Israeli Director Discusses Hollywood Action Film 'Code Name: Tehran'

Israeli director and screenwriter the director and screenwriter, now based in Los Angeles, has helmed the new action film "Code Name: Tehran," a project he describes as one of his career's biggest challenges. The film, which involved 46 days of shooting across two countries with a budget exceeding $25 million, is set for release in Israeli cinemas. In an interview on the "Cinema Shut" podcast, the director and screenwriter spoke about his work with Hollywood stars Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, his unexpected path from combat service in the IDF to filmmaking, and the late actor Alon Abutbul, who had a role in the movie.

The director and screenwriter's journey into filmmaking began during his IDF service in the 1990s, a period that prompted him to reconsider his future. Initially contemplating a career in security, he found himself drawn to cinema. Watching Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven" proved to be a turning point, solidifying his decision to pursue directing. After meeting director Eitan Green, he moved to New York to study film, supporting himself by working as a security guard. His debut film, "Holi," opened doors in the American film industry, followed by "Bona Rake," a $20 million production starring Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore, and Woody Harrelson.

Regarding "Code Name: Tehran," the director and screenwriter explained that the initial script was significantly different from the final product, requesting a near-complete rewrite from the producers. He drew inspiration from films like Sam Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch" and Michael Mann's "Heat," aiming to create an action film that explored camaraderie and the adrenaline addiction among fighters, not just the mission itself. He cast Zachary Levi, known for "Shazam!" and "Chuck," because he wasn't the typical choice for an action hero. Liam Neeson's role was also unconventional, as the director and screenwriter noted, "Liam doesn't hold a gun in the movie," calling it a rare supporting role for the actor in recent years. The production was demanding, with 13 of the 46 shooting days spent in the U.S. with Neeson, and the remaining 33 days in Georgia required filming approximately 90 script pages, including major action sequences.

The director and screenwriter also shared a personal story about his friendship with the late actor Alon Abutbul. They met in Los Angeles after Abutbul saw and was impressed by "Bona Rake." Their close friendship developed over a shared passion for art and cinema. "He was a true artist. Alon was also a painter and a singer, simply an artist in every fiber of his being," the director and screenwriter said. They had long wanted to collaborate, and when the opportunity arose for the new film, the director and screenwriter invited Abutbul to participate. After filming, they discussed future collaborations, but Abutbul passed away before seeing the movie. The director and screenwriter dedicated the film to his memory, expressing his belief that they would one day make a film together with Abutbul in a leading role.

The director and screenwriter also discussed his desire to blend commercial Hollywood cinema with more personal and complex artistic expression, asserting that even in a large-scale action film, it's possible to tell a human story with depth and complex characters.