During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Filmmaker Akiva Schaffer, known for directing The Naked Gun, delved into numerous action movies with his friend Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, including a comprehensive rewatch of the James Bond series. In a recent episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers podcast, Schaffer revealed that a particular Bond film significantly influenced the visual approach of his comedy.
Influence of James Bond Films
"The movie that struck me as the perfect blend was Tomorrow Never Dies," Schaffer explained. "Matt and I watched all the Bond films sequentially, and when we reached Tomorrow Never Dies, it marked a shift—an evolution into a modern cinematic experience. The sound design on my TV really came alive. These movies were shot on 35mm film before digital color grading became standard, preserving a textured atmosphere while maintaining stunning image quality. They look incredible today and evoke a sense of nostalgia."
Schaffer's Aesthetic Choices
Schaffer chose not to emulate the aesthetic of recent action blockbusters like the John Wick series, nor did he want The Naked Gun to resemble a poorly lit comedy lacking perspective.