Eraser director Chuck Russell worked his way up the Hollywood ladder to that position making his debut with, ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 3’ in 1987. It revitalized the franchise playing up its comic elements and he stayed with horror for a terrific remake of The Blob. After which he switched to comedy with The Mask which further confirmed Jim Carrey’s comedy genius and established Cameron Diaz as a star. He then changed genre again and upped the ante with a big budgeted $100m Arnold Schwarzenegger summer blockbuster, ‘Eraser’.
The film saw Arnie as a Witness Protection specialist who becomes suspicious of his co-workers when dealing with a case involving high-tech weapons.
Co-starring James Caan (in his first blockbuster) and James Coburn with Vanessa Williams providing the glamour the film was a big hit and was Arnie last big action film success – after this he starred in Jingle all the way, Batman & Robin, End of Days, The 6th Day and Collateral Damage before having to make a third Terminator film.
We chatted to Chuck Russell about the making of Eraser that included how he got the gig, insane stunts, rampaging alligators, state of the art weaponry and the rift with the films producer.
relates feature : Craig Fairbrass – Secrets of the summer blockbuster Cliffhanger | Exclusive Action Movie Interview
related feature : The most influential action films in each decade
Here’s our chat with Eraser director Chuck Russell….
