First look: Statham, De Niro in 'The Killer Elite'

By Susan Wloszczyna, USA TODAY

Call it The Transporter meets Taxi Driver.

• 

  By Jack English, Open Road Films

  Assassinations and revenge fuel the film starring Jason Statham and Robert De Niro.

By Jack English, Open Road Films

Assassinations and revenge fuel the film starring Jason Statham and Robert De Niro.

When The Killer Elite opens Sept. 23, it promises to be a match made in tough-guy heaven as British action ace Jason Statham, as an ex-special-ops agent called out of retirement, must rescue mentor Robert De Niro.

After the Oscar winner joined the cast, "everyone was doing somersaults with joy," says Statham, whose only previous encounter with De Niro was when they briefly shook hands at a New York film festival. "He's the greatest living actor and my favorite of all time. It was a surreal moment that first day of work with him."

Given the caliber of Stathan's co-star, it's appropriate that the thriller ? based on a true story that inspired the novel The Feather Men ? requires the onetime competitive diver and martial-arts specialist to rely as much on his dramatic ability as his physical skills for once.

"This is more rooted in reality, and it's exactly what I've wanted to do for the past 10 years," says the actor, who compares the feel of the film to the Jason Bourne franchise.

"This is the kind of movie I would want to see," Statham says.

As for the plot, Statham doesn't want to reveal much: "It involves a Saudi prince whose sons were assassinated in the Oman war and who is looking for revenge." That means he and his team must take down the three killers responsible as well as their protector (Clive Owen) before De Niro can be saved.

The intense face-offs happen around the world, but most of the filming was done in Australia for practical reasons. "That is where the financiers are from," the actor explains. "But these days you don't have to actually be there to make it feel like Paris."

While Statham is stoked about matching wits with Owen ("He is just so good") and high on Northern Irish newcomer Gary McKendry as his director, it's De Niro's presence that has him most excited. "I've seen every movie he has done," he says. Even the Fockers trilogy? He laughs. "I love those films. He's so funny in them." In fact, if there is any comic relief to be found in The Killer Elite, it comes from De Niro. "He is the most humorous character."

Statham won't share any private revelations about his time with the Hollywood legend, but he does say the experience did not disappoint. "He is everything you'd expect him to be. He is the coolest chap in the world. You have to give him the respect that he is due."

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more.

Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/usatoday-LifeTopStories/~3/cqr4T28m0x8/2011-06-16-statham-de-niro-killers-elite_n.htm

Jill Arrington Shakira Kristy Swanson America Ferrera Susie Castillo