Why Every Action Movie Looks Like This Now

Summary

This video script explores the evolution of action cinema, noting a shift towards greater visual clarity and legibility in modern action scenes. It discusses the prevalence of long takes and wide angles that celebrate stunt work, reflecting an industry-wide convergence on what constitutes 'good action.' However, it also raises concerns about the potential loss of narrative diversity and the separation of action from storytelling. The script argues that truly effective action should serve the story, using examples from various films to illustrate how different approaches to action can enhance narrative impact.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The evolution of action cinema has led to a new standard of quality with films like the John Wick saga, raising the bar for fight sequences and visual storytelling.
• 🔄 There's a convergence in the aesthetic of modern action scenes, with many films adopting a similar visual language characterized by wider angles, longer shots, and a focus on clarity and legibility.
• 🤔 The author expresses concern over the trend towards a singular aesthetic in action scenes, which may be divorcing the action from the broader narrative context of the films.
• 🎬 The prevalence of 'oner' or long take action sequences is highlighted, noting their impact on audience perception and the potential for these to be disconnected from the film's narrative.
• 👥 The role of second unit directors, often stuntmen turned directors, is emphasized in shaping the look and feel of action scenes across different productions.
• 🚀 The script discusses how action scenes in big studio productions are sometimes pre-visualized by external companies, which can impact the integration of action with the rest of the film's story.
• 🔍 The author suggests that the pursuit of 'good action' has become somewhat formulaic, with a focus on techniques that emphasize visual clarity over narrative coherence.
• 🎭 The importance of action serving the story is underscored, with examples given where action scenes are most effective when they are in harmony with the film's narrative.
• 👂 The role of sound in creating visceral action experiences is highlighted, suggesting that sensory impact is as important as visual clarity.
• 🎭 The author argues that 'good action' is not one-size-fits-all but should be tailored to the specific needs of the story and the emotional response it aims to elicit from the audience.
• 🔗 The script concludes by emphasizing the importance of anticipation and narrative build-up in making action scenes impactful, suggesting that the best action is deeply connected to the story's tension and stakes.

Q & A

What has changed in the quality standards of action movies over time?

The quality standards of action movies have improved significantly with advancements in filming techniques such as the use of wider angles, longer shots, and better lighting, which have replaced the previously common shaky cams and poor lighting.

What is the concern about the convergence of aesthetics in modern action cinema?

The concern is that the distinct look and set of principles shaping modern action scenes may be leading to a blending of styles, making different movies and scenes seem increasingly similar and potentially losing their unique identities.

What does the script suggest about the importance of 'legibility' in modern action scenes?

The script suggests that 'legibility', or greater visual clarity, is a key aspect of modern action scenes, with a preference for wider angles and longer shots that clearly show the stunt work and action, rather than hiding it through quick cuts and close-ups.

How does the script relate the evolution of action scenes to Chinese filmmakers?

The script points out that Hollywood has come to understand and adopt a principle that Chinese filmmakers had already embraced decades ago: the importance of showing the action clearly so audiences can appreciate the effort, danger, and artistry involved.

What is the potential downside of the singular aesthetic developing in action scenes, as discussed in the script?

The potential downside is that this singular aesthetic might lead to a loss of diversity in action scene presentation, creating an almost objective ideal of what 'good action' is, which could become disconnected from the broader narrative and storytelling of the movies.

Why have long take action scenes become popular in modern cinema?

Long take action scenes have become popular because they offer a seamless and immersive experience, showing that the action was not cheated and allowing audiences to feel as if they are part of the struggle, thus enhancing the sense of realism and engagement.

What is the role of second unit directors in the creation of action scenes?

Second unit directors are responsible for directing parts of a movie that the main director may not be interested in or capable of doing, often including action scenes. This allows the main director to focus on other aspects of the film while ensuring the action scenes are handled by specialists.

How does the script discuss the impact of digital previsualization on action scenes?

The script discusses that digital previsualization, which are low-quality computer-generated mock-ups of scenes, can sometimes be created before the script is finished or even before a director is attached to the project, potentially leading to a disconnect between the action scenes and the overall narrative.

What is the script's stance on the importance of narrative in relation to 'good action'?

The script argues that 'good action' is not just about visual clarity and impressive stunts, but also about how well the action serves the story. It suggests that action scenes should be integrated with the narrative to create a more impactful and meaningful experience for the audience.

What examples does the script provide to illustrate the point about the importance of narrative in action scenes?

The script provides examples such as the fight scene from David Fincher's 'The Killer' and Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' to illustrate how narrative purpose and the intended audience response can shape the style and impact of action scenes.

How does the script suggest that the anticipation of action can enhance its effectiveness?

The script uses the example of 'Taken' to show how the story builds anticipation for the action scenes, making them more effective when they finally occur. This is achieved through the setup of the scenario, the establishment of stakes, and the tension created before the confrontation.