Hard pruning of climbing roses and california lilac

My climbing roses and California Lilac are getting very leggy and way too tall.
Is it possible to do a hard pruning to trim them back to a good size?
The roses were never trained properly and I am hoping to give it another go by pruning them back.
The California lilac suffered a hard winter compounded by a too light pruning the season before.

All suggestions appreciated. Thanks very much!

 

I've seen some hard pruning of roses be successful, but I think it's best if someone with experience chimes in. As for California lilac, this is one of the evergreen ones? In that case, it doesn't seem like they respond well to hard pruning.

 

Thanks very much for your input! Yes, the California Lilac is evergreen. It's turning into a tree in front of my eyes and is starting to block the view. I guess I would have to prune it with some green still showing?

Note from moderator wcutler: question about replacement has been moved to a new thread at Want flowering shrub suggestions to replace California lilac | UBC Botanical Garden Forums

 

I don't think there will be a way to do a restorative prune on the California lilac.

You are looking for a low-growing flowering shrub? Maybe have a look at something like Cistus or other rock-roses.

 

Please post suggestions for replacing the California lilac at Want flowering shrub suggestions to replace California lilac | UBC Botanical Garden Forums.