From historical epics to superhero films, Zack Snyder is one of the most polarizing directors of this generation, most people know him from his work in the DC Universe. He transformed the landscape as his SnyderVerse or DCEU was immensely popular among the DC fans as they loved the darker approach in his films. As a result, Snyder has managed to make a dedicated fan base, as they tend to love his epic and stylized filmmaking.
The Justice League director’s style of making films pairs perfectly with the modern big-budget films some of his renowned works include Sucker Punch, Watchmen, Man of Steel, and many more. But his historical epic 300 which retold the Battle of Thermopylae in the Persian Wars in a fictionalized manner was a massive hit. Gerrard Butler shared how Zack Snyder pulled off a stunt in a single try that made him look like a fool.
Zack Snyder’s Spear Throw Made Gerrard Butler Question Himself
Gerrard Butler played the role of King Leonidas I in Zack Snyder’s 300. He played the role of the Spartan King with great charisma and enthusiasm, and he had a commanding presence throughout the film. The historical epic film was perfect and by the end of the film, the valiant Spartans were overwhelmed by the tyrant Persian King Xerxes, and his army. In the last few minutes of the film, King Leonidas rallies his men for a last fight, and in an act of desperation, he throws the spear at the Persian King barely missing to deal a fatal blow.
The scene gave goosebumps to the audience, as it looked epic and it was shot in a striking manner which enhanced the emotional impact of the film. However, when Gerrard Butler was a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, he shared that he struggled to throw the spear that far, and Zack Snyder was complaining because the actor couldn’t throw the spear perfectly.
“Let me focus on this man because Zack Snyder won, he’s I think such a talented director, he’s also one of those guys who’s good at everything. And, you know that final scene, when I throw the spear towards Xerxes and the kid he’s like, this is not you know, it’s hard with the camera angle to get and he’s like I want you to hit uh right up there that mark and the mark was miles away. You know, it’s not easy to throw it.”
The Angel Has Fallen actor continued that Zack Snyder picked up a spear and he throws it perfectly hitting the spot, making him look like an idiot.
“He’s so nice so he goes okay, well just let me and he takes the spear and he throws it and it goes about 50 yards goes through the curtain with the X on it. Right through the X. It was like the perfect spear throw and I’m standing there feeling like a complete idiot okay, so that-that’s what you want me to do. Okay.”
Butler nailed the spear throw, the way Snyder wanted it to be as the audience saw how the scene was created perfectly, and it was applauded for its visuals and innovations. The 2006 film was a massive hit as the film earned $454.1 million at the worldwide box office.
Zack Snyder’s Love For Watchmen
The Sucker Punch director has acknowledged that his films are not for everyone, as he makes films for himself. He has an unprecedented love for superhero films and enjoys making such films, but there was one film that he wanted to get shelved because it was too expensive. However, during an interview, he shared how loved making Watchmen, as the project was close to him and he has no regrets about bringing that film to life.
“So, honestly, I made Watchmen for myself. It’s probably my favorite movie that I’ve made. And I love the graphic novel and I really love everything about the movie. I love the style. I just love the movie and it was a labor of love.”
Even though the 2009 film was very close to Snyder, the movie was not like his other smash-hit projects, as it earned only $185 million on an estimated budget of $130 million.
300 can be streamed on Max.
Source: The Drew Barrymore Show
