Lock Out (2012)

[Goaty]

As there was trailers of it in Trailer Thread, but here French link got opening scene, and it will be out soon.

It does looks like 2000AD's Harry Twenty?

Here the first 5 mins opening scene, online; thought it looks good, nice touch of Title credits to appears, and there funny moment when he try to do "Bourne" on the window. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHe4102O7M

[JOE SOAP]

Great start but the action looks as badly directed as Nolan's. A clutter of close-ups.

[Keef Monkey]

I've been watching the trailers for this with interest, it's one of those movies that I think looks bad but also really enjoyable if that makes any sense. It also looks like how I'd imagine the plotline to a 3rd Snake Plisskin movie would go.

[Tiplodocus]

I really don't understand your problem with Nolan and action. It's always perfectly clear to me what action is going on and often includes little character bits as well. Much better than a lot of ADS editted action you see in, say, Transformers.

[JOE SOAP]

I really don't understand your problem with Nolan and action.

Most Hollywood action scenes are badly shot and people are used to that style of directing and fix-it editing. You do get exceptions in that arena like the Princess Bride, Heat, the Matrix films et al. but generally it's quite poor. I am not the only one who has ever mentioned this by the way and it's generally seen as one of Nolan's weaknesses, it's quite noticeable when you've seen a well directed and cut action sequence in comparison, the Raid or most Asian films f'rinstance. The thing is his films would be much better if his action scenes were done better which is why someone like Greengrass uses a great 2nd unit director and his action scenes are far superior spatially while actually being more complicated and handheld to boot.

The opening of the Dark Knight is fine as it's is quite a simple scene but anything more complicated and he generally goes to pieces, the ending of Batman Begins is particularly bad for confusing screen geography, the same with the snow scene in Inception.

All I can say is I notice it because I see the problems and how pedestrian his big action scenes look because it seems like he's editing around spatial problems from the shoot. Yeah there's some character stuff in there but that's only one part of it. A good mainstream comparison is what Sam Raimi achieved in Spiderman II with the train sequence -regardless of whether you care for the CGI or not- and that is a faster cut scene but never confusing and has plenty of character stuff that continually moves things forward but still remains vital to the story.


If you want a thorough examination of Nolan's method have a look at this analysis video:


http://vimeo.com/28792404

[JamesC]

You do get exceptions in that arena like the Princess Bride, Heat, the Matrix films et al.

The fight scenes in the Matrix films are awful! I never understood the appeal of The Matrix myself, it's a load of pompous shit as far as I'm concerned. I really can't believe that people cite it as a good example of fight choreography - no one looks like they're actually trying to hit each other - it's just a highly complex version of pat-a-cake.

[JOE SOAP]

You do get exceptions in that arena like the Princess Bride, Heat, the Matrix films et al.

The fight scenes in the Matrix films are awful!

but they are staged and shot well.

[DeFuzzed]

The opening of the Dark Knight is fine as it's is quite a simple scene but anything more complicated and he generally goes to pieces, the ending of Batman Begins is particularly bad for confusing screen geography, the same with the snow scene in Inception.

I see what you mean re the snow scene. I was quite annoyed at not seeing more and I had to see it a few more times to get what happens where. And the train scene in Batman was also a disappointment, especially when compared to the Spiderman train scene. That's how you do an entertaining action sequence.

Now, Guy Pearce. Completely unexpected casting, should be interesting. The lines and scenario do resemble Snake and Escapes which should make it even more interesting. And Luc Besson being involved is a thumbs up, being a fan of Fifth Element, Taken and Transporter - despite the the 2nd and 3rd irritating me for many, many reasons, not least of which was an irritating female peeing in a shop.

[Tiplodocus]

I'm not saying there aren't better action directors than Nolan but that he does ok for me and I don't see it as a weakness.

(so i won't follow that link so i can be convinced something i have no problem with is rubbish - life is too short)

Back on topic, Guy Pearce is a great choice for this. And Besson's output has been 'variable' to put it kinfly but there's normally a spark or two of originality or interest in there so this could be fun.