Roland Emmerich (Stuttgart, 1955) is not exactly the direct heir of all those Germans who took refuge in Hollywood fleeing Nazi barbarism. Or it is, but in its own way. Its signature and brand, one might even say, is the opposite of the famous and subtle Lubitsch touch. If it doesn't explode, it's not Emmerich. Not for nothing, the nickname that has made the director of Independence Day, Godzilla or 2012 famous is none other than that of "master of disaster." And he replies: «I don't think it's fair, really. Because of that nickname some consider me a conservative director that is what blockbusters are associated with. And anything farter from the reality...". And indeed, it is. He endorses his support in the past for Hillary Clinton's candidacy against the Trump, being the first (or one of them) to deal with the now ubiquitous climate change (Tomorrow) and being an activist confessed to the rights of LGTBI collective.
«Yes, I believe in the commitment of the cinema», he comments and so that no one doubts, he presents his latest work, which opens on Friday as evidence. Midway seems on paper the typical, topical and even tropic war movie to the greatest glory of confusing patriotism . But no. And it is explained: «I have always lived obsessed with that chapter of history. It was the triumph of a group of people convinced of the value of the community, sacrifice and democracy . The American navy after Pearl Harbor was completely decimated and was clearly incapable of fighting the powerful Japanese navy. But the man in command, Chester W. Nimitz, clearly saw that they had, despite everything, to take the initiative. They attacked and, against all odds, they won. It was, as I read in an article, the US Trafalgar ». So? «The lesson to be extracted is the appropriateness of this episode as it is now the world. Nationalism, Brexit or the rise of the extreme right are the symptoms of the ideology that prevails throughout the world. We forget all too often that nationalism was precisely the cause of World War II, ”he says. And he continues: «I consider myself a globalist and I am convinced that only together can we leave where we are. Think for a moment about climate change. The most direct path to disaster is for everyone to take their own ».
- How do you see, in full development of the Climate Summit in Madrid what is happening and can happen from now on?
- I am pessimistic. I can be proud to be one of the first to talk about it. My movie is from 2004 and there was already evidence of what has been done later. I have begun to think that there is the possibility of hope after seeing the young people mobilizing thanks to Greta Thunberg. Again, only together can we change something.
Emmerich says, because it is based on the idea of its progress against prejudice, which, despite what it may seem, Midway has nothing to do with the megaproductions that now flood theaters. "In fact, " he says , "I had to go to independent financing to complete it. As spectacular as it may be, the big studios only want sequels or superheroes. Think of the Russo brothers. They signed the highest grossing film of the year (Avengers: Endgame) and still can't make their next personal project. The picture is bleak and getting worse » . And when you get here, take a breath and rectify: “Anyway, Hollywood moves through cycles. I hope things change.
Anyway, and to return to the 100 million dollar movie that is about to literally explode on the screens, Emmerich does not doubt that being German is what brings the just neutrality and perspective that a film dedicated to staging The horror of a conflict needs. "In war," he says, "there is no good or bad. It is History and statesmen who then determine who is on the right side and who is not. Those who fight do so only for one reason: to survive ». In the film, in fact, as important and detailed it wants to be the description of the Japanese flank as that of the western one. Or almost.
Be that as it may, Midway remains, the proof that if you pronounce the names of Lubitsch and Emmerich very quickly, you will hear a beautiful explosion. That is what it is.
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