Amid the global lockdown in 2020, acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, known for directing and producing films such as “The Kingsman” series, “Kick-Ass,” and “Stardust,” took a unique initiative. Nestled in his home outside London, Vaughn organized a film-appreciation class for his wife, Claudia Vaughn (formerly Schiffer), and their two daughters, who were approximately 10 and 15 years old at that time.
“Because it was lockdown, it gave me license to keep screening movies for them to watch,” Vaughn says. He showed them movie after movie, including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 classic “North by Northwest,” in which an ordinary man (albeit one who looks like Cary Grant) gets swept up in an extraordinary, espionage-tinged adventure. His girls went crazy for it. “And I thought, ‘I want to make a movie like that for my daughters,’” Vaughn says.
Photo Credit: “Universal Pictures”
Eventually, the solution, or rather its inception, materialized on his desk in the form of an unpublished spy novel manuscript authored by Elly Conway. Vaughn describes Elly Conway’s book, titled “Argylle,” as the finest spy thriller he had encountered. However, the novel’s structure was straightforward, centering around a young secret agent named Argylle. Vaughn, known for his non-conventional filmmaking approach, has consistently utilized source material as a launching pad for bold and imaginative creative and narrative ventures throughout his career. In the case of “Argylle,” the film wouldn’t follow the conventional path of adaptation; instead, it would draw inspiration from the book’s world and characters, serving as a springboard for an entirely new and original cinematic creation.
“I’ve helped orchestrate what people have come to expect from spy thrillers, and it felt like the right time to challenge some of the clichés I’ve been guilty of upholding,” Vaughn says. “Those ’80s films I watched with my kids combined great storytelling with pure escapism. I thought the post-COVID world would need something to make people smile and feel like they’re on an exciting thrill ride.”
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Embarking on the screenplay development for “Argylle,” Vaughn and screenwriter Jason Fuchs initiated a significant meta-shift. The narrative underwent a transformation where the fictionalized version of the actual author of the “Argylle” novel, Elly Conway, took center stage in the film. Departing from the conventional spy storyline, “Argylle” now unfolded as a tale about a secluded spy novelist who finds herself thrust into real-world espionage. This unexpected turn occurs when the intricate plots of her literary works closely parallel the activities of a sinister spy organization.
Photo Credit: “Universal Pictures”
Vaughn emphasizes his primary goal of crafting a compelling narrative, not aiming to revolutionize the genre but to offer a fresh perspective. Directing with the mindset of an audience member, he focuses on what would captivate viewers and incorporates unexpected elements to maintain a sense of novelty.
Upon reading the screenplay, Bryce Dallas Howard, who portrays Elly Conway, was instantly captivated. “This is a spy thriller like you’ve never seen before, and I couldn’t believe it when I was reading it,” Howard expressed.
Photo Credit: “Universal Pictures”
The actress also commends the film’s distinctive action sequences. Howard notes, “When you sign on to a Matthew Vaughn film, you know there’s going to be a lot of action. You also know it is going to be conceived in a way that is incredibly fresh. In this film, the action sequences were a hybrid between dance and martial arts.”
Bryce Dallas Howard is part of a stellar ensemble cast in “Argylle,” which features Oscar® winner Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, John Cena, Emmy winner and Oscar® nominee Bryan Cranston, Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Oscar® winner Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa.
Photo Credit: “Universal Pictures”
Vaughn advocates for the cinema experience, emphasizing the thrill and enjoyment that come from sharing the film with fellow moviegoers. According to Vaughn, “The cinema remains one of the last places where we, as a society, can connect on a deeply human level. It’s a place where we can come together and experience the rollercoaster of emotions, the highs and lows, as a collective. This film, in particular, was made for the big screen. It’s grand and filled with unexpected moments you won’t see coming. When you’re in a theater, surrounded by fellow audience members, and those moments hit, the reactions create an unforgettable experience. It’s more fun, more immersive. It is pure escapism, something we all need in a world that is not always sunny. A little ray of sunshine, even in a dark room, is a good idea.”
Scheduled for a cinematic debut on January 31, “Argylle,” presented by Apple Original Films in association with MARV and a Cloudy production, is set to hit theaters and is distributed by Universal Pictures. Don’t miss out on the excitement! #ArgylleMoviePH
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.