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X-MEN
A
peek into the future
They are the special ones - Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm
- the children of the atom, homo superior, the next
link in the chain of evolution. Each was born with a
unique genetic mutation, which at puberty manifested
itself in extraordinary powers. Cyclops’ (James
Marsen) eyes release an energy beam that can rip holes
through mountains; Jean Grey’s (Famke Janssen)
strength is both telekinetic and telepathic; and Storm
(Halle Berry) can manipulate all forms of weather.
In a world increasingly filled with hatred and prejudice,
these three scientific oddities, freaks of nature, outcasts
who are feared and loathed by those who cannot accept
their differences.
Bryan Singer directs X-Men, based on characters from
the best-selling comic book series in history.
In 1963, a prejudice and fear gripped the U.S. at the
height of the Civil Rights movement. At that time Marvel
Comics editor, head writer and director Stan Lee created
X-Men, like many of their Marvel predecessors, were
an unusual heroic group - at times sarcastic, antisocial,
and clearly flawed, yet sympathetic when battling the
demons of their love lives, tackling the traumas of
self-esteem, or taking on powerful villains in their
universe of special powers.
Stan Lee’s X-Men world imagined the existence of
a superior species and the harsh political and social
environment they encountered in a not-too-distant future
world. Director Singer appreciated the comics’
allegories about racism and bigotry, and their underlying
themes of tolerance, running throughout the dramas’
non-stop action and adventure. “The story of the
X-Men is quite political,” says Singer, “It’s
about differences and similarities. Because the comic
was born from the tumult of the ‘60s, there are
political and sociological issues and messages inherent
in the X-Men lore.”
Singer continues, “The relationship between Xavier
and his one-time friend and colleague, Magneto, exemplifies
the ideological and philosophical differences of that
era. They are essentially cut from the same cloth, and
both see this mutated breed of humanity as a subject
of persecution. However, Xavier lives to protect those
who fear him, while Magneto lives to destroy them. Each
believes his side is right. Neither is willing to compromise.
Ultimately, the film is about how difficult it is to
find a level of tolerance that is mutually beneficial
to all involved. That’s a philosophical concept
that mankind and mutantkind could fight about forever.”
Six years ago, a staff member gave producer Lauren Shuler
Donner some back issues and character profiles of X-Men.
“I read first about Logan/Wolverine, who is a truly
tragic hero,” she remembers, “and I got caught
up in his search for himself. He was also psychologically
complex. I then read about the other X-Men, who struck
me as different and more complicated than other comics.
It is grounded in terms of character. It revolves around
the themes of prejudice and repression. We are all mutants
and misfits in one way or another.”
Singer got to directing the film after detailed research.
As he dug deeper into X-Men mythology, he discovered
the crux of the characters. “They are all reluctant
superheroes,” he says, “With each of their
fantastic special powers comes a frailty, flow or weakness.
For example, Xavier is an incredibly powerful psychic
but he’s also ‘crippled’ in a wheelchair.
Rogue, who has the extraodinary ability to absorb the
powers of anyone she touches, faces a life devoid of
intimacy; she can never hold hands with her boyfriend,
never make love, and never hold a baby in her arms.
Their reluctance makes them all the more human, adding
depth to the characters, which in turn makes their adventure
more relevant and exciting.”
Casting for X-Men proved to be another formidable challenge.
The process began in the spring of 1999 and wasn’t
completed until late October 1999, when principal photography
was already underway. “There are so many great
heroes and villains in the comics that one of the toughest
parts of development was choosing the characters on
which to focus,” says Lauren Shuler Donner, “Once
we figured that out, the task was to put a great ensemble
cast together.”
The first actor to sign on was former professional wrestler
Tyler Mane, who plays the 7’2’’ havoc-wreaking
Sabretooth. “The transition from professional wrestler
to Hollywood actor is actually a pretty natural one,”
says Mane, who in reality stands a still-formidable
6’10” and weighs 175 pounds.
For the role of Professor Charles Xavier, the filmmakers
agree that Patrick Stewart was their first and only
choice. For Stewart, best known for his role as Capt.
Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Xavier
is the latest in a long list of strong characters he’s
played over the years. “I’m just another authority
figure,” says Stewart, laughing, “Since I
was a teenager, my career has been littered with kings,
captains, emperors, party bosses, trade union leaders,
presidents, general; you name it, I’ve worn the
uniform. Now, in X-Men, I am a mutant leader. What’s
truly ironic is that I am the least authoritarian figure
you’re ever likely to meet.”
While X-Men comics have been top sellers for decades,
only today’s cutting-edge special effects could
bring them to cinematic life. Overseeing the technical
wizardry were Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor
Michael Fink, and creature effects/special make-up effects
designer Gordon Smith. Working closely with Fink was
a special creature effects make-up supervisor Gordon
Smith. Smith and his team from FX Smith, Inc. were responsible
primarily for the design and execution of Wolverine’s
claws, Toad’s elastic tongue and the special prosthetic
makeup applications for Mystique, Sabretooth and Toad.
Smith knew that fans would be looking closely at one
of their favourite X-Men trademarks - Wolverine’s
claws. They’ll no doubt be pleased that Smith designed
and created fifteen different sets for actor Hugh Jackman.
Some were plastic or metal, others were flexible, or
chopped off for scenes of Wolverine punching through
walls. Other models were mechanical or created through
computer generated images.
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