In the dazzling world of Hollywood, careers often find their beginning and form under the guidance of visionary directors. Steven Seagal’s journey in the cinematic domain was significantly molded by the creative genius of Andrew Davis, the man behind his meteoric rise, and turn of a blockbuster debut. Yet, the age-old saying holds: that success can be a transformative force. In the 71-year-old case, it appeared to have carved him into a persona marked by an air of arrogance.
Andrew Davis Played A Pivotal Role In Launching Steven Seagal’s Hollywood Career
Hollywood’s allure often rests on the efficiency of gifted collaborators. In the annals of cinematic history, one such partnership that left an indelible mark was the union of director Andrew Davis and martial arts expert Steven Seagal.
Davis played a key role in propelling Seagal’s Hollywood career to soaring heights. Their journey commenced with the 1988 blockbuster Above the Law, marking Seagal’s dazzling debut under Davis’ guidance.
But before the actor graced the silver screen, Davis, who had never heard of Seagal before, described how he first met the master of martial arts during a meeting with Warner Bros.
Upon meeting, Seagal expressed his admiration for Davis’ work and expressed a desire for him to guide one of his films. Davis, somewhat incredulous, questioned his acting abilities.
To prove his mettle, the Hard to Kill star underwent a screen test in Chicago, performing both action and emotional scenes. Despite lingering doubts, Davis leaped and cast Seagal.
After the premiere of Beyond the Law, Seagal shot to fame, his distinctive ponytail and skill in Aikido making him stand out. The director shared with the media,
“Above the Law came out, and Steven became a big star overnight. He didn’t look like anyone else with that ponytail and the Aikido moves. It launched him.”
This cinematic achievement marked the inception of a prolific and captivating professional partnership. However, Davis’s opinion about the artist changed with time.
Andrew Davis’ Perception Of Steven Seagal Evolved Over Time
Within the ever-evolving Hollywood landscape, the dynamics between directors and actors often take fascinating turns. A prime example of this transformation unfolded in the relationship between the director and action luminary.
Initially, Davis was unacquainted with Seagal, but over time, his perception of the martial arts icon underwent a profound evolution.
Their collaboration commenced in 1988 when Davis and Seagal seemed to form a cooperative partnership. However, when they reunited for Under Siege in 1992, Davis held a starkly different opinion of the actor, describing him as, “a pain in the neck.”
Seagal’s portrayal of a former Navy seal left Davis frustrated, noting a perceived arrogance that had crept in. Surprisingly, Tommy Lee played a more substantial role in Under Siege than Seagal. The screenwriter said,
“He had become arrogant. Tommy Lee is actually in a lot more of Under Siege than Steven Seagal.”
Ultimately, the collaboration yielded success, with Under Siege becoming Seagal’s masterpiece.
Source: Yahoo
