Independence Day Director Reveals His Secret to Great Disaster Movies
Director Roland Emmerich talks about what he learned shooting the epic disaster scenes in Independence Day. Known as the “master of disaster,” Emmerich is one of Hollywood’s go-to directors within the disaster genre. He is best known for helming Independence Day, Godzilla (1998), The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, and White House Down. His explosive films have made him one of the most financially successful directors of all time.
After finding moderate success with Universal Soldier and Stargate, Emmerich became a bona fide hitmaker with 1996's Independence Day. The film reimagined the modern blockbuster, combining the sci-fi and disaster genres and setting the course for Emmerich’s career. Helping matters was Independence Day’s magnetic ensemble cast, who unite to devise a counterattack against sinister alien invaders. In addition to Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox, and James Rebhorn, Independence Day stars Will Smith as the charismatic fighter pilot Captain Steven Hiller.
Related: Every Will Smith Sci-Fi Movie Ranked Worst To Best
In an interview for the YouTube channel Jake’s Takes, Emmerich discusses the dos and don’ts of shooting disaster sequences, specifically citing his experience filming Independence Day. According to the director, it’s more effective — and less upsetting — to avoid gratuitous on-screen death. “Stay away from people getting killed,” says Emmerich. “Yes, the world is going down, but don’t show it too much.” Check out Emmerich’s full quote below:
Stay away from people getting killed…Because it’s something… that I don’t think people like very much. Yes, the world is going down, but don’t show it too much… That’s why I go city-wide, you go as wide as
Read more on screenrant.com
