A brief history of the Safdie Brothers (and why you should watch them)
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Explaining why I love Josh and Benny Safdie movies, through the style of their feature length films (Uncut Gems, Good Time, Heaven Knows What, Daddy Longlegs), and a small dose of history.
If you love realism, adrenaline, Buddy Duress or New York City, come take a trip with me into how Safdie brother movies have redefined cinema.
Red Bucket Films Vimeo: vimeo.com/user7918188
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00:00 Introduction
01:11 The birth of the Safdie style
04:13 Writing great characters
06:13 Narrative style
06:55 Good Time example
09:01 Hand held & long lens
11:15 Surrealism sprinkles
12:23 Balance
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#directing
#filmmaking
#videoessay
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All music CC:
A Stranger Thing - Bruno E.
I can't remmber I can't recall - The 129ers
Voyager - John Tasoulas
Friendzoned - 12 months
Sunny Morning - Bruno E.
The Dead - John Tasoulas
My Everything - DJ Quads - Фільми й анімація
Legend say that this guy still hearts and responds to every comment ever including this one with the mention that it will be pinned
What can I say, I'm a man of the people
@@TakeTwoReviews 😃
I LOVE THE SAFDIE BROTHERS!!! Uncut gems should have won an Oscar
UGH I KNOW! Can't believe it didn't - I'll add it to the list of issues I have with the academy 😂
It should have gotten 6 nominations, such a shame
In today's instant gratification world these guys are making quality movies that will last longer then the time it spends on the front page of your favorite streaming service. The way we digest movies has affected the quality of movies but these two gems are making cinema. The hyper realistic "gritty" and uncomfortable narratives fits perfect with this anxious generation. With Tarantino about to retire and Scorsese on borrowed time good to see there are bold directors making art in the younger generation.
Yup - in Safdie we trust! Love what you said about their style coupling well with this generation - I think real value in being reminded of how difficult/chaotic/grim life is for many - it gives a little perspective on the challenges we face. Cheers for the comment Tical.
Yesssss!!! No one is making films like the Safdies!
One hundred percent! Can't wait for them to put something else out
@@TakeTwoReviewsThey’ll have solo projects now and I have to say that saddened me more than I would have ever thought.
These brothers are my inspiration, my all, my hero’s. I only want to meet the brothers and possibly work for them.
The dream!! Hope you make it a reality :)
same
Benny killed it in goodtime
Absolutely...his performance was what made the movie for me.
heaven knows what is a masterpiece.
1000000%
People that love the Safdies (like myself) REAALLLLY appreciate the amount of work that went into this video. Thank you!
Gah - there's nothing I love hearing more man, happy to have created something that really resonated with you. More on the way!
They are one of my biggest inspirations i believe in their vision
And it's such an honest vision of what cinema is - undeniable!
My favorite pair of directors working today. I've seen Uncut Gems and Good Time so many times that I've actually lost count.
Definitely in my top three contemporary movie directors!
I am moving to LA. I am going to do this shit. I adore the Safdies. I have meticulous planning and relentless chaos in me. Wish me luck my friend. Ya girl is going to try to avoid getting her dreams crushed in Tinseltown.
I remember seeing heaven knows what back in 2015 or 2016 and being absolutely floored, it’s still my favorite of theirs. I recognize that good time and uncut gems are better films but I have a particular connection to heaven knows what, probably because i have personal experience with the subject matter, as well as how captivating the performance of Arielle Holmes was. Really hoping she reprises her career, with the Safdie brothers or otherwise! I can’t watch that movie without wondering where she is now.
Yeah, Heaven Knows What hits like no other, it really feels like a documentary...I haven't really seen another movie that had such a unique way to deliver a gut punch, and the ending is just so devastating in its simplicity.
I liked Arielle Holmes in American Honey, but if you want a glimpse into who she is (or at least, was), I'd highly suggest the behind the scenes documentary for HKW called "A Hot Two Weeks: The Making of Heaven Knows What".
You really get to know Arielle and catch glimpses of the real Ilya - it's pretty magnetic.
Hope you've navigated a rougher patch of your life towards greener pastures
People suggested you need to watch Edgar Wright's filmography because of how he drew the comedy and protagonist creatively. Then came this suggestion's video, deep analysis and info. Thanks for this video, help me a lot.
I'm always ready for adrenaline when I put a Safdie movie on.
Let me know which one of their movies is the most intense for you! For me, it's gotta be a tie between Heaven Knows What and Good Time.
Love Good Time most.
HKW was my first and my favorite!
I have discovered the pleasure of being robbed and it was pretty intense!
Uncut gems otherwise
Thank you for your great work!
Lets start a petition Heaven Knows What needs a Criterion release ?
Amazing video as always man, the amount of work you've put into this, I hope you will go far because the quality is so on point. Respect.
Ahh - thanks man, comments like yours are the reason I love doing this. It definitely takes a lot of time to write, record and edit, but it's definitely worth it. Only way to go is up!
(and just an extra fun fact since I saw you got black mamba as your pic - did you know the Safdies originally had cast both Kobe and Amar'e Stoudemire before deciding on Kevin Garnett? Even though KG was amazing, would have loved to see the other two in the film as well hahah).
Cheers bro!
such a fantastic rundown, great video!
I didn't know the Safdie Brothers till I saw Uncut Gems. Probably one of the best cinematic experience I ever had, I watched their whole filmography the following days. Thank you for the video, amazing analysis that really puts words on things we only feel at first.
Hey, thanks man! Every Safdie movie is such a treat in its own way, happy you were as drawn in by them as I was.
Thanks for the kind words, it's what I love to do - figuring out the 'why' behind the emotions movies evoke.
These guys are my favourite filmmakers. Really inspirational as I write my novel, I’ve been picturing it through the lens of a Safdie Bros film.
It's really a style to look up to, so unique and methodical. I think they've likely had a similar impact on many filmmakers. Good luck on your novel!
Dude this channel deserve like at least 100k sub, the video is so well made, the research and editing is first class.
Ahhh thanks Wenxu, you made my day!! Will get there someday hopefully, just gotta keep at it 😄 Thanks again for the kind words, more videos coming soon!
What a great video essay my guy!!
Good stuff, just watched good time, never heard of these until today. I like their style, I'll looking out for more 👍
Great analysis for great directors! Good Time was great and Uncut Gems I honestly think is one of the best movies of recent years. Keep up the good work dude
Ain't that the truth! Thanks man, glad you enjoyed the video :)
tried to comment this on your Florida Project video but they were turned off. I seriously love your videos man. Seriously opens up a whole new perspective on some of my favorite films. Please continue uploading in 2022. Probably my favorite channel on UA-cam right now. Thank you for everything!
Need to get back on the horse but there's more to come, I promise!
This video is a masterpiece brotha, well done
The Safdies are my favourite directors of the last decade. They have the burning passion of a 70s Scorsese
100% match that energy
Great work mate. Please keep up this standard. You got yourself a new subscriber.
Thanks a lot Stephen, happy to have you join the channel :) more on the way!
Ive never seen any other video of yours but you got all the works of a great movie video essay. Only tip id have is make sure youre adding your own personal flavor.
Thanks a lot Eric! To be honest, this is probably the one I put the most time and effort into, my older videos aren't as polished hahah - but I'm always aiming to improve! Thanks for the kind words and the tip :)
good time and uncut gems
Couldn't agree more!!
Opening 8 seconds are fantastically edited. Particularly with the police siren and the phone dialing.
Hah thank you! I remember it took me a WHILE to find all the right clips and fine tune the timing
finding out about ur channel halped me so much, its like a total film school !keep it up !
Thank you!!! Happy to help
Brilliantly edited!! New subscriber 👌
Brilliant analysis
i felt in ❤ w/ their movies and w/ them!😄
Hey man just wanna say you're one of the best film essays creators out there and thanks for putting so much work into your videos, it shows, great work as always 💛
Ah, thanks Joy - your comments always brighten my day, I've come to look forward to them hahah. Happy you liked this one as well! Next video is a quick one on the Florida Project :)
@@TakeTwoReviews THE FLORIDA PROJECT??? YES!!! THAT'S ONE OF MY FAVOURITES I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!! GOOD LUCK :))))
@@joysinhain Thank you thank you!!! Hope I won't disappoint :D
The Safdie brothers are awesome, their films are so unique and will be looked upon as some of the greats of our generation. The hand held and documentary feel makes such a great style.
I just found your channel tonight. I'm really enjoying it, great stuff.
Glad you found me - thank you!!
I actually wanna be in a safdie bros movie. THEY'RE E N G A G I N G
Hahahah just walk around NYC and you might have a shot tbh, they seem to always pick people off the street
@@TakeTwoReviews ON IT. 🙌🏻🌟 xD
@@priyac7054 hahah lemme know if you find them!!
Great video
i dont think im ever forget about the first time i watched good time
FANTASTIC VIDEO
THANK YOU LOVE THE ENERGY
I did not know Heaven Knows What was Safdie brothers. Wow.
This was really well done.
Thank you! Happy you liked it.
Can’t wait for their next movie
Ugh same, whenever that is...
Good Time is a phenomenal movie...utterly heartbreaking and relatable.
This was great, thank you!
No, thank YOU! Cheers man
Amazing video! You got a sub.
This was great man
Thanks bob the stray!
You should have a hundred of thousand followers.
Only off by 94,500 😂😂 we’ll get there slowly but surely
this is great stuff!
Thanks my guy!
great video!!!
Thank you!
Good time is a masterpiece
They're so good
Agree, can’t wait for what they do next - I think it’s also supposed to feature Adam Sandler
Super good page man. You definitely put together very well crafted videos. You probably don’t have as many views as some others pages because you don’t make bullshit half assed videos on modern movies
Thank you! Really appreciate it :) Need to get back in the game, work/life things getting in the way but I'm slowly planning to make a video on The Humans (great, weird, haunting movie if you haven't seen it yet)
I fell in love with the rawness and realistic feelings of uncut gems. Just the way they shot the movie and the acting was amazing I’m just a big fan of their style. Then I stumble across Good time and that movie is just wow. It makes me want to Direct a movie now lol
100% - must have been interesting to work your way backwards, I think their earlier movies are even more chaotic and unhinged...Uncut Gems is where the really figured out that balance in their pacing. Did you like Uncut Gems or Good Time more?
@@TakeTwoReviews Good time, but in my opinion these are the type of movies you watch every once in a while so they can still have that strong feeling to them if that makes sense. Or maybe that’s just me
@@crscrs4031 I totally get what you're saying, it makes sense too - I definitely have a couple favorite films I revisit once or twice a year
There are no movies that keep my attention as much as the Safdie movies!!
BIG TIME
I have these certain ticks when I watch any directors movie. Like itching my head, moving around in my seat in sheer boredom.
The Safdies also PTA are the only ones who really keep my attention.
Holy shit dude this is fantastic! Great analysis, great editing, love all of this.
Thank you! Glad you liked it - more on the way!
Nice video dude. Can I ask where did you get that behind-the-scenes footage of Good Time?
Thanks man - of course! It's one of the specials on them from Criterion. Here's a link: www.criterionchannel.com/josh-and-benny-safdie
Amazingly Michael Mann is rarely mentioned as an inspiration, though I know they've listed Thief as inspiration for one of their movies. When it comes to visual style and camerawork (long lenses etc) the similarity is palpable. Just look at the fist 5 minutes of Heat or Thief for instance.
Ah that's interesting - need to check this out and report back!
How does this man only have 1k subs
We'll get there 😄😄
Content = subs, gotta keep creating!!
@@TakeTwoReviews yeah keep going man, can't wait for your next video
@@lucasbai9699 Thanks bro! Next video should be dropping sometime next week :)
The Coen Brothers of our generation!
This is an amazing analysis. How can I get to your point of film knowledge? Analyzing takes and the deeper meaning behind them. Did you go to film school?
Hey thanks a lot! No film school, I think the biggest thing is that I grind myself to make these videos - I usually watch the movies I talk about two to four times - once just fully through, then taking notes etc. Then I research the production process, directorial style - anything that will support what caught my eye, and finally get to writing/editing :)
Plus, benny is quite a great actor himself, specially in his movies and in some other ones from other people.
Yeah hes really great - kills it in Good Time
Nice! You are GOOD at this. It's not easy to a) figure it out & b) communicate this to others while c) not spoiling it. Hitting SUBSCRIBE and... now!
Hey man, thanks a lot for the praise - I'm humbled! Happy to have you join the community, more videos on the way!
5:10 kurt’s daughter did my own bond when i got arrested in queens and i saw his pic up there when i went to check in every week
That's wild!!!
Maybe Safdie brothers are nxt Martin Scorsese to save cinema...... Great video/editing by the way 💯
Hah - can only hope! Thanks for the praise Prem!
Their casting solves a problem I thought only I cared about. Namely; when Rain Wilson shows up in a movie; I go “oh it’s Dwight”. Of course their films represent the inverse too. Sandman and Batinson are almost unrecognizable
Goodtime is a cult classic
Great video, the Safdie Bros are interesting filmmakers. btw the Latin expression is 'in media res', not just 'media res'.
Cheers for the tip, must've misread when I was reading up on it - and thanks for the kind words, love the Safdie brothers!
Great video, just a note: it's "in medias res", not "media res"
Ugh I know, I noticed after uploading and by then it was too late :D but thanks for pointing it out!
Where did you find all the behind the scenes footage?
Hey man! It's a mix of their criterion specials, the BTS documentary for Heaven Knows What (it's called A Hot Two Weeks) and short clips I found around YT :)
In your opinion: Safdie bros or Coen bros?
I love the Safdies but they need to put out a couple more bangers before attaining Coen brother status 😊
My favorite director pair! I remember watching good time for the first time and watching Jumanji the next level later with my family. All I could think about was good time, and how I could be watching Uncut gems instead of Jumanji. The next day I saw uncut gems and I was BLOWN AWAY! I sat there after the end for a while, still processing the film. Then, I went around and told everyone about it and good time. I literally never loved a movie this much before. Unfortunately I've seen it too much that I decided to take a long break (about 6 months) before I can watch it again. But my god, I love the Safdies.
Hahah - tough luck on seeing Jumanji when Uncut Gems was a option!! (although I do think the Jumanji's actually deliver on their objectives as movies).
The Safdies are just a cut above the rest - you seen Heaven Knows What? It's a little different but holy fuck is it magnetic
@@TakeTwoReviews Yes, Heaven knows what is crazy too! I saw it after I was blown away by Gems. I'm thinking of watching it again soon. (Also I agree, jumanji is pretty good as a fun adventure movie.)
@@TakeTwoReviews Oh! Also, if you don't mind could you recommend some great movies like the Safdie films or the Ari aster films? Films with great scores, mesmerizing endings, unique visual styles?
@@moviegoer0657 Ah nice, was going to suggest it if you hadn't seen it already!
Hmm, that's a really good question. I'll do my best to pick movies that aren't super popular.
I'd say:
Blue Ruin
You Were Never Really Here
Nocturnal Animals
Whiplash
Night Crawler
Killing Them Softly
You've probably seen some of these, but I think you'll like the ones above. For more supernatural horror stuff (a la Midsommar/Hereditary), I'd say check out:
Suspiria
The Blackcoat's Daughter
The Invitation
The Neon Demon
Enemy
Happy watching!
@@TakeTwoReviews Oh dude these are awesome! You were never here is awesome too, that's exactly the kind of movie I was asking for. I'll watch the neon demon because I love NWR's Drive. I'm going to watch enemy for sure, it's been on my watch list for a while. Nocturnal animals is one of my favorites too! Night crawler is great. I've been meaning to see killing them softly, but I never have. I think I'll watch it today. Whiplash, I heard great thing about so I'm checking it out asap. The rest I've never heard of. I'll look them up right away!
Thanks for the suggestions, man. Have a great day.
Damn, this video inspired me to get off my ass and finally make some shit 🙏👌
Ayyy good shit Daniel, best piece of advice I ever got was "just START" 😆
Im not seeing any mentions of prob my fave safdie bros early work, "the pleasure of being robbed", have you seen it? What do you think?
Ah I love that one! If I recall correctly, Casey Neistat also produced it, and they lied to the Spade's about the budget so that they would have enough money to shoot hahahah.
I think it fits the bill for most of what I mentioned in the video - but since it's such an early piece of work it feels a little rougher around the edges. Still awesome though. Have you seen any other of their earlier stuff? Some of it is suuuuper far out, but so great hahah
@@TakeTwoReviews yeah it definitely is rougher around around the edges, i think i just love seeing the progression of their directorial style. And i havent seen their short films yet! I checked out most of red bucket films on yt which is pretty great but the shorts are so annoying to find..
@@louispaul8736 They've definitely honed their style into something really sharp and polished... we're so lucky to have their films!
There's also a bunch of shorts available on Vimeo!! More than on their RBF youtube channel - maybe you'll have more luck there, let me know!
Duuude, I had no idea the safdies did the marcy me music video
Marcyyyyy, marcy me - love that song. Once you know the music video is the Safdie bros, it almost screams it at you! Love the scene in the bodega or the end at the rooftop, so much being said non-verbally
@@TakeTwoReviews mad respect to hov for working with those guys
Hi i’d really like to know the name of the beat/song you used at 1:12 please… gonna make a song With it !
Hey man - all of the songs are at the end of the videos description ☺️
@@TakeTwoReviewshey are you sure i’ve searched all of the songs and none of them match up i’m telling you brother i need it ASAP it’s the first song you used in the “The Birth Of the Safdie Style” section. Help me out !
@@theundefeatableunrivaled I’ll have a look when I get home tonight my man
@@TakeTwoReviewsplease help im like super desperate i hope im not annoying you!
@@TakeTwoReviewsAy thanks so much once again i’m grateful don’t forget but seriously it’s not listed get back ASAP thanks so much🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Let’s go back to the beginning, no no no the very beginning”
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”
12:57 - to quote Howard Ratner, I disagree. (spoilers for Good time and Uncut gems ahead)
Howard is a terrible father, when he has to put his kid to sleep he can't look away from the game he bet on and he is totally ignoring his child it takes his wife yelling at him to even go and do so, later when you see him interact with his older son, you can see how he is a bad influence on him since his kid has also taken to gambling on basketball games.
Look at the shot you picked, what do you notice about his kid's room? there are no toys, plushies photos or anything that might have some sort of personal story, it's all collector figurines and the room is stacked with them. it's to emphasize how he hasn't given his children anything to cherish but rather just materialistic things to display.
Later during the school play scene he says "These kids are becoming morons", I feel like this is a hint at how bad of an influence Howard is to his children as you can see the older one looking at a game he bet on and not paying attention to anything else, and his younger kid doing the shoulder tap trick on Howard, it's perceived as playful but I think the point of it is that it's meant to emphasize that his kid is learning to be manipulative. Once the play actually starts Howard is amazed at his daughter spitting out gold coins from her mouth, and afterwards at home it is the only time he seems to try and have a real conversation with one of his kids only after he saw her spitting out gold coins from her mouth, a pretty on the nose image. His daughter can't stand him though because she picked up from her mother and she is smart enough to know Howard is a bad husband and father and she has no affection towards him at all, she even leaves the cake she eats on the counter for him to clean up.
Regarding "Good Time" Connie is an irredeemable character as well as he is only interested in exploiting everyone around him to his own benefit and the closer you are to him the more he exploits you, making his brother a perfect subject since he is too mentally handicapped to understand what he is doing. Connie doesn't love his brother as much as he needs him in order to do crime.
The wonderful thing about both these movies is that they actually end on a good note, Connie gets arrested while his brother is taken care of in an institution that has professionals helping him. he is no longer able to take advantage of him and he is also freed from the abusive home with his grandma. Howard's death is followed by a montage of how every one is going to be better off with him being dead now, his GF getting the money, his wife getting rid of him without having to go through a divorce and also she gets to keep whatever is left, his kids are better off since they will no longer have his influence on their lives.
This is just my interpretation.
Was Howie really an affectionate father?
In his own way, I would say, yes
@@TakeTwoReviews example?
6:20
i should say i didn’t respect or appreciate the pacing & plot to uncut gems instead i was too caught up in the main character
Time for another watch then!
Mam, i lose my shit when i watched *Uncut gems* 😅
I was watching and my brother was doing something else. The dread and uncomfortable feeling was upto the bar and i yelled *"Fuck! NOO!"* andy brother was like "Wth is wrong with you? I told you not to watch stupid creepy horror movie again!" 😂, I was like "I ain't but its better than that" 😅
Medias in Res…
"Why use non actors?"
Mf they cheaper
😂😂😂
In the case of Good Times and Uncut Gems, they ended up casting movie stars who had a past of disposable or just plain awful movies to help sell stories about morons making bad decisions. Have no sympathy for the characters or the people around them because they just make stupid decisions and have no respect for them or their plight.
Hmm - interesting take, but I wouldn't say I agree. Have you seen Sandler in Punch-Drunk Love? Or Pattinson in Life or The Rover? I think both actors are capable of great depth, and don't think the Safdie bros used them for their notoriety as bad actors.
I agree that their characters are heavily flawed, especially when it would be so easy to just make ONE right decision, but that's what makes each of their characters (and in a way, why the endings of both Good Time and Uncut Gems are inevitable - Connie finally making the right decision, and Howard's demise right when he finally wins) .
Story's into movies with a middle an ending is a rarity . feeling for 2 hours is the only type of movie that should be created. Why waste time and show pointless content provided the director is pointless as much as guidance. Should of let me fill the 3 minutes of fortune cookie fate.
Not sure I get what you mean, but I love the enthusiasm
Yeah none of this interesting,
Great video
Thanks!