Filmmaker Martin Campbell shared his reflections on directing Green Lantern during an interview with ComicBook, revealing his mixed feelings about the film’s reception. While he expressed disappointment in how the movie was received, Campbell clarified that he does not harbor bitterness towards the jokes made about it today. He hinted at key aspects he wished he had approached differently, particularly emphasizing the talents of actor Ryan Reynolds.
Campbell, who is currently promoting his new movie Cleaner, which will hit theaters on February 21st, conveyed that he wished Reynolds, known for his sharp wit, had a hand in the scriptwriting. “Look, Ryan’s terrific,” Campbell commented. “We actually had a very good time making the movie. It was a tough one to make, and he and Blake Lively were great to work with. He’s always such a witty guy, you know — I think I said this to another writer — I wish he’d written the script! I think he would have done a great job.”
Reflecting on the film’s plot, Campbell noted the need for a stronger connection between the antagonists, Hector Hammond and Parallax. He suggested that the relationship between the two characters should have played a critical role in the film’s climax, stating, “After all, Parallax was really a cloud with a face on it, right?” In stark contrast, Campbell pointed out that Hector Hammond, portrayed by Peter Sarsgaard, had the potential for a more expressive portrayal than what a CGI cloud could provide.
Campbell elaborated on the missed opportunity for a more cohesive narrative, explaining, “You sort of somehow want that character to be related to the villain of the piece, you know. They should all interconnect somehow, and it didn’t in the script.” While characters like Sinestro and Kilowog are prominent in the comics, their absence in terms of narrative connection in the film left something to be desired for Campbell, who accepted that the film ultimately failed to resonate with audiences. “At the end of the day, it failed, which I was very sad about, but there you go. That’s life,” he lamented.
Upon its release in 2011, Green Lantern faced criticism for featuring Parallax, a faceless, disembodied villain, which many felt detracted from the story’s depth. However, Campbell pointed out that Parallax is intricately tied to Hammond’s character arc, as Hector gains psychic powers after a transformation sparked by Parallax’s essence found within the corpse of the extraterrestrial Abin Sur.
Unfortunately, despite these potential connections, Hammond’s and Parallax’s narratives did not interlink effectively, leading to a disjointed storyline. Hammond’s battles with Green Lantern conclude with his defeat before Parallax arrives on Earth to drain his life force, ultimately eliminating any chance of a sequel for his character. Campbell’s insights suggest that minor adjustments could have significantly improved the film’s conclusion, creating a more satisfying narrative.
For those interested in revisiting the film to analyze its narrative structure, Green Lantern is currently streaming on Netflix and Max in the U.S. Meanwhile, Campbell’s new film, Cleaner, promises to captivate audiences, featuring a tense storyline set in London, where radical activists take hostages to expose corporate corruption. The narrative’s intensity unfolds as an ex-soldier, played by Daisy Ridley, attempts to save those trapped inside the energy company’s gala amidst escalating chaos.
As Campbell continues to reflect on his career, including his time with Ryan Reynolds and the challenges faced during Green Lantern, the filmmaker’s regrets highlight the enduring impact of creative decisions within the industry, sparking conversations on the importance of strong narratives and effective character connections.
