GREEN LANTERN EXCLUSIVE: Writer Marc Guggenheim on director Martin Campbell's Influence

"We did two drafts of the script with Martin," says Guggenheim, "and I think a lot of what he brings to it is a visceral nature. He understands comic book movies because he did The Mask of Zorro, but he's not a comic book guy. And I say that in the best way, because between me, Greg and Michael there are enough comic book guys. We needed a director who was able to bring a different perspective, and what Martin brings is pure testosterone. He brings this testosterone infused adrenaline to the project, and a scope.

"Martin was a very quick study; he really immersed himself in Lantern lore and really understood it quickly. To the point where he was telling us about the comic book history," Guggenheim adds. "He was quoting members of the Green Lantern Corps from memory; really understanding it and pushing everyone to adopt a visual style that was very unique. I think the way Oa looks is a testament to the art department and the designer, but it started with Martin. For instance, he had some really bold ideas for the way Abin Sur's ship should look. I mean, when you see that ship in the movie you'll be pretty amazed at the cool design that you haven't seen in a movie before. That's because Martin was pushign eveyrone to reinvent the look of things so that it's something unique and original at every step, and that's what the movie needed to be. It's not enough to just combine a space opera with superheroes -- you've got to do it in a way that re-invents both genres, or at least contributes something new to them.

"Martin becomes a student of what he's directing,and he really did immerse himself in all things Green Lantern so that you get the best of both worlds -- you've got someone who is able to come to it with a perspective that meant he wasn't precious about the comic book-ness of it, but at the same time with a respect for the character and the medium, and a love for both."