The Rip: Behind the Scenes with Joe Carnahan, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon
Joe Carnahan's film "The Rip" reunites Ben Affleck and Matt Damon on screen in a cop thriller inspired by true events. While the movie didn't fully meet the expectations set by the trailer, there were still enjoyable moments in it. I had the opportunity to interview Joe Carnahan, the co-writer and director of the film, where we discussed the state of mid-budget action films, the cinematic influences of "The Rip," his collaboration with Affleck and Damon, and some of his unrealized film projects.
One interesting aspect of "The Rip" was the unique presentation of subtitles during a phone conversation with a cartel leader. The spinning effect of the subtitles added a cool touch to the scene. Carnahan explained that it was a deliberate choice to enhance the visual experience and differentiate the characters' Spanish dialogue.
Carnahan described the experience of making "The Rip" as one of the best he's had on set, with strong support from the cast and crew. The film's production involved a different deal structure that incentivized the crew based on viewership thresholds, creating a more communal experience. The collaboration with Artists Equity and Netflix allowed for a smoother filmmaking process.
The film's ending revealed a twist where Damon and Affleck's characters had been working together all along. Carnahan discussed the meticulous planning and execution of that pivotal moment, emphasizing the importance of building tension and delivering satisfying payoffs for the audience.
"The Rip" was based on real events, and Carnahan had access to a technical advisor who provided additional details to enhance the authenticity of the story. While the film took creative liberties with certain aspects, it stayed true to key elements of the actual events.
Working with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as performers was a unique experience for Carnahan, given their long-standing friendship and shared history in the film industry. The duo's professionalism and collaborative approach enriched the filmmaking process, allowing for creative input and mutual respect on set.
Carnahan's preference for action-focused films stems from his desire to blend intimate, human moments with high-stakes drama. He believes that engaging audiences emotionally before introducing action sequences creates a more impactful viewing experience. Despite the industry's shift away from mid-budget action movies, Carnahan remains committed to making films that prioritize storytelling and character development.
Reflecting on past projects, Carnahan expressed a desire to revisit certain scripts, such as "Killing Pablo" and his version of "Death Wish," which he felt were strong but didn't come to fruition as intended. While he stays busy with new projects, there are still stories he hopes to explore in the future, given the opportunity.