“Probably going to be one of the last Westerns”: Steven Spielberg Predicted CGI Will Kill Cinema after Antonio Banderas’ $250M Movie
In 1998, the thrilling adventure movie The Mask of Zorro took audiences on an exhilarating journey under the skillful direction of Martin Campbell. The film, produced by the renowned director Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, captivated viewers with its blend of action, romance, and swashbuckling heroics. The film’s action sequences were nothing short of spectacular, featuring breathtaking sword fights, daring stunts, and adventurous horseback chases. Critics and audiences alike praised The Mask of Zorro for its engaging plot, well-choreographed action scenes, and strong performances.
As word-of-mouth spread, the film gained tremendous momentum, and its popularity soared, resulting in an impressive box office gross of $250 million worldwide. During the 25th-anniversary celebration of the film, Antonio Banderas reminisced about the production of The Mask of Zorro. He fondly recalled how Steven Spielberg had wisely cautioned him about the evolving landscape of practical effects versus CGI in filmmaking. The Oscar-winning director’s advice proved insightful as the film business proceeded to embrace technological improvements soon after.
The Mask of Zorro – A Box Office Hit Produced by Steven Spielberg
In 1998, under the masterful production of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, The Mask of Zorro hit the big screen with a thrilling old-fashioned adventure. The lethal weapon of choice for the masked hero was a simple sword, yet it proved to be more than enough to carve a triumphant “Z” in first place at the box office during its opening weekend, amassing an extraordinary $22.7 million in ticket sales.
What’s even more remarkable is that this film achieved such great success without a big celebrity attached to its name. But Steven Spielberg told to the then relatively unknown lead actor,
“This is probably going to be one of the last Westerns shot in the way the Westerns were shot in the old days, with real scenes with real horses, where everything is real, sword fighting, no CGI.’ Everything was. “
Also Read: 25 Years Later, Antonio Banderas is Still Proud of The Mask of Zorro
Playing the legendary sword-fighting vigilante in 1998’s The Mask of Zorro was deeply impactful for star Antonio Banderas, as the now 62-year-old Spanish actor shared in a recent interview. This successful reception across various demographics bodes well for the movie’s potential to achieve a $100 million gross. With its opening on 2,515 screens and an impressive earning of approximately $9,000 per theater, Zorro demonstrated its strong box office potential and audience magnetism.
Antonio Banderas Was Confident about The Film’s Success
Back in 1998, The Mask of Zorro was released, introducing Banderas as the fresh face of the legendary masked swordsman, Zorro. This pivotal role catapulted Banderas to leading man status, a fact he deeply appreciates. As the movie celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Banderas reflected on his remarkable journey with The Mask of Zorro during a recent interview, acknowledging the profound impact the casting decision had on his movie career.
In the wake of the last Zorro movie, the adventure genre has witnessed a fascinating evolution. Modern films like Uncharted and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny have skillfully adapted to the use of CGI for their grand set pieces. No matter what lies ahead, Banderas cherishes his first Zorro film with heartfelt fondness. The actor said,
“The impact that it’s had, and especially after 25 years. … It was a very beautiful adventure movie with a lot of ingredients that made it shine in a very beautiful way. I have nothing but good memories.”
In the iconic role of Alejandro Murrieta, a daring bandit who aligns with Don Diego de la Vega, the original Zorro, to seek vengeance against the corrupt governor of Las Californias, Montero, the 62-year-old actor captivated audiences. The Legend of Zorro in 2005 saw Banderas returning to portray his celebrated character, though it didn’t quite match the widespread acclaim of its predecessor. Nevertheless, Banderas’ portrayal continued to be a memorable highlight in both films.
Source: CBR
