Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
'Argylle' actors offer glimpse into film's 'unique and sensational' story
From left, actors Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Henry Cavill of the blockbuster action movie “Argylle” pose during the press conference for the film, held at Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Universal Pictures
By Lee Gyu-lee
Stars Cavill, Howard, Rockwell visit Korea
Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Sam Rockwell, the lead actors of the highly anticipated action movie "Argylle," kicked off the film's promotional tour with their first stop in Korea, providing a sneak peek into the upcoming movie.
“Something that I admire about Korea, Korean films and Korean filmmakers are the risks that they take and when you're watching a Korean film, it's like nothing else that you've ever seen. It is truly groundbreaking. And I think it makes sense for ‘Argylle’ to premiere here because it's an incredibly groundbreaking, unique, sensational, exciting movie that truly takes you on the ride,” Howard said during the press conference for the film, held at Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday.
“We humbly hope that you enjoy this kind of crazy, wild thing that we've created. We're very, very grateful to first be sharing it with Korean audiences because it might seem strange but this movie feels a little at home.”
The spy action flick centers around best-selling author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), who achieves enormous success with her novel about a secret agent named Argylle. The story unfolds as it reveals a global spy syndicate.
One day, she encounters a real-life spy, Aiden (Rockwell), who reveals to her the startling similarities between her fictional tales and the covert actions of a real-life spy organization. It becomes apparent that she has become the target of spies worldwide. In order to extricate herself from this perilous situation, she must write the next chapter and utilize it as clues to locate a legendary real-life spy agent, Argylle (Henry Cavill).
The movie, set to hit local theaters on Feb. 2, is led by director Matthew Vaughn, who is known for helming the hit “Kingsman” film series.
A scene from the movie "Argylle" / Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Howard and Cavill, who worked with the director previously, said working with Vaughn again on this spy action film was an exceptional experience.
“I worked on a movie called ‘Stardust’ many, many years ago (with the director). It was one of the first few jobs I ever did. I loved the experience then. And when it came to this, Matthew sent the script and said I've got some crazy ideas for this. I’m going to give you a flat top and just trust me. And so I did,” Cavill said.
“Honestly trusting someone like Matthew is incredibly easy. He's an extraordinary filmmaker and a lot of fun to work with as well. And I think that's something that I'm discovering more and more as my career goes on. I should be having as much fun with it as possible as well as doing good work.”
Recalling the time she first met the director, Howard said this movie satisfied the expectations she had of the director.
“I had the very good fortune of auditioning for Matthew Vaughn many, many years ago, almost 20 years ago and it was right at the start of my career before I had done anything. And it was such an incredible experience to get to meet him … I remember thinking he was different. He's doing something different. And of course, I wanted to be a part of that,” she said.
“It has been an amazing journey and arrived and absolutely fulfilled all of the expectations and hopes that I had all those years ago when I first got a chance to meet him.”
The movie "Argylle" will hit local theaters on Feb. 7. Courtesy of Universal Pictures
The actors noted that the film promises a blend of comedy and dynamic action.
“It’s kind of a notion of breathing life into an action sequence where you're seeing this sort of idealized spy that Ellie Conway has created, Argylle, that's like James Bond type spy and then going back and forth between that image and Sam Aden, who is a spy in real life. And then on top of that, it adds in the choreography of feeling very dance-like, almost like a musical,” Howard said.
Cavill added that the film will have a unique style of action sequences.
“I do have a fair experience with choreography. But working on this movie in particular, there's a lot of innovative techniques and a lot of interesting styles of shooting,” he said. “And honestly a pleasure to work with the star team and to be working alongside. It was just magic and a lot of fun,”
Rockwell, who plays Aiden, a completely different style of spy from Argylle, noted his character will balance out the comedy.
“I think that like Henry has like versions of the comedy and I needed to relieve that comedy to some extent. I think that was part of my job,” he said.
The cast members are set to meet local fans at a red carpet event and the screening in the evening.