Puts a pretty fine point on 'Sabotage' not being a typical Schwarzenegger outing. We got it, we believe you, show the movie.
Showing posts with label Sabotage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sabotage. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
"Not Just Another Action Movie"
At :40 in the interview below Arnold Schwarzenegger confirms what has been pretty clear in clips and trailers for 'Sabotage' -- David Ayer wanted to make more than just another action movie, another collection of hackneyed and expected beats. Schwarzenegger also mentions how Ayer 'drills down' in every scene, asking actors to find more nuance in their characters.
Can't argue with any of that. Ayer is becoming a director to watch. 'Action' doesn't seem broad enough to describe the genre Ayer works in, and 'character-driven' is way too soft, doesn't work either. Ayer delivers tightly shot and edited action sequences yet peels back the veneer to expose layers of character, driving motivations, and emotional complexity in just about every shot, and does it without missing a beat, while still keeping the audience on edge -- quite the hat-trick.
'End of Watch' had much the same feel as the footage I've seen from 'Sabotage' but, of course, that movie had Michael Peña and Jake Gyllenhaal in the leads so nobody was expecting a superficial action movie. With Arnold's involvement, bloggers have largely dismissed 'Sabotage' as a B-actioner and ignored the fact Ayer is directing -- a fairly thoughtless knee-jerk reaction.
'Sabotage' is almost certainly a cut above. That Schwarzenegger is in the movie, in this case, with this director, doesn't mean what it might have in years past. 'Sabotage' may deliver some of the most brutal action sequences, yes, but it might also be one of the deepest character studies, albeit with unavoidable restrictions inherent to the genre, to come along in a while.
Can't argue with any of that. Ayer is becoming a director to watch. 'Action' doesn't seem broad enough to describe the genre Ayer works in, and 'character-driven' is way too soft, doesn't work either. Ayer delivers tightly shot and edited action sequences yet peels back the veneer to expose layers of character, driving motivations, and emotional complexity in just about every shot, and does it without missing a beat, while still keeping the audience on edge -- quite the hat-trick.
'End of Watch' had much the same feel as the footage I've seen from 'Sabotage' but, of course, that movie had Michael Peña and Jake Gyllenhaal in the leads so nobody was expecting a superficial action movie. With Arnold's involvement, bloggers have largely dismissed 'Sabotage' as a B-actioner and ignored the fact Ayer is directing -- a fairly thoughtless knee-jerk reaction.
'Sabotage' is almost certainly a cut above. That Schwarzenegger is in the movie, in this case, with this director, doesn't mean what it might have in years past. 'Sabotage' may deliver some of the most brutal action sequences, yes, but it might also be one of the deepest character studies, albeit with unavoidable restrictions inherent to the genre, to come along in a while.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
It's The 80s All Over
Even though this is, technically, part of Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to acting, I didn't think I'd see old-school 80s one-liners in David Ayer's 'Sabotage', however, in the clip below, Arnie goes there. The line "Spend enough time on the job, the job bites back" comes straight out of that era. It's pure plastic, is all surface, but I'm thinking it has to be a nod to Schwarzenegger's glory days. Pure tongue-in-cheek. We're just joking. Over in a flash, don't worry. Now back to the regularly scheduled movie.
I refuse to belief Ayer, who wrote the script for 'Sabotage' with Skip Woods, would include this line without knowing exactly what he was doing. So, I'm not changing my mind. From what I've seen 'Sabotage' is, in all likelihood, is a very competently done action/suspense with a nicely thought out plot and performances that have more emotional density than you'd expect.
While they step in a little doo doo with that line, I think everyone was in on it. The acting (with the possible exception of Arnie's gravelly 'Don't make me pound you' voice) doesn't go full-80s schlock, and Olivia Williams' graceful technique pulls this one out of the fire.
I refuse to belief Ayer, who wrote the script for 'Sabotage' with Skip Woods, would include this line without knowing exactly what he was doing. So, I'm not changing my mind. From what I've seen 'Sabotage' is, in all likelihood, is a very competently done action/suspense with a nicely thought out plot and performances that have more emotional density than you'd expect.
While they step in a little doo doo with that line, I think everyone was in on it. The acting (with the possible exception of Arnie's gravelly 'Don't make me pound you' voice) doesn't go full-80s schlock, and Olivia Williams' graceful technique pulls this one out of the fire.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Just Keep Getting Better
Haven't seen anything to dislike about David Ayer's 'Sabotage'. Could this end up being Arnold Schwarzenegger's best flick?
Best trailer yet.
Best trailer yet.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
A Few Seconds New Footage
Perhaps the best trailer for 'Sabotage' yet. This one features more of Olivia Williams' character's investigation. They're striving mightily to sell the dramatic aspects of this story and I'm betting it's there, worth it.
As I've said a couple times, this looks to be a cut above from an action helmer with chops, David Ayer.
As I've said a couple times, this looks to be a cut above from an action helmer with chops, David Ayer.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Better Than You'd Expect
With every bit of 'Sabotage' we see it becomes more clear this is a David Ayer movie, not an Arnold Schwarzenegger comeback attempt.
In the clip below the quality in camera and editing is apparent. I like the short snap zoom on the sign before we get inside to see what's going on. Dialogue starts immediately (over footage of the sign) -- a technique you won't see too much in most action films.
Once inside tension is solid and convincing thanks to Ayer's handling. Arnold's first shot is during the line "Guess I'm the only one with any goddamn balls here," which may seem like obvious editing when you see it executed but probably wouldn't be done as well by most directors, who would simply show the room in a master shot that includes all the actors, which wouldn't have nearly the impact of a reveal.
The snap zoom, still very short, is repeated on Lizzy (Mireille Enos) at about :30. Again, in this context as used by Ayer, this is a seemingly obvious reiteration of technique, but you couldn't count on such polish from the average action director.
Great lighting on Arnold's face at :24 -- nice definition on his stubble -- from cinematographer Bruce McCleery. Another "So what?" moment, but such deliberate work is rare in most genre flicks.
Cutting in the middle of the word 'hazard' emphasizes the point Wharton is trying to make and keeps the audience on its toes. Another considered touch from Ayer and editor Dody Dorn that comes off looking effortless but adds life to the scene.
Action moves left to right pretty cleanly, which isn't a big thing but it wasn't accidental either. Another director may not even have been aware of the energy flow.
David Ayer has crafted an ensemble action drama in which Schwarzenegger is only a part, not the star. At least in its mechanics, 'Sabotage' is a cut above.
In the clip below the quality in camera and editing is apparent. I like the short snap zoom on the sign before we get inside to see what's going on. Dialogue starts immediately (over footage of the sign) -- a technique you won't see too much in most action films.
Once inside tension is solid and convincing thanks to Ayer's handling. Arnold's first shot is during the line "Guess I'm the only one with any goddamn balls here," which may seem like obvious editing when you see it executed but probably wouldn't be done as well by most directors, who would simply show the room in a master shot that includes all the actors, which wouldn't have nearly the impact of a reveal.
The snap zoom, still very short, is repeated on Lizzy (Mireille Enos) at about :30. Again, in this context as used by Ayer, this is a seemingly obvious reiteration of technique, but you couldn't count on such polish from the average action director.
Great lighting on Arnold's face at :24 -- nice definition on his stubble -- from cinematographer Bruce McCleery. Another "So what?" moment, but such deliberate work is rare in most genre flicks.
Cutting in the middle of the word 'hazard' emphasizes the point Wharton is trying to make and keeps the audience on its toes. Another considered touch from Ayer and editor Dody Dorn that comes off looking effortless but adds life to the scene.
Action moves left to right pretty cleanly, which isn't a big thing but it wasn't accidental either. Another director may not even have been aware of the energy flow.
David Ayer has crafted an ensemble action drama in which Schwarzenegger is only a part, not the star. At least in its mechanics, 'Sabotage' is a cut above.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
UK 'Sabotage' Trailer
Watching this trailer all I can think is 'I hope this lives up to its potential'. Being directed by David Ayer ('End of Watch', and the upcoming Brad Pitt WWII tank shoot 'em up 'Fury') 'Sabotage' will almost certainly deliver a fresh approach. Camera/editing should be crisp, and things should move at a clip, but there's also potential for a sharp dramatic edge.
If we get all that this flick will be memorable. If we get half that 'Sabotage' will still be must-see for fans of the genre.
If we get all that this flick will be memorable. If we get half that 'Sabotage' will still be must-see for fans of the genre.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Can You Spot Arnie? -- or -- Red Band Trailer for David Ayer's 'Sabotage'
Okay. Sure. Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to feature films isn't going great. 'Escape Plan' and 'The Last Stand', the two movies he's been the star or co-star of, kinda just laid there.
'Sabotage' is on another level, though. David Ayer wrote and directed 'End of Watch' and gave that film a cool visual style that didn't have a technique-y feel but was, nonetheless, completely assured. He co-writes (with Skip Woods) and directs 'Sabotage' and, from the footage I've seen, brings even more cinematic panache. I'm probably out on a limb a bit saying that, but, yeah, that's what I'm picking up.
But, back to Arnie. It's hard not to notice you don't get a good look at his face in this new trailer until the 1:00 minute mark (out of a three minute runtime). So, yes, he's front and center on posters but they're not selling this as a Schwarzenegger movie in this trailer. This is sold (at :25) as being "From the Director of End of Watch". It's a David Ayer bust 'em up, not a Schwarzenegger gig, and that ain't a bad thing.
The other thing that's hard not to notice is the level of violence and gruesome detail. Not out of place considering the bad guys are in the 'Cartel', however we've not seen much of that kind of butchery in movies until just the last couple years. It's been in the news, along with horribly graphic photographs (if you know where to look), but it hasn't been in movies. It's safe to say the operatic vision of gangster violence of classic movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Goodfellas' is the cinematic vocabulary of a bygone era.
I'm loving 'Sabotage' so far. This movie might become a reference for people making action films down the road.
'Sabotage' is on another level, though. David Ayer wrote and directed 'End of Watch' and gave that film a cool visual style that didn't have a technique-y feel but was, nonetheless, completely assured. He co-writes (with Skip Woods) and directs 'Sabotage' and, from the footage I've seen, brings even more cinematic panache. I'm probably out on a limb a bit saying that, but, yeah, that's what I'm picking up.
But, back to Arnie. It's hard not to notice you don't get a good look at his face in this new trailer until the 1:00 minute mark (out of a three minute runtime). So, yes, he's front and center on posters but they're not selling this as a Schwarzenegger movie in this trailer. This is sold (at :25) as being "From the Director of End of Watch". It's a David Ayer bust 'em up, not a Schwarzenegger gig, and that ain't a bad thing.
The other thing that's hard not to notice is the level of violence and gruesome detail. Not out of place considering the bad guys are in the 'Cartel', however we've not seen much of that kind of butchery in movies until just the last couple years. It's been in the news, along with horribly graphic photographs (if you know where to look), but it hasn't been in movies. It's safe to say the operatic vision of gangster violence of classic movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Goodfellas' is the cinematic vocabulary of a bygone era.
I'm loving 'Sabotage' so far. This movie might become a reference for people making action films down the road.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Remember, It's A David Ayer Movie
Arnie's return to movies is going okay. 'The Last Stand' and 'Escape Plan', maybe not so much, but the guy's career has had several misfires. Pretty normal for action stars.
'Sabotage', though, looks much better than the above mentioned. Cinematography by Bruce McCleery (second unit shooter for Spider-Man 2, Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8) is completely assured. Direction by David Ayer (End of Watch, Fury) has a style that's both tight and free-flowing at the same time.
This should be palatable, fun. If this one works and we get a couple more like it, they'll be called 'Schwarzenegger movies' again. Until then, it's a David Ayer flick, and there's nothing wrong with that.
'Sabotage', though, looks much better than the above mentioned. Cinematography by Bruce McCleery (second unit shooter for Spider-Man 2, Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8) is completely assured. Direction by David Ayer (End of Watch, Fury) has a style that's both tight and free-flowing at the same time.
This should be palatable, fun. If this one works and we get a couple more like it, they'll be called 'Schwarzenegger movies' again. Until then, it's a David Ayer flick, and there's nothing wrong with that.
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