Having dumped the blockbusters, Joel Schumacher continues to surprise with his choice of material. His latest film stars Cate Blanchett as Veronica Guerin, the courageous - reckless, some say - investigative journalist who was murdered for taking on Dublin's drug barons. His next project will be a movie version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera". A cape? A mask? Let's hope it's not another "Batman & Robin"!
You're passionate about this movie. What drew you to Veronica's story?
It's really down to Jerry Bruckheimer. He was very impressed with "Tigerland" and he called me and said, "Do you know who Veronica Guerin is?" I didn't, so he sent me a 60 Minutes documentary on her, and a loose-leaf binder with tons of her articles, and things written about her murder.
And?
I liked her immediately. I wish I had known her. She has a lot of characteristics that I would aspire to, most importantly the size of her balls and that she wouldn't step down for bullies. I loathe bullies and admire someone that can really stand up against them. Unfortunately, it cost her her life. But it did make a difference.
Some people think she was a martyr. Do you?
No, and I wasn't trying to tell that story. I do think journalists sometimes have to shine the light where no one else is shining it, and sometimes they get in trouble for it. She had her detractors and she had her fans. She became a big celebrity in Ireland through her work - I don't think this displeased her - and I think she had an ego. She was just a healthy human being. I don't think, in speaking to her family, her friends, the people at her paper, even her critics, that she ever thought she would make the ultimate sacrifice.
Given the status of Guerin in Ireland, did anyone ever ask why this film wasn't being made by an Irish director with an Irish lead?
They must have, although if they felt awkward about Cate and me doing it, we never felt it. I became very close with Veronica's mother, especially. She really befriended me and created a family for me in Dublin. I showed her the film a couple of months ago and she was very thrilled. It was very emotional, as you can imagine. I hope I never have to do anything like that again.
What's the latest news on casting for "The Phantom of the Opera"?
Well, I said to Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Let's not go with these aging superstars, please. Let's do it young and sexy and fresh, like I like to do things." We've got Gerard Butler as the Phantom. Oh my God! He's like Colin Farrell - except he doesn't drink - but he's just a lad. He's so funny, unpretentious, and doesn't take himself seriously. We've also got Minnie Driver as the reeling diva, Carlotta. She gets the best wardrobe, so she's going nuts. We also have Miranda Richardson and Ciar谩n Hinds. It should be good, if we do it right.
"Veronica Guerin" is released in UK cinemas on Friday 1st August 2003.
