Finnish director Renny Harlin shared stories from his decades in Hollywood during a recent interview at the Polo Lounge. Ahead of his latest thriller Deep Water hitting theaters on Friday, Harlin reflected on breakthroughs like Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and Cliffhanger, as well as setbacks such as Cutthroat Island. He emphasized his tenacity and vision in blending action with emotion.
Harlin broke into mainstream Hollywood with 1988's Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master. During the 1987 writers' strike, he pitched storyboards to create the film's core, overcoming skepticism from New Line Cinema founder Bob Shaye. The film opened strongly, earning praise including from Steven Spielberg, who called Harlin at his $25-a-night motel.
