Killer Elite
Directed by Gary McKendry
Written by Gary McKendry and Matt Sherring
Starring Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert DeNiro
With Dominic Purcell, Ben Mendolsohn and Yvonne Strahovski
When his mentor is taken captive by a disgraced Arab sheik, a former killer for hire is forced to pick up the contract. His mission: kill three members of Britain’s elite Special Air Service responsible for the death of the sheik’s sons. The job quickly turns into a private war when it becomes clear the SAS are protected by a secret society of former SAS men called The Feather Men. Based on a true story, this 1980s action thriller was filmed in Australia, Wales, Morocco and Jordan.
When I first read the book The Feather Men I was convinced it would make a great thriller. I still am. But we didn’t end up making the stripped down 80s thriller I co-wrote with Matt Sherring. Somehow, during production, the dark, morally ambiguous tale of twisted loyalties turned into a full-on action film. Even the name changed. Being at the helm of The Feather Men as it morphed into Killer Elite was a helluva ride. It was an honor to work with actors and crew of such a high caliber. We all gave it everything we had. But now, on day one of any shoot, I’m careful to get the producers together and ask, “Are we all making the same film?”
