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Brad Pitt (center) and Jason Statham (left) in Guy Ritchie’s gangster classic “Snatch” (2000).
Dominik HugHead of Department People
He is as monosyllabic as the heroes in his films: Director Guy Ritchie (54) became a big name in the film business thanks to action hits like “Snatch”, “Sherlock Holmes” and “Cash Truck”. With his buddy Jason Statham (55), he is now bringing “Operation Fortune” to the cinema – and here, too, you can laugh a lot about the cool sayings of the quick-witted Brit.
Blick: “Operation Fortune” is hilarious. How do you invent such a crazy story?
Guy Richie: I’ve always been fascinated by spy movies. But a lot of the films that come out today seem a little dated. I wanted to breathe new life into the genre. I don’t remember how we actually came up with this crazy story. It was all supposed to be new somehow.
When you write a story, do you already know who should be in the role?
Yes, that’s pretty unusual for me. Other directors tick differently. They have a story, then they look for actors. It’s different for me. Because I think punch lines don’t work the same for all actors.
Your buddy Jason Statham is in pretty much all of your movies.
I agree. Our humor is very similar. I think about a new film, call him, tell him about my idea. And most of the time it hits you right away. Very uncomplicated.
What makes your friendship so special?
My kids love it, my wife does too, even my in-laws! That makes a relationship easier if the family thinks the buddy is great. That also makes Jason attractive to me as an actor. He can inspire several generations, not many others can do that.
Personally
Guy Ritchie began his career directing commercials and music videos. With “Snatch”, in which Brad Pitt (59) played, he landed a major success in the early noughties. At that time he shot a few short films with his then wife Madonna (64). Since then he has worked repeatedly with stars such as Jude Law (50), Robert Downey Jr. (57), Matthew McConaughey (53) and especially Jason Statham (55). Ritchie has been married to model Jacqui Ainsley (41) since 2015. The couple have three children.
Guy Ritchie began his career directing commercials and music videos. With “Snatch”, in which Brad Pitt (59) played, he landed a major success in the early noughties. At that time he shot a few short films with his then wife Madonna (64). Since then he has worked repeatedly with stars such as Jude Law (50), Robert Downey Jr. (57), Matthew McConaughey (53) and especially Jason Statham (55). Ritchie has been married to model Jacqui Ainsley (41) since 2015. The couple have three children.
Most of your films are set in Europe. Why?
I’m English, I like European cinema, it shaped me. But I’m pretty slutty, would also shoot in Hollywood. Just doesn’t happen that often.
Would you be interested in making a Bond film too?
I often hear the question. But I never looked into it in detail. Maybe I should actually give this a thought.
And a romance film?
I like romantic comedy, oddly enough also costume drama. That’s something I could have fun with. But I don’t think that far ahead. I deal with a matter, bring it to an end. Then I move on to the next thing. I am not a great visionary.
They quickly became very successful. What would have happened if your career hadn’t started so quickly?
No idea, I certainly didn’t have a plan B in the back of my head. I took the risk. I’m convinced that you can only be successful with something if you don’t struggle with other things at the same time.
what do you regret
Nothing today. Maybe tomorrow will be different. I made a couple of films that weren’t that successful. do i love her less? Or am I sleeping less well because of it? To both: no. One should not regret anything in life. reconciliation is more important.