Henry Cavill is the kind of guy everyone wants to be or at least hang out with. He’s talented, successful, and handsome — many would also say he is jacked, just watch his action scenes in Mission: Impossible – Fallout or any of the DC films where the actor plays the MAN OF STEEL. Cavill resurrected the role of Superman/Clark Kent in 2013 but perhaps it was his role as Napoleon Solo when Cavill’s character walks in slow-motion wearing shades that ignited that spark of genius at BOSS headquarters to knight Cavill the new face of BOSS eyewear. Who knows where the inspiration truly struck — odds are somewhere between keeping a secret identity in Metropolis and playing a secret agent in Rome.
We often don’t think about the work that goes into becoming a Hollywood Star. The pressure of re-creating an icon like Supes or taking on a role in a mega-franchise like Mission: Impossible. Clearly, it’s hard work, a lot of sacrifices, and takes laser focus. The BOSS team sat down with Henry Cavill to talk about being the new face of BOSS eyewear campaign; #SharpenYourFocus who he admires, and how he took on the challenges of playing August Walker while filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
Art Director Ben Kelway created a clear and straightforward Pre-Fall 2018 campaign that instantly transmits the concept of concentration, drive and vision. Photographed by Paul Wetherell and styled by Beat Bolliger, the images fully focus on Henry Cavill and his look that is fueled by determination to achieve his goals. The images convey a clear and quite literal message: to sharpen the focus on what is important. Shot in a studio in Milan, Italy, the campaign is showcased in black and white in a clean and graphic way. A monochrome background, stripped of props and with even lighting was chosen. To achieve intense imagery that fully captures a moment of great calm and concentration, when forms crystallize, details emerge and distractions disappear. The moment when everything seems possible. The modern men’s sunglasses and optical frames are characterized by innovative details such as rubber frames in Havana nuances that are produced through an innovative fusing process. The lightness of the rubber provides comfort and flexibility.
How did you come to collaborate with BOSS eyewear and why was it appealing to you? The partnership was appealing to me because I’ve always been a fan of classic styles and I feel that BOSS eyewear has done them remarkably well.
Tell us about the campaign and your role in the campaign? This campaign is all about focus, which is an essential part of what I do and achieving the goals that I want to achieve. So, naturally being the brand ambassador for this campaign is something that I enjoy doing!
Which is your favorite BOSS eyewear style from the collection? The BOSS 0968/S is my favorite style from the collection. I own it in brown Havana with gray lenses. (shop BOSS eyewear)
What do you like most about the styling and brand? I like that it is cool, sharp and bold but not overbearing in its style.
Why do you think BOSS chose you as their brand ambassador? I believe that the BOSS campaign messaging and my own approach to life align seamlessly, so that partnership was a natural development.
If asked to design a pair of sunglasses for BOSS, what would they look like? That’s a very good question and like the variety available in the BOSS eyewear range I don’t think I could settle for just one look. I’d like to design a variety, suitable for different occasions.
Do you wear sunglasses on the red carpet? How do you think this adds to the look? I’m a believer in time and place when it comes to sunglasses. Yes, they absolutely add to a look, say at a summer film festival on the red carpet.
The 2018 campaign is all about focusing. Do you consider yourself a focused guy and if yes, why? I do consider myself a focused guy, I think it’s necessary for achieving one’s goals. A lack of focus can often lead to a lack of results.
How would you say being focused applies to your acting career? It applies in many many ways. Whether it be on a scene, developing a story to be made into a movie or tv program or training to achieve a physical look. Without it the best of one’s work won’t shine through.
Who are some of the people you admire and consider to be always focused? My manager, Dany Garcia. She is a remarkable person who I have enormous respect for. Her focus is second to none. She never ceases to amaze me.
We think you are pretty amazing and have already accomplished so much, but tell us what the next few years look like for you? Right now me and my production company are developing a number of projects (that shall remain unnamed for now). The wonderful thing about them is the variety they provide. It’s exciting stuff to be working on a story from the starting point.
How does focus help you attain your goals, your success? Focus is one of the more essential components to achieving ones goals. Without it, whatever your vehicle for achieving your goals may be, it won’t be the most effective.
Is there any one moment in your life you can pinpoint that lead to your success? I don’t believe there is any one moment. I think success consists of consistency over many moments.
In today’s fast-paced, switched-on world, how to do you avoid distraction? It can be very difficult to avoid distraction in this new world. Short of turning off all ones devices, it just takes practice and single-mindedness. Finish what you started before moving on.
What do you do and where do you go when you need to reflect and re-focus? Home. wherever that may be at the time. Wherever I have decided to lay my head and have my belongings. Once in a place of routine and steadiness it is vital for my refocusing process.
How do you overcome any obstacles in your path? Focused determination.
Mission Impossible 6 predicted to be one of biggest films of the year. Can you tell us how it feels to be part of it? How did you prepare to for the role and what was it like working with such a stellar cast? I consider myself very fortunate to have worked on “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” The preparation for the role was tricky because the character was constantly shifting and evolving. Working so closely with Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise made the process a smooth one, however. They are both fantastic storytellers and consummate professionals.
Is directing something you see and hope for in your future? Directing could always be a possibility, I will never close that door, but I am currently focusing on producing at the moment. Building a story from the ground up is very exciting.
What have you been busy with recently? Recently I’ve been busy developing projects behind the scenes and working on the various press activities that come before the release of a movie like “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” An arduous journey but a rewarding one if approached with a focused mind. (shop BOSS eyewear)
