LOS ANGELES (AP) — Director S.J. Clarkson was immediately intrigued by the unique power possessed by the superhero Madame Web. Unlike other superheroes who rely on superhuman strength or wealth, Cassandra Webb's power lies in her clairvoyance. This aspect fascinated Clarkson, who saw an opportunity to explore the idea that one doesn't need extraordinary physical abilities to be a superhero.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Clarkson discussed the challenge of depicting clairvoyance in the film. To gain inspiration, she revisited movies such as 'Don't Look Now,' 'Memento,' 'Inception,' and 'The Matrix,' which effectively portrayed similar concepts. Clarkson aimed to create a thrilling and eerie atmosphere, drawing from elements of horror.
'Madame Web,' currently playing in theaters, is the first of Sony's Spider-Man spinoffs to center around a female character. Clarkson expressed her admiration for Dakota Johnson as an actor and was thrilled to have the opportunity to direct her. Johnson's depth, breadth, and ability to find nuance and humor in her performances impressed Clarkson. She believed it was crucial to strike a balance between the psychological thriller genre and moments of levity.
Johnson, who never expected to star in a comic book movie, was excited about the film's focus on a young woman whose power lies in her mind. She found it important and inspiring. Johnson also felt safe and supported under Clarkson's leadership, praising her attention to detail and high level of operation.
Clarkson emphasized the collaboration between her and Johnson throughout the film. She acknowledged the challenge of visually showcasing the act of seeing into the future, as many scenes required Johnson to react without actually witnessing the events. Their partnership and creative collaboration were essential to the film's success.
With a career spanning two decades, Clarkson has an extensive television directing background, including shows like 'Heroes,' 'Dexter,' 'House,' 'Orange is the New Black,' and 'Succession.' She also directed episodes of Marvel's 'Jessica Jones.' Clarkson found that the richness of the comics provided a solid foundation for her storytelling.
'Madame Web' serves as an origin story, allowing Clarkson to explore the character's essence and create a compelling narrative that delves into her past and future. The film also includes Easter eggs for Marvel superfans, paying homage to the original creators and incorporating subtle references.
For both Johnson and Clarkson, the ultimate goal was to deliver a fresh take on the superhero genre. They aimed to create a grounded and psychological thriller that stands apart from traditional superhero movies.
As 'Madame Web' continues to captivate audiences, it showcases the power of clairvoyance and the potential for unique storytelling within the superhero genre.
