To prove that his capabilities are more than just being a corporate tool for commercials and music videos. Michael Bay decided to make Bad Boys. The 1995 film presented an opportunity for Bay to showcase himself as a filmmaker in the action genre. The film indeed turned out to be his transition into feature films.
The film starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in lead roles. The film was a great success both commercially and critically and helped to establish Bay’s reputation as a director who has the potential to serve action-genre films to the audience.
Michael Bay explored a new genre in filmmaking with Bad Boys
Michael Bay is a renowned filmmaker today and has given many incredible films throughout his career. However, the director has also seen his share of struggles in the film industry. During the initial phase of his career, the director was primarily known for his work in commercials and music videos.
With time, the director got the urge to explore other genres and he started by picking up the action genre. In 1995, the director released his film Bad Boys, featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The purpose behind making Bad Boys was to establish himself as a feature film director.
The film not only served as an opportunity for Bay to present himself as a director in the action genre but it was a full-on package for the audience as well.
Since Bay was new in the action genre, no one had faith in him, yet the actor remained confident in his work. During an interview, the director said,
“Sony didn’t believe in the movie, because two Black actors don’t sell overseas. They had no faith in it. I was watching James Cameron’s ‘True Lies’ and I’m like, Oh, my God, this guy has so much money. I have only $9 million. And they shut me down, literally. They shut the power off. That’s how rude they were on this movie. Luckily I had 500 days of film set experience doing videos, commercials, working with some of the most famous athletes in the world, and that’s where you really truly know how to deal with a*******.”
Neither did the director have a high budget for the film, nor did the actor have a lot many connections in the film, yet he surpassed all these hurdles and made a blockbuster film.
Michael Bay was successful in his first attempt
With some previous experience working in commercials, Michael Bay decided to leap into a big film like Bad Boys. The film was made on a budget of $19 million and made a record at the box office by grossing $140 million worldwide
The movie not only benefited the director but also made the actors the most bankable stars of that time. Smith and Lawrence earned 53% of the film’s global box office collection. Indeed, Bay’s dedication to his work paid off for everyone.
The film was not just a commercial success but it was also well acclaimed by the audience. The film also helped Bay to establish himself in the film industry as a feature film director. Bad Boys opened doors for the director as since then he has directed several big-budget projects.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
