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In December 2004, I received an e-mail from Mark L. Lester (Director of Commando)
stating that he enjoyed CommandoFans.com, and if there were any questions he could answer, to let him know. After consulting with members of the Commando Fans Message Board, I compiled 9 quick questions to ask him. Below is my e-mail to him, and his reply to me:
My e-mail to Mark Lester:
Andrew LeRoy Wed, Dec 22, 2004 at 7:34AM
To: mark@americanworldpictures.com
Dear Mr. Lester,
Thank you for your kind comments about Commando Fans. I am honored by
your endorsement! I must say that it's amazing to be corresponding
with the Director of COMMANDO. Everyone on the message board is very
excited. It would be a crime not to ask you a few questions, and the
message board members have compiled a few quick ones:
1.) As a director, did you enjoy making Commando?
2.) How long did it take to shoot Commando?
3.) Were there any budget problems?
4.) How was Commando received when it was released?
5.) Who made the decisions for Bennett's 'chain mail vest' costume?
6.) Was there any extra footage removed from the uncut 'tool shed scene'?
7.) What was the hardest stunt to do?
8.) What was it like working with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
9.) and finally...What WAS in Jenny's sandwich?
Also, if there's any other information about the film you'd like to
add, please do so.
Sincerest Regards,
Andrew LeRoy
Webmaster - CommandoFans.com
Mr. Lester's reply
e-mail:
Mark Lester Sat, Dec 25, 2004 at 3:49PM
To: Andrew LeRoy
Cc: mark@americanworldpictures.com
Andrew:
1.) Yes, I loved it. Great time. All actors wonderful to work with.
2.) 45 days of shooting.
3.) None, right on budget. Cost was about $10 million dollars - a lot back
then.
4.) Fantastic. #1 film in the first 2 weeks of released. Grossed $35 million
in the US . Big numbers in 1985.
5.) I chose the costume for Bennett.
6.) No extra footage from tool shed scene but the rating board made us quick
cut some shots to get the R rating.
7.) Rolling the car in the opening scene. The stuntman took 4 tries to do
it. We were shooting in Griffith Park and landscape difficult.
8.) Arnold is a great man. Easy to work with, very cooperative. Followed all
my instructions to the letter. Even agreed to the short haircut, which
started a craze at the time.
9.) Peanut butter.
Keep in touch, happy to answer anything. One of my favourite movies along
with my Class of 1984, being released on DVD soon. Tell Fox, I'll do a commentary if they ask.
Sincerely,
Mark L. Lester
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