Eli Roth set out to make an “insane” film with ‘Borderlands’.
The 52-year-old director has helmed the new movie that is based on the video game franchise of the same name and explained that he wanted to create a film that would appeal to his childhood self.
Eli told Total Film magazine: “I wanted to make a big, fun, insane film – but something with the beauty and style of a film like ‘The Fifth Element’, or even ‘Barbarella’.
“It’s world-building, which is something that I’ve always wanted to do. If I was 12 years old and I went to see ‘Borderlands’, I’d think this was the greatest movie ever.”
The picture – which is slated for release in August – features an all-star cast headed by Cate Blanchett as Lilith and Roth was delighted with the way the ‘Tar’ actress got under the skin of the protagonist.
The ‘Thanksgiving’ filmmaker said: “Cate and I have a very similar taste in movies; she loves ‘The Evil Dead’.
“She really got the character. We thought of The Man With No Name, Dirty Harry, Ellen Ripley and Snake Plissken. We thought of great, fun, badass characters – and that’s how I see Cate.
“I know everyone wants to see her waving the conductor stick, but I want her wielding a flamethrower!”
Eli also praised Kevin Hart, who portrays Roland, for making the switch from comedy to action in the movie.
The director explained: “The thing about Kevin is, he’s never killed anyone in a movie before.
“We talked about this being his transition. You think of Eddie Murphy going from ’48 Hrs.’ to ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, where suddenly he’s a badass. And Will Smith going from ‘Fresh Prince (of Bel-Air)’ to ‘Bad Boys’. Kevin is an amazing fighter, and he’s in sick shape.”
