Flight Risk Star Reveals Surprising Truth About Mel Gibson’s Directing Style!

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In most cases, an action movie and a stage play seem to be at odds with each other. However, Mel Gibson, with a script from Jared Rosenberg, has managed to create a unique blend of the two in his latest film, “Flight Risk“. This is a comeback for Gibson as a director after almost a decade. The movie, as the title suggests, is primarily confined within a small Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft during its flight over Alaska. Despite hearing various voices, only three actors – Topher Grace, Mark Wahlberg, and Michelle Dockery – are visible on-screen for most of the film.

In the movie, Dockery portrays a U.S. Marshal tasked with transporting an apprehended criminal, and her co-pilot is played by Mark Wahlberg. Dockery spoke to MovieWeb about the tight shooting conditions and Gibson’s direction. “The script read like a stage play when I first read it,” Dockery said. “It was quite unusual for anything I had ever read before on screen, as there are only three characters throughout the entire movie. The concept of filming in such a limited space was thrilling, something I hadn’t done before.

In the movie, claustrophobia plays a significant role, enhancing its overall impact, and Gibson, along with cinematographer Johnny Derango, masterfully portrays the confined spaces. Dockery further noted:

Mel is an exceptional movie-maker, as everyone recognizes, and he’s highly skilled in this field. Given his talent, I had no doubt that he would create something extraordinary for a project like this, and his meticulousness in every frame of the film was truly awe-inspiring to witness and be involved with. The experience was challenging at times due to our limited space, especially for the crew, who needed to adapt their positions creatively to capture each shot. However, it was a collective effort that resulted in a film as gripping and authentic-looking as it is.

Mel Gibson, Zen Master?

Mel Gibson is often associated with action, whether as a director (like in ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Apocalypto’) or an actor (in films such as ‘Mad Max’, ‘Lethal Weapon’, and ‘The Patriot’). It’s intriguing to learn that Dockery refers to him as almost Zen-like on set, a soothing influence. As he puts it, “Mel has this very calm, relaxed demeanor on set, which is quite unusual given the intensity of the action happening around him.

As I delved into the scenes, I discovered it to be incredibly beneficial. The director seemed to provide ample space for me to deeply delve into those significant and emotional instances, beyond just the action. It was a movie that offered an opportunity to not only conquer the physically demanding sequences – quite a feat, considering the tight confines of the aircraft – but also to savor the tranquil moments where Madeleine ponders her past and her narrative, as well as those heartwarming exchanges between her and Winston. In closing, I’d say it was a production that allowed for an exploration of both the adrenaline-pumping action scenes and the introspective stillness.

Working alongside Mel was truly delightful as he excels at creating intense action sequences, yet he also possesses a tender side, making him both a director and an actor, which is a rare gem in the industry. This combination makes him an ideal choice for actors to work with because he deeply comprehends the nuances of our craft. Overall, collaborating with Mel was a rewarding experience.

On January 24, 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to witness it firsthand as “Flight Risk” graces the big screen, courtesy of Lionsgate.

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2025-01-24 00:01