Perversions of Science: An Interview With Filmmaker John Hyams Part 2

In part 2 of my interview with filmmaker John Hyams (Click here to read part 1), we discuss the current state action cinema, and the many influences behind 'Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning.'

Scott Adkins (Left) and John Hyams (Right) on the set of Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning.

Scott Wilson: Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning was done on a controlled budget: 11.5 million dollars according to Wikipedia.  Not the most reliable source in the world, but it’s the best I could do.

Perversions of Science: An Interview With Filmmaker John Hyams Part 1

The action genre is currently in a state of emergency.  Major studios now treat action as merely an ingredient in a “four-quadrant filmmaking” recipe.  It’s become a small part of a larger whole, no longer worthy of its own filmic category.  Gone are the simple plots and relatable protagonists of “golden era” classics like ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’.  Likewise for set pieces that make any sort of visual sense.  In recent years, the DTV format has become the last bastion of traditional action cinema.  It’s also become a proving ground for untested talent.

Filmmaker John Hyams has chosen to ply his trade in the DTV arena.  He offers a more classical approach, one grounded in the values of 70’s cinema.  He’s revived the ‘Universal Soldier’ brand, turning in its two best entries to date: ‘Universal Soldier: Regeneration’ and ‘Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning.’  The latter turned a good many heads upon release.  I proudly count myself among its admirers.  Mr. Hyams recently shared the details of his creative process with me.  His insights revealed him to be a true renaissance man. 

Killer Instinct: An Interview With Comic Book Writer Justin Jordan

Straddling genres can be difficult, regardless of the medium in question.  Truly great hybrids amalgamate the very best elements of two seemingly different worlds.  Such experiments tend to flourish when guided by an especially perceptive mind.  Hence, heretofore unseen parallels between the genres being combined suddenly become glaringly obvious.  Even the most casual observer can spot similarities they’d never considered before.