Under the Mountain ready to scare
By CHRIS SCHULZ - Stuff.co.nz
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Jonathan King first discovered Under the Mountain when he was 10 years old.
That's when the director behind Black Sheep and The Tattooist read Maurice Gee's 1979 book for the first time, and fell in love with it. He saw the creepy 1982 television adaptation a few years later, and loved that too.
Then, when he was 13, he scored a part as Theo Matheson in Radio New Zealand's adaptation of the book. King admits he's had a "long connection" to Gee's iconic tale of an alien race living under Auckland, and says he's "always loved it".
Now, more than 25 years later, King has directed the first Under the Mountain movie, due for release on Thursday, and he told Stuff.co.nz he felt pressure to deliver "the ultimate version" of it.
"It's a story that so many New Zealanders have an attachment to and feel strongly about. We had a sense of responsibility to be able to tell this story," he said during a press event to promote the film.
"Everyone who got involved in the film bought their own sense of excitement. We felt like we were going the extra mile because of what it was."
There is plenty of star power in the film, from Sam Neill's turn as an elderly man who holds the key to defeating The Wilberforces, to newcomers Tom Cameron and Sophie McBride, who play twins Theo and Rachel Matheson.
Like the cult TV adaptation, King has included plenty of scares - most of them coming from creepy underground alien race The Wilberforces and their ringleader Mr Wilberforce, played by a heavily made up Oliver Driver.
King said he was wary of staying true to Gee's book and including plenty of creepy, scary moments.
"Everyone remembers Under the Mountain as being incredibly scary. Our biggest failure would be if the film wasn't as scary. We knew that it didn't have blood, gore or overt violence in it, so that gave us license to try and make it as creepy as we could ... in more subtle ways.
"What was really great about Under the Mountain was the effect it had on us when we were really young. (It was this) really cool sci-fi story set in the world in which we live in ... It's not a film for under 10s."
Filmed around Auckland in late 2008, King makes full use of the region's landmark locations, including Mt Eden and Rangitoto Island. But he came across plenty of challenges during the film's shooting.
"It's a big movie. Water is a big challenge. Going out on boats is a big challenge. Filming at night is a big challenge. Going out to islands is a big challenge. It rains every day in Auckland. It rained every day for the first couple of weeks.
"All the things that make films expensive, in a way this film has."
But King is pleased with the results, which have already screened at several overseas film festivals, and can't wait for New Zealanders to be scared by the tale that freaked him out as a child.
"We're really thrilled with it. We want it to deliver as a big film. We want it to stand with those films that we loved as a summer pop corn movie made for New Zealanders in New Zealand."
* Stuff.co.nz will run interviews with cast and crew all week leading up to Under the Mountain's release on Thursday. Check back later for interviews with special effects team, and several stars.
Under the Mountain
Director: Jonathan King
Starring: Sam Neill, Oliver Driver, Sophie McBride, Tom Cameron, Matthew Chamberlain, Michaela Rooney
Trailer: Flicks.co.nz
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Whetu and RnB, what on earth are you on about?!!
Yeah I agree. I'm not too sure about Owen Wilson being in it. I too don't think he can do a good Kiwi accent. Same for his co stars Samuel L Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Spot the Talking Wonder Dog. Good thing they don't mention their names in relation to this film anywhere in the article... or cast list...or anything on the internet besides this talk-back. Could ruin business otherwise. Good move, movie people.
Hm, I can't imagine Owen Wilson do a good Kiwi accent :o(
I was lucky enough to see it at the (almost) world premier at the Toronto Film Festival (where Jonathan King and Sam Neil attended). It was extremely well done, with just the right amount of humour (that Kiwi's get, Canadians didn't seem to click as easily).
The movie is definitely aimed at kids. For those of us who remember the very low budget mini-series scaring the hell out of us 25 years ago, this updated version should be scare just the same amount for kids now. The special effects are really well done, but don't take away from the story.
Oh, the two kids who play the twins did a great job, and if they choose, should have a great future.
Note, the movie does differ from the book, however, this was done to modernise the story. It is also done very well.
Im not too sure about Owen Wilson being in it though,dont really think he will be able to pull off the kiwi accent
I remember this book as a child also and it was terrific and scary all at once - especially after I visited Auckland and realised that the places in the book were real!! I was disappointed that the TV series didn't match my imagination. I can't wait to see the movie!
Go New Zealand!
I loved the TV show when i was younger. It was similar to Dr Who with its scariness... My sister and I would always hide behind the couch to watch it - lol
Can't wait to see the movie - gonna need a bigger couch though
Is that the original Mr Wilburforce doing the 4 square ads now...? He was spooky back in the original series.
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Which film are you most excited about?
I saw the movie yesterday - what a waste of money. It bore almost no resemblance to the novel. While you may expect a few liberties to be taken in the transition from novel to movie this was too much. The novel is an iconic classic. The movie deserves to be forgotten.