Bettany’s Vision
The Brit Avenger turns movie director...
From Iron Man’s Jarvis to Vision in Avengers: Age
Of Ultron, Paul Bettany has hit Marvel pay-dirt. With
Captain America: Civil War in the can it’s now time for his directorial debut, Shelter, starring wife Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie as two New York down-and-outs.
Money-spiner
“I got really lucky. I got involved in the largest franchise ever [Iron Man and The Avengers] and it gives you a security that I never had as an actor. That gives you the ability to say ‘no’ to anything you don’t want to do and develop things. It’s been brilliant for me. I’ve been able to start writing, directing.”
Gime Shelter
“It weirdly felt really natural, directing Jennifer. She’s an extraordinary storyteller. And Anthony is too. And in large parts, I really wanted to shoot the story they wanted to tell, give them freedom. So many times now, you come down to set and your marks are on the ground, already being figured out.”
Hollywood help
“People like Darren Aronofsky and David Koepp and Ron Howard and William Monahan and Johnny Depp – all these people that I know or I’ve worked with – came in and gave notes on Shelter. Aside from the actors, they were my second biggest resource. Getting notes on early cuts was brilliant – a huge advantage.”
Bettanyasemble
“It’s been brilliant, working with Marvel. You’re working with people at the top of their game: Downey and Ruffalo, all of them. Moreover, the people that make the films are artists and they’re also fans. I think the reason why the Marvel success is as great as it is – they’re made by fans.”
Civil rights
“It was great on Civil War. They’re a lovely bunch of guys and girls, and they’re really happy – as well they should be. They’re all being paid very well to be there and you’re in this enormous runaway train success. I probably can’t [ talk about Vision’s role]... I’d love to keep my job!” JM