Joe Cornet – Gunfight at Rio Bravo

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for your film Gunfight at Rio Bravo.           

A) A small, East Texas town is besieged by a gang of cutthroats attempting to free their leader who is an ex-Confederate renegade. Ultimately, the town must be defended by a mysterious Russian who has a surprising past from the American Civil War.

Q) Was there something about the script or storyline that made you want to join as the director?

A) I liked the idea of combining elements of classic action films within the genre of the western. This was inspired by Alexander Nevsky. He is a king of action and I know a thing or two about Westerns!

Q) The cinematography for this film is lovely. How involved were you in working with Sam Wilkerson to plan out the scenery for shots?          

A) Sam Wilkerson and I go back a few years. This is one of three films I have had the pleasure of working with him. What I love about Sam is his understanding of composition and lighting. We worked out most of the shots in advance as well as the look of the film. I refer to him as a “master painter”. If you have seen my earlier film Promise, you know what I mean. In Gunfight at Rio Bravo, he really brings out a richness in tone that I think is unmatched.

Q) The cast does an incredible job Gunfight at Rio Bravo. What part did you play in finding actors and actresses for the movie?                

A) Alexander and I worked together on the casting. We knew we wanted action greats such as Matthias Hues and Olivier Gruner. The rest of the process was considering people we have worked with and several we wanted to. I think it turned out very well. I just love watching everyone’s performances.

Q) Going into this, were there certain scenes that you were excited to film?                                                                                                     

A) I was excited to tackle the action sequences, certainly. Having the legendary Art Camacho as fight/stunt coordinator makes it that much easier. One scene I was looking forward to was an important dialogue sequence between Natalie Denise Sperl and Alexander. Check it out, there is some fine acting there!

Q) Which scene did you find a challenge to work on during production?  

A) There was a rather elaborately choreographed action sequence which required a lot of buildup and tension. It is an interior scene, a bit claustrophobic, involving close range gunplay. Quite exciting!

Q) You also star in the movie and work as an EP on it. How were you able to balance all of your roles all at once?                                       

A) I am happiest wearing several hats at once. I learned long ago how to balance everything. It is just a matter of focus and compartmentalizing the various duties. I really have no theory behind it, I just do it.

Q) Were you always in mind to play Sheriff Kelly or did you sneak into the role?                                                                                              

A) As the script developed, I was considering a few different roles, but I came to appreciate the sheriff. I think I understood his dark past and his need for redemption.

Q) Watching the whole film keeps you on the edge of your seat so I can imagine how intense it was shooting it. How did you shake off a long day of filming?                                                                             

A) This film was such a joy to shoot, I never felt tense or nervous. The reward was what we got in the camera at the end of each day. Of course, a stiff martini helped each evening!

Q) What do you hope lingers with people who watch Gunfight at Rio Bravo?                                                                                                 

A) Let me make it simple, I hope the audience has fun! I also hope they want to see it again and again.

Q) Up next you’re working on Taken From Rio Bravo. What is it about this story that makes you want to continue telling it?

A) The characters are interesting, and I think they have more adventures and challenges to experience. Plus, in the sequel we have the greatest group of despicable villains you will ever meet!

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately?                                                                                                  

A) We have Night of the Caregiver soon to be released. Starring Natalie Denise Sperl and Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist), it is a creepy tale of the paranormal with a touch of satanism and a nod to Dario Argento. I am also in preproduction on a thriller set in 1960s L.A. about strange murders and false identities.