Collateral - The Midpoint Collision
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- Опубліковано 21 чер 2024
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Michael Mann’s 2004 thriller Collateral is a great example of how a protagonist’s facade is slowly stripped away as their inner self is forced to rise, and what happens when these two sides of the character collide at the midpoint of the story.
Written by:
Brian Bitner ( / brianbitner )
Michael Tucker ( / michaeltuckerla )
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Collateral is one of my favorite movies, and perhaps the only movie shot on this early-2000s style digital format that I think suits the movie. Where do you stand on the film vs. digital debate? And what movie should I look at next?
Never thought about why it looks so different than say, a film shot on 70mm. Thanks for the insight!
Please do a Charlie Kaufman screenplay
Lessons from the Screenplay Thanks For The Video And Can You Talk About Prisoners Or No Country For Old Men !!!
Film
Magnolia! That'd be awesome. Great vids, man. Huge fan of your work.
Its not even about the story for me with Collateral. I just like hanging out in the movie. some movies make you feel good just chillin with the film for whatever reason.
I get ya
Gives you that night owl vibe cruising around LA
At home with a story, immersed. Great comment.
Never thought of it that way 😁
John p agree. I just be having the movie on in the house sometimes
Michael Mann doesn't ever get enough credit.
No he gets way too much
Slam Robot658 Michael Mann made this???
@@CaesarCassius Bullshit! HEAT!
I think you mean Stuart Beattie doesn't get enough credit...
@@jmorrisfilms and Manhunter.
This is one of the *BEST* movies ever illustrating Los Angeles at night
You should also check out Nightcrawler. There were most likely some Mann influences there.
Don't forget Drive by Winding Refn starring Gosling, Mulligan and so many more great performances.
agreed. Beautifully and lovingly shot in clear as crystal digital.
Other genres but Swingers and Die Hard also do some justice to the LA night.
Swingers is not about the city though, it's the loosers trying to change their luck it focuses on. I never think about the city when watching Swingers, because I don't see it as loving filmed as Mann would. Die Hard...great movie, obviously, but how can it be a homage to a city when the city is only a back drop to the story inside the tower? It could of been set in any city.
Vincent : [Staring Max down] "She carried you in her womb for nine months."
I think the fact that Vincent's mother died during child birth, is why he shows Max's mother so much respect and attention in the hospital scene.
Good point. That's like the first ounce of humanity that Vincent shows, and at first he tries to hide it behind "seeming normal to not get caught", but then when he says that quote, you can tell that he actually means it.
Finally someone talks about how great this movie is. It doesn't get the amount of attention it deserves, if you ask me.
I hadn't realized how old it (and I) is! In my mind it's a recent movie...but not so much!
It's been my favorite movie for like 18 years. I've never heard anyone else so much as mention it. It is criminally underrated.
Collateral is one of Cruise's finest performances and criminally underrated. The man is incredibly versatile and such a fine actor.
When people bash him for being a bad actor, I always show them this film.
Yeah-I feel like he's always Tom Cruise (he's not like a chameleon or anything), but he also manages to believably embody his characters. Like, I believe this is what Tom Cruise would be like as a hitman. And his performances are always very generous.
Cruise was in good hands with Michael Mann who was able to frame him in such way that it's both elevated, yet grounded. To me it's his best role, and probably Mann's best film. Collateral is a lightning in a bottle. Right people, right story, right time.
I haven't heard anyone bash Tom Cruise for being a bad actor.
Think folk forget just how good he can be I wish he would drop the action flicks some are enjoyable and impressive for his age but can we get this tom cruise the one that gave us born on the 4th of July,magnolia & lions for lambs.
People bash him for being a Scientologist
Tom Cruise was a great villain, man, he was so cold, calculated, and charismatic.. I hoped he take on more roles being a villain after that movie, instead of the occasional hero.
The whole time I was just rooting for him.
In the end, I can’t call him a full villain.
this might be his finest performance - memorable movie in many ways, thanks LFTS for the video, and thanks DarkSide for the insightful comment. Maybe he will read this and start playing more bad guys! Or, I am in film school... maybe I will write a bad guy part with him in mind! Thanks for the inspiration!
You didn't touch on Maxs interplay with Annie which is a key point of Maxs character progression to fulfillment of inner self. At the beginning of the film when she gets into the taxi he manages to get her card, but he is reluctant to act on it and give her a call. Later on in the film when she is in danger he fully realizes his potential and saves her, completing his character arc.
We touch on this a bit in the related blog post - not so much on Annie but a bit on how she plays into Max's overall arc:
www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com/blog/2018/4/25/collateralan-equal-and-opposite-reaction
Beautiful
@@brianbitner I'm quite late to this game, but just wanted to add a small - but as I see it crucial - bit that is often missed even in in-depth analyses like this; One important reason for Vincent to keep Max alive: He wants/needs to frame Max for the murders, expose him and exploit his presence, in order to stay in the shadows himself, nameless and faceless. Max has done this before, as the one cop figures out, mentioning another cab driver flipping out and going on a killing spree... So his role in Max' character development serves a more devious purpose, sparking a rebellion that will help sell the story about Max going of the rails and becoming a maniacal killer. I'm not saying Vincent's motivation is ALL about this, mind you, but to me Vincent comes across as way more calculating, more stone cold surface, than people tend to give him credit for. (It also mixes well with Cruise's approach to the role, moonlighting with UPS(?) deliveries, to see if he still could pass as a nobody, even at the peak of his career.) It took me the hindsight of a second viewing to pick up on this, though, and a willingness to reevaluate what I thought I knew about how the plot unfolds.
@@willinwoods I always felt that Vincent kept Max alive for a different reason. They share a connection that isn't spoken, but is implied. You see it come out when Vincent saves Max during the club shootout. At the same time, that connection and the conversations with Max begin to crack Vincent's facade, as evidenced when Vince has a brief moment of feeling, where he stumbles after killing the Jazz musician. At least that's how I look at it, not saying you're wrong.
@@Rob_-_ I can see your point, and again: I'm not saying Vincent's motivation is ALL about manipulation and pinning the blame on Max; but I do think that the relation evolves way slower than one might be lead to think upon first viewing. E g when Vincent forces Max to tell his boss off, I really don't think that he cares all that much about Max yet; he's still more like callously exploiting Max's dreams and ambitions -- and not so much "shaking up Max's neat little box" out of ... idk, compassion? or even for sh*ts and giggles, like a nihilistic psychopath surely coulda/woulda. No, at that time I'm sure it's still just a part of his regular MO. Pinpointing exactly when that "oh cr*p" moment really hits Vincent first; when he realises that he'll have to struggle to keep the upper hand -- that could easily call for discussions much longer than the movie itself.
Ayyyy. I really like this movie. It's underrated as hell.
+rudlab This movie's so great, I got my username from a line of dialogue in it.
This movie is what made me obsessed with film making and particularly camera work. I have studied it and watched it over and over and it’s so nice to see a fresh analytical view on it. Another fantastic video Michael. Well done sir!
Collateral is, I think, the first "adult" movie I saw in a theater together with my school friends only (without an adult present), after moving to a new school district and having been generally pretty disinterested in movies during my teens up to that point. I'm not even sure how we got in to the theater, because all of us were 14-15yo, but we did and had front row seats in a rather empty theatre, given how it was in the middle of the week.
But holy shit, the movie made such an impression on me. I sat there mesmerized, because it was nothing like what I might've expected. Moody, intimate and thoughtful (yet still pretty cool/exciting to a 15yo). It really shook me and remains one of my all time favorite movies. I doubt any of my buddies that I went to see it with thought much about it even the next day, but it has stayed with me all these years and I've returned to it countless times.
I even think it perhaps in part shaped me as a person growing up - to not end up like Max, but rather to seize the day and "just do" instead of making excuses.
Great screenplay, great acting, great cinematography, great film.
Great story bro. I think there are much worse films to get inspired from.
fellow monster musume fan
I love MM’s films. Making the actor train and be proficient in his role rather than winging it is always my favourite. The alley scene is what I live for. Sicario, Wind River.
Mann has a realism that is appreciated by few and duplicated by even fewer.
His "Heat" stands as a testament.
Perhaps only John Wick (albeit more stylized) holds a candle.
Mann's dedication to realism combined with Cruise's commitment to doing everything possible that he can to prepare for a role is what created Vincent, one of the best movie villains ever put on film
Even when I haven't seen the movie I watch your videos. You make me want to watch the movies you analyze.
Awesome! You should :P
I paused this so I can watch it lol
haha
Collateral is super solid and it's quality is all screenplay. Everything else is done well (shooting, edit, performances etc) but the script is supremely capable and ultimately is the element that makes the movie shine most.
Adina McCray you have to watch this movie then you will have a batter understanding
Collateral is one of my favorite movies, and you pointed out something I hadn't thought about before, how the protagonist and antagonist are in near constant contact with each other. That really is a pretty radically different setup than most movies. I just rewatched Heat tonight, so crazy how one director can make both a sprawling epic with many interwoven characters, then less than a decade later make such an intimate film that is essentially a dual character study
Funnily enough though, I think Vincent and Max only sit face to face once the entire film, when Vincent sits on the train bench to die. Other than that, Vincent is either sitting behind Max or to his side.
Funny you should mention Heat, a movie where the two main characters only share two scenes together. Michael Mann tells both stories brilliantly but uses very different approaches to his characters.
Another great entry Michael! It always amazes me how you can take these relatively simple elements of storytelling and turn them into clear and genuinely insightful videos. Keep it up and film schools will become a thing of the past ;)
Thanks Tom! Back at you ;)
Well if it isn't LSOO. I'm still in awe of your Gladiator video. That was a marvellous piece of work. You should be proud of the work yourself and LFTS do, it's a huge inspiration to myself and many others.
Keep it up. xx
Good to know that two of my favourite youtubers are pals 😊
Drop the O. Just LSO. It’s cleaner.
This is one of my favourite crime films of all time... I've watched over 5times and guess what, I'd watch again and again... To have u do what u do best on this, is nothin' short of greatness... WeLL done and keep up the oddLy good work and UniversaL AccLaimed greatness wouLd be urs for the takin'...
NonetheLess, I'd Like to see you anaLyse a Tarantino ScreenpLay and #Birdman(the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Mate, you break down these films the exact way I experience them. When I try to explain my love of film I struggle so much. I now just recommend your videos to my friends to show the simplicities of understanding characters and how dialogue makes the movie. I adore what you do my friend. Keep at it, stay awesome brother.
ok
@@part4963 no
@@paolothorpe1461 hello
@@part4963 wassup
@@paolothorpe1461 good
Jamie Foxx played this character perfectly.
Yes-he's so good in this.
So did Tom Cruise
God.. Foxx is very good in this movie, but the lack of Cruise love is ridiculous. He should have least got an Oscar nod.
That scene with pinkett in the beginning was electric even though seems not much happening. I totally agree with you on foxx in this film
Foxx wouldn't have been half as good if it hadn't been for Tom Cruise's powerful presence.
Tom cruise's best role
I dont like the movie but agree with you
Rare role for him and he thrived. This character versus say Jerry Maguire shows how great cruise is his versatility and screen presence.
@Andrew P Velasco meh
Rainman maybe?
Les grossman
Magnolia is his greatest. He played Frank to perfection.
Collateral and Heat are two of my favorite movies! Plus, this was a great analysis. Keep 'em coming!!!
I actually watched both of these recently and...let's just say I liked Collateral a lot better
Ah yes this film, I only watched it this year while studying film, it was mentioned in one of the textbooks we had with a long talk about the choices and decisions made during production.
They practically innovated LED light technology working on this film since they used an earlier version of LED to light their faces in the cab.
Then they also originally set the film in New York but the director really wanted to capture the feeling of the night life of LA and make LA a character in the film itself.
Pretty big deal in terms of digital filmmaking since it’s all shot at night which was a practical choice on their part.
So I think watching it with the knowledge of the production side of the film really made me enjoy it as more than just a generic action film.
Yeah, the behind-the-scenes for this film are great. And living in LA made me appreciate how much he really did capture the feel here.
My second favorite of Michael Mann's. Heat remains number one.
I mean, Heat is a real classic.
Indeed. Heat is a powerful film & I've watched it 20 times, at least. But there are parts I think belabor the point too neatly, like those scenes that are meant to show how the crook and the cop, their crews, are more alike than not, the two dinner party scenes: I also no longer watch it the final scenes, not past the point DeNiro takes care of Waingro. Why? Cuz I wanted it to end differently
+Roger Kincaid Heat had some forehead-slapping moments, like...
...the cops stopping Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) at the stakeout to check his ID without knowing what he looks like. WTF? I guess that bank-heist-gone-wrong near the end makes up for it though.
And yet Thief is arguably his best film or a close second to Heat
@akshay satish Totally agree with this. Heat has so many characters that it kind of dilutes it. And I know I'll get flamed for this, but I frankly don't like either Pacino or DeNiro in that movie, or at least I'll say that I don't think it's close to either of those acting legends' best performances. Cruise and Foxx's dialogue, interplay, and chemistry makes Collateral work. It's really Cruise's best film performance and Foxx's performance put him on the map in terms of being taken seriously as an actor. Also, unlike Heat, Collateral has just the right amount of supporting characters all of whom leave an impression: Fanning, Annie, Daniel, Max's mother, Felix. The combination of the script, direction, acting, cinematography, action scenes, atmosphere, and message make it one of the best movies I've seen in the last 20 years.
I think this is something cool that I realized on rewatch of Black Panther. Every character exists as a facet of different questions that T'Challa faces. Traditionalism vs modernity, building walls to protect your own vs an obligation to save everyone and many more issues I'm not smart enough to put into words. Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, Killmonger, M'Baku, W'kabi. They all express examples of what you mention in this video that provide different facets of what builds the T'Challa we see at the end of the movie.
Absolutely!
I think that’s a testament to how well the story is crafted: every character is a variation on a theme
You are my favorite UA-camr and this video did not disappoint!!! Collateral is horrifically underrated and I’m so happy you decided to break it down a little bit!
Thanks Micah!
This was such a different role for Tom Cruise, this was the only time he’s played a villain, right?
I think you could argue that his role in Magnolia is villainous.
He was really believable in this. It was quite a subtle character too. The character might have been shallow in less capable hands.
In Tropic Thunder too, but it’ s more like a douchbag than a true vilain (sorry for the mistakes I’m French).
Jay Wilson I agree, especially bc I see his face and think “bombastic action hero”. He clearly has a wider ability. Pity he seems to stick to only that now.
Lauren Bennett I think he'll branch out into deeper roles later into his career
Beautiful video as always.
Thank you!
+1
Tru
que sucede senpai? te noto desanimado
Que sucede senpai? te noto desanimado
I love how you do the intros. They always give me goosebumps. "Let's take a look at Collateral "
One of my all time favorites. Brilliant character development. Thanks for this breakdown. and good to know you broke down Vincent's character as well. I'll check it out. This story blends exposition beautifully and POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT--POSSIBLY the only disappointment was the rather Hollywood ending. Great work as always
I just finished this movie, and by God was it amazing. Action, tension, character, all there, all very well done.
don't forget philosophy.
@@Dziaji yeah that too
Awwwww YES, one of my favourites of the genre
This is interesting. I usually think of characters getting this moment right at the climax, but I'll have to rewatch some movies to see how many have the change in the middle.
Good video as always!
As I say in the video, it's not that the character has fully changed, but some kind of realization strikes them at the midpoint. If you jump to the midpoint of most movies, something big is happening that changes the protagonist's plans-emotionally and externally.
A pivotal entry into the Yellow Light series, alongside: Taxi Driver, Drive, and Nightcrawler.
The Big LeBoschski Fight Club
What do you mean Yellow Light series?
Absolutely
Hi, I am new here, was just binge watching your videos man they are amazing. Very few videos you have made but it feels good to see that there are still amazing channels which focus on quality over quantity. I love your insights on dark knight, memento, true detective, se7en, black swan, whiplash and gone girl. You passion for understanding cinema is apparent in your talks. Keep up the amazing work. I am passionate about making creepy/mysterious videos on true stories, hope I can match the level of your passion one day. Love and peace, ciao 💛
Thank you! I really appreciate that.
Well after reading that comment, which I totally agree with, you just earned yourself a subscriber! 😎🙂😎
You just made me watch another great movie
Lessons from the Screenplay + Collateral = Happy Friday
I love simple equations!
The reaction Max has at 9:47 is just hillarious
LOL I thought that was Steve Urkel...
Would love to see you tackle a foreign language film like something from Michael Haneke, Krystof Kieslowski or Pedro Almodovar! Great content as always, Michael. One of my favorite channels on youtube.
I loved the movie when it came out. I was in my mid late 20's and kind of the same situation like Max. It helped me realize that my struggle was not mine alone, yet that I had to face it alone, like we all do. Made me sad in a way to realize this, but it also helped me cope. For me it was the scene with the coyote. That was the climax.
Not only do Foxx and Cruise play off each other incredibly well, but both actors are playing against type in these roles, which to me makes it doubly impressive.
I like the way fate plays a hand as well. He nearly doesn't pick up Vincent, he moves on to another cab, while Max is contemplating the card of the attorney, (who happens to be on Vincent's hit list, which gives the story a tautology).
If Vincent had gone onto another cab, how would things have turned out for Max then, zoned out on his lounger hypnotised by daytime TV? Kismet.
I like how things strive for balance: as Max changes, so does Vincent, he sees something in Max (perhaps cosmic coincidence?) that makes him contemplate the void within himself. Balance, balance is the key. As Max changes so does Vincent, as if something is striving to keep things in line. It's interesting that for all of Vincent's cynical nihilism, he's quick to call up cosmic forces as a possible explanation for things. He might be right, but it doesn't feel right, the empty space inside.
A sly little aside, never mentioned, when contemplating Vincent's amoral view of life, is his admission that he's only been in the private sector for five years, implying he's been killing for the public sector (governments) for longer than that; probably something that fuels his cynical attitude, killing for dubious political reasons is fine?
But, Vincent left his mark, think anyone will notice? Yes I think they will, for a while anyway.
Another excellent discussion. I just want to say that this was an underrated performance by Tom Cruise.
Thank you for this video. Collateral is my favorite movie of all time and i have watched it countless times. But you still pointed out stuff i have never noticed before like how Max quotes Vincent when he meets Felix. Loved the video.
Awesome! Thank you Not-Ice-Cube. :P
Collateral and the Death of Neon - It's on UA-cam and is awesome. It shows how drastically the lighting effects are and how the digital format was used to give a movie it's very unique feel. It's a great watch and I highly recommend it.
Mann has proven to be one of the most talented filmmakers in modern culture. His films seem to learn more and more about themselves as his characters do, anf he learns more about the art with every masterpiece he constructs. I've certainly learned more than my fair share of techniques and tools from his uses.
Thanks for the awesome video!! New content gives me the will I need to live!!
Hey Michael, Can you do an analysis of a bad or a disappointing movie? I’m really curious about what the movie did wrong, what it could have improved and how little changes can impact a story drastically. Would be really interesting!
I'm always on the look out for the right film for this. I don't want to unfairly blame somebody, because a lot of things can go wrong in the making of a movie, but I also know a "what-doesn't-work" can be useful.
Personally I'd find a look into passion projects that don't quite pull it off very interesting, something like Mute or The Book of Henry. Films that really meant a great deal to the writers, and how they just miss putting their meanings and ideas out there
Frank Darabont and Michael Mann also contributed to this great screenplay. Just throwing it out there. Keep up the great work!
Collateral is another master class (after Heat) from Michael Mann. Mastery of every detail including the ‘counter-casting’ of Cruise in the bad guy role (this reminds me of Henry Fonda being cast as the baddie in Once Upon A Time in the West by Sergei Leone).
YES! THANK YOU, Michael. I requested this film after your very first video essay and you delivered in spades. Thanks for all that you do!!
Considering the quality of every video, you sure release these very promptly! Amazing.
It’s incredible how this inner-self character rises in real life when people has to cross through dramatic situations... loved your analysis and the plot concept
Guillermo Zulueta Sánchez Fight Club for an example
Even on it's surface, as a basic straight up action film, it's still incredible. Mann really is a fantastic director that will be remembered as one of the greats.
That transition from video to advertisement was so smooth. Simply amazing.
Its been a long time man, a LONG TIME. Lol good to have you again bro. I miss your vids man.
I mean...it's *only* been 30 days! :P
Duuuuuude, your channel has become so amazing since the old ID4 days! I really appreciate all of your videos as they really give me something to think about in my own writing, even though their novels and not screenplays. Bravo and keep up the good work.
Thank you!!
I love you man. You have no idea how much I appreciate your commentary on screenplays.
I love Collateral so much! So happy to see a discussion of it here. I remember seeing it blind, never having seen any trailers for it, and being shocked when my expectations of Cruise's character were subverted. Each act of the film feels like a different genre, and yet they all blend together perfectly.
Always look forward to your videos. Keep it up.
Thanks Matt!
So glad you've done a video on collateral, one of my all time favourites, great job as always man 👍
Thanks Matt!
Lessons from the Screenplay No worries man, can't wait for the next video !
One of the best examples of character change on youtube. Such a helpful video
HOLY GUACAMOLE.YEEEES. Been waiting for this one for quite some time. Thanks, Michael!
I started watching this video when I paused it, watched the movie Collateral, and came back to finish it. I think your screenplay analysis is incredible and you have inspired me to include many of the things you've showcased in your videos into my own screenplays. Great entry! I look forward to the next one! Also, what do you make of the coyote scene?
Collateral was my introduction to Michael Mann. I saw it during a very formative stage in my life, so it left quite the impression on me. This is a brilliant insight into the importance of structuring character development. I'd love to see you tackle my favourite Mann film The Insider (when a conflict between two protagonists emerges - perhaps?)
Well done, Michael! Love your editing. xx
Thanks! I haven't seen The Insider in years! I should revisit it.
An absolute must. I'd love to beat you to punch of making a video about it, but alas, I'd be hard pressed to make a video as refined as your own.
The Insider deserved all kinds of awards & Russell Crowe was fantastic in it. The pressure his character was under came from all sides--the tobacco company, his wife, & even the friendly fire of the 60 Minutes producer, Lowell. The relentless build up of intensity reminded me of the film Prince of the City; it leaves you exhausted at the end.
This video actually made me watch Collateral, and I could really appreciate everything you were saying and more while watching the movie. Thanks for showing me another movie I need on my shelf.
One of my favourite films. So happy to see a vid on this!
Max got his revenge on Collateral eventually, I've seen pictures on google, with him dating Collateral's ex wife.
Every time you upload I want to get back to writing my pilot episode for a tv series. I’m so close to being done.
Collateral is one of my favourite movies of all time. Thank you so much for doing this fantastic video!!
A perfect rendering and damn good explanation of something I tell people all the time. That Vincent was a kind of dark angel of change and transformation for Max: pushing him and cracking the shell of facade. Thank you for this excellent work.
Collateral is a great film...I do think the trope of "amoral monster teaches a man deep lessons about how to be a better person," which I think has been overused of late. The antagonist or anti-hero is basically the hero of most critically-acclaimed stories these days, in that if it's a trope that's usurped, it seems more fresh to me.
I've asked before, but I would love to see your take on films that just turn story structure on its head, things like Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels, or Run, Lola, Run, or Limbo, where the audience's expectations for what a story is are just ignored, and yet it's not a non-narrative movie at all.
run lola run would be a phenominal one...
but sadly, this is "lessons from the screenplay", and our host probably doesn't read German fluently, creating a problem.
I suppose he could make an exception, and grab the lessons direct from the subtitles, but that would be an exception.
my pick for the first foreign languge film would be "life is beautiful"
weesh is that the like, "hand drawn stick figure" type one? It was on Netflix for a while I think, I loved it
I loved this one! This one is so underrated!
Thanks!
i love your work Michael. You have the ability to explain complex things into a simplified, fun structure. awesome brain of yours! 😊
Awesome! a new video, always looking forward to these.
I would LOVE to have you do one for "Crash" The complexity of merging multiple story lines.
Thank you! Collateral is awesome.
It is!
Great video as usual, Michael. Made me think back to my recent D&D game, of all things, and how in the end, one of the members of the party was my character's antagonist in the same way Vincent is to Max
Love this screenplay, learning a lot about how I can write a script.. it can have a character of its own, doesn't always have to just be the blueprints for the movie.
Dunno if you've done the 1997 film Gattaca, but that'd be cool. It was one of the first sci fi films I saw.
I *still* haven't seen it! I can believe it, I've tried to watch it so many times but something always gets in the way.
Haha, I doubt too many people can sit down for an hour and willingly go through a movie from the 90's. It's a highly misunderstood film though, and I'm hoping someone will do it justice. A film about identity and the struggle against a preordained destiny.
Lessons from the Screenplay I sincerely hope you do see it! If for no other reason than to dissect it as you did this movie. Your analysis of this movie and children of men are literally two of my favorite UA-cam videos of all time. As an aspiring writer it's enlightening to see the inner workings of stories be unraveled for the audience
Lessons from the Screenplay fully agree that you should make time to watch this film.
It's probably in my top 10 films of all times, you should definitely check it out.
Hey! I just wanted to say thank you for all of your videos! You inspired me so much to make my own videos and I just uploaded a video, 'Rewriting Red Sparrow'. Thanks again!
One of your best vids yet. Makes me realize how smart these writers are.
Love the use of the "confined space" narrative device. Also used in movies like Saw and Panic Room. It makes the characters interact.
This could have easily been a bog-standard, forgettable action/thriller, and I think you perfectly articulated what elevates it above that. It’s screenplay is structured in a way that gives its protagonist a well-developed arc and it’s antagonist acts as the perfect foil to him.
I think it's already a habit of mine to like your videos first before even watching cause I know for sure it's gonna be a great one 😏
(No pressure) :P
Also the photography is amazing. You get that cold feeling before sunrise from the photography. It's amazing.
Great video, Max! I've been saving it in my Watch Later list for quite a while and, since yesterday I saw Collateral for the first time (loved it!), I can finally cross it out now. It was worth the wait.
You gave me an idea.
You should really analyze the movie "A Quiet Place"(when it is available on Blu-Ray/DVD of course)..There's something about that movie that in my opinion makes it one of the best horror films ever,but i can't really tell what it is..anyway,great video man!keep up the good work!
I hear it's great! I just get stressed out watching scary movies...
I'm from the future. I've got news!
Thanks so much for that video! I love this movie but seeing you explain how the character arcs work on a deeper level is really inspiring for me as a writer. Keep up the work!
This movie was already awesome, but you just made it beautiful! You always have an illuminating take on films and I'm truly appreciative about your work. I'm a struggling screenwriter myself and every one of your videos brings me closer to the final aha that will allow my abilities to blossom. Thank you!
Thanks for the great video. If you're up to doing a video on a newer movie, I'd love to see your take on the film Wind River (from Screen Writer and first time Director Taylor Sheridan). It was my favorite movie of 2017, and it has one of the best lead ups to the climax that I've ever seen in a film.
I'm just commenting to get that sweet sweet
;)
This is now one of my favorite video essays of yours. I found it very entertaining and resonating with Maxs growth
Been waiting for this one... great video as always!
You mention the midpoint at the midpoint of the video.
Hi! I'm sort of new here, so I'm not sure if my question has been answered already in some other video, but is there any record or list of all the books about writing stories/screenplays that you have mentioned in your videos?
P.S Your videos are really interesting! I've been binge watching them since yesterday. :D
Welcome! And yep, this site has pretty much all the books I’ve mentioned: www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com/reading-list/
This movie inspired me to overcome my writer block. An excellent screenplay. A writer writers.
Another stunner! Never stop introducing me to good cinema. I love it when your videos show dialogue playing out against the words of the original script. Goes to show how actors make their own minor changes to the script just through performance. 😊
I see what you did in the tittle......nice.
:P
what did he do? I'm dumb.
Would love to see you do a video about the Original ”Alien”! :)
It's one of my absolute favorite films. I started a script for a video on it a couple times, just haven't found the right angle yet.
Lessons from the Screenplay The original screenplay is soo soo good, it’s even scarier in the screenplay haha 😊
Funny, of all the films I've studies, Collateral was never one of them, yet every time I saw it channel surfing I'd put the remote down. Simple premise, fantastic writing putting it over the top.
Also one of my favorite movies.
Thank you for this.