fear but not encountering Dracula for about 45 minutes. This gradual buildup towards an exciting climax appeals to me because it creates a sense of anticipation and intrigue. I relish the challenge of figuring out what’s going on as the tension grows.

As someone who has grown up watching classic Hammer horror movies and appreciating their unique blend of suspense, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of self-aware humor, I can confidently say that getting involved with this project felt like a dream come true. With my extensive knowledge of the era’s cinematography, design, and overall aesthetic, it was evident to me from the very beginning that this was the perfect fit.

2024-08-05 15:10

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