Cinemax.com: Bryan Singer

HBO presents

June 11, 2001

Cinemax.com presents Bryan Singer, Director of X-Men, The Usual Suspects, and Apt Pupil. Don't miss your chance to read about one of Hollywood's brightest young talents. Also, don't miss X-Men, airing on Cinemax throughout the month of June.

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Cinemax: Welcome to this chat event with Bryan Singer, presented by Cinemax.com. Bryan has directed many movies, including "The Usual Suspects," "Apt Pupil," and more recently, "X-Men" (which is airing throughout the month of June on Cinemax). Let's welcome Bryan to the chat room, and begin the questions!

Bryan Singer: Just here to answer questions!

Sierra: Did you make this movie for the fans of the comic book, the non-fans or both?

Bryan Singer: I considered both fans and non-fans. But in the end, I believe my greatest concern was with the fans. I also felt, however, that it would serve the "X-Men" universe to make it accessible to non-fans as well.

Kellie: Was it difficult to bring a comic book to life in such a realistic manner?

Bryan Singer: Yes, somewhat difficult, particularly with so many characters. The concept was to make a film that took place in a world not unlike our own. And then to somehow introduce these fantastic characters who do fantastic things but always be aware they are happening in a believable world. Which always begged the question, how would people really react? What would really happen? This is strange, especially when you are trying to explain it to actors and you say things like "Well, how would you be if you were floating in the air moving metal with your mind?" "What feels real to you?" And the actor just stares at you.

Rayanne: What is the job of the director when making a film?

Bryan Singer: In my case, I developed a screenplay with writers, and at times write myself, cast the actors, work with the designers and department heads to create the look of the film, decide where the camera moves, and work with the composer and the editor to create the acoustic journey. I even get involved in the marketing and distribution to some degree. But not all directors are that involved.

Gambit 385: Mr. Singer, I am very interested in acting and was wondering how are the cast members selected for the movie. Are they selected through a casting agent and required to have a SAG card?

Bryan Singer: They are first looked at by a Casting Director and no, it is not necessary that they have a SAG card although it is preferred because the film is a SAG signatory film. Then they are seen by myself. In some cases, they audition. In other cases, I am familiar with their work and believe, from that, that they are able to do the role.

Gold Blade 6: Can you give any details on the plot of "X-Men 2"?

Bryan Singer: No.

Marty 3: Hello Bryan, Will there be a sequel to "X-Men" and will you direct it?

Bryan Singer: Yes, there will be a sequel and yes, I will direct it. I hope to start shooting early next year.

Wes: If you could have a mutant power what would it be?

Bryan Singer: I would like to be able to fly because I can't afford an airplane, yet .

Marty 3: Hello Bryan. When did you realize that you wanted to become a movie Director?

Bryan Singer: I had been doing photography and making small 8 mm films since I was 12 years old, but it wasn't until I was 16 years old and I saw the film "ET" that I thought, "Wow! That is something that I would like to do for the rest of my life."

Red Pen: What was it like to work with Stan Lee on this project? Did he embrace the notion of a motion picture, or did he need some convincing?

Bryan Singer: Stan and I became very friendly before making the picture and he felt very confident in what we were planning on doing with it. However, during the making of the film, with the exception of a cameo, he was not very involved. When he saw the film at the premiere at Ellis Island he seemed very happy and was still willing to be my friend. I took that as a good sign.

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