Exploring Action: Jonathan Hensleigh on The Ice Road and Practical Filmmaking
Credit: Rialto Distribution Jonathan Hensleigh: A Cinematic Voice in Action Although he may not be a household name, Jonathan Hensleigh’s impactful dialogue resonates through iconic films like Die Hard With A Vengeance, Jumanji, The Rock, Con-Air, and Gone In 60 Seconds. For nearly thirty years, he
Credit: Rialto Distribution
Jonathan Hensleigh: A Cinematic Voice in Action
Although he may not be a household name, Jonathan Hensleigh’s impactful dialogue resonates through iconic films like Die Hard With A Vengeance, Jumanji, The Rock, Con-Air, and Gone In 60 Seconds. For nearly thirty years, he has significantly shaped the action genre.
Return to Directing with The Ice Road
After a decade-long hiatus since directing Kill The Irishman in 2011, Hensleigh is back behind the camera for The Ice Road, featuring Liam Neeson and Laurence Fishburne. Prior to the film’s release in local theaters, he discussed the practical elements of production, the film’s inspiration, and how Neeson came to star.
Finding Inspiration in Action
Hensleigh’s love for the action genre stems from his childhood admiration for films during what Hollywood calls the “Golden Window.” This was a formative period when he was captivated by Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry series and early Spielberg works. He appreciates various genres but is drawn to action and adventure.
Selecting Crew and Locations
Hensleigh pursued an authentic live-action shoot using actual 18-wheelers on a frozen lake, an unprecedented endeavor. He and his team chose Winnipeg, Canada, for its ice road infrastructure, timing the shoot to coincide with thick ice conditions in February.
Collaboration with Cinematographer Tom Stern
For the film’s cinematography, Hensleigh insisted on hiring Tom Stern, recognized for his extensive work with Clint Eastwood. Stern’s shooting style matched Hensleigh’s vision of conveying the open landscapes typically seen in Westerns.
The Casting of Liam Neeson
Initially, Hensleigh did not envision Neeson for the lead role, as the character was written for a younger actor. However, after Neon showed interest through his agent, Hensleigh met with him and was impressed by Neeson’s commitment to the material, which elevated the film.
Balancing Action with Character Drama
In an effort to provide depth to the film, Hensleigh aimed for meaningful character arcs alongside the action elements. He acknowledges the challenge of integrating solid dramatic moments into an action film but feels proud of how the cast—particularly Marcus Thomas as Gurty—delivered strong performances, enhancing the story.
The Ice Road is set to hit Australian cinemas on August 12, 2021, pending COVID-19 conditions.