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EXCLUSIVE – The film Cleaner has drawn comparisons to the iconic action movie Die Hard, but with a critical twist. Instead of facing German terrorists, the protagonist confronts a group of eco-terrorists in a high-stakes standoff.
In this modern-day thriller, Daisy Ridley portrays Joey Locke, an unsuspecting window cleaner caught in a dangerous situation when radical activists take over a London federal building. Their goal is to disrupt a gala event hosted by an energy company marred by controversy. The activists intend to use their hostages to broadcast their allegations of corruption. Tensions rise as one extremist in their midst resorts to violence.
Ridley’s character, an ex-soldier, finds herself suspended fifty stories in the air while the eco-terrorists execute their plan. Despite frequent comparisons to Die Hard, director Martin Campbell, known for Casino Royale, insists that his inspiration came from a different place.
“To be honest, I didn’t take any inspiration from Die Hard, which I loved,” Campbell shared in an interview. “The comparisons are natural because both films feature a single character battling against a group of antagonists in a skyscraper setting. However, beyond that, our narratives diverge quite a bit.”
He elaborated on the contrasts between the films, highlighting the gender dynamics at play. “We have a female protagonist in Daisy, whereas Die Hard features Bruce Willis as the lead. The conflicts within our eco-terrorist group also reflect generational divides, adding a unique layer to the story.”
While Campbell emphasizes his commitment to environmentalism, he acknowledges that only one character in the film effectively advocates for their message. “Environmental issues are real and pressing. We’re heading toward dire consequences. The character Marcus, played by Clive Owen, adopts a nonviolent approach to reveal the energy company’s corruption, aiming to broadcast it to the media,” he explained.
However, not all group members share this sentiment. The character Noah, portrayed by Taz Skylar, seeks a more violent resolution, believing that drastic action is the only means to effect true change.
“Noah believes that the only way for the planet to heal is through human extinction, which is a disturbing perspective,” Campbell noted. “While it may seem radical, it serves as a profound commentary on the lengths to which some might go to raise awareness about environmental issues.”
The past few years have witnessed significant activism from environmentalists, often manifesting in disruptive actions aimed at garnering public attention. Groups like Just Stop Oil have drawn headlines by targeting priceless artworks or interrupting theatrical performances, enabling conversations around climate urgency.
In a notable incident, climate activists infamously threw orange powder on Stonehenge, demanding an end to fossil fuels. Furthermore, during the 2023 US Open, a protester glued himself to the stadium floor, brandishing a shirt that read
