Western Resurrection

Many say the western is dead. They do have a point, since good western films these days are few and far between. But "3:10 to Yuma" helps me remember how much I love a good western movie experience. It has always been a genre where I can sit down and genuinely feel that every character is in danger. Western films are not afraid to put all the characters in peril, and yes, sometimes the bad guys win.

Maybe that's what makes the genre so exciting, and at the same time, maybe that's why some people don't like it. People want a happy ending, and westerns don't always deliver.

"3:10 to Yuma" is a well crafted film, with a solid balance character development, suspense, and good ol' gun fights. There's even a stagecoach chase. Classic.

Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are both excellent in their roles, of course I can't really think of a movie where they didn't act well. Even clunkers like "Reign of Fire" were made slightly tolerable because of Bale's performance. But the real show stealer I felt was Ben Foster. No western film is complete without a wacko bandit running around shooting everything he sees...and enjoying it.

So is the western dead? Since westerns were popping out of the oven in great supply years ago, maybe people think it has overstayed its welcome. I feel that the western may not be nearly as influential in the movie industry as it once was, but that's not to say it's gone the way of the dodo.

Perhaps if these westerns only came about every so often. It seems to have worked out rather well so far. After all, I don't mind having a good western once in a while. Maybe it makes the genre more exciting to see. The less there are, the more entertaining they are when they arrive at the box office.

So here's to waiting for the next great western.

DM

So Young

During pre-production of "The Intruder" I caught some extra time to take some shots of the set. It's obviously still under construction, but rather impressive looking...considering that 4 days earlier it was an empty stage. Take a look at these photos.

On another note, Heath Ledger died today. 28 years old. It is very unfortunate in this day and age when someone with so much going for him can have his life end abruptly. Especially at that young age. I mean, i'll be 24 in less than a week! I can't imagine why someone would want to end their life at such a young age.

Maybe I just don't want to imagine it.

Work hard, have fun, live happy.

DM

Cloverfield

I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of "Cloverfield" yesterday afternoon, and after stewing for a day, I feel it's time for a review.

MINOR SPOILERS HEREIN!!

You've probably heard about this film at some point over the last 6 months. From the moment that unnamed teaser hit movie theaters, this film has been cornering the market in advertising.

The film focuses on Robert Hawkins, who is leaving for Japan to start a new job. His friends throw him a surprise going away party, but drama ensues, and people are gossiping back and forth. You know, a typical college party - until a gigantic fucking monster decides to take a stroll through Manhattan.

The reason I say it like that is because it is catches you off guard. One minute your listening to people gossip about breakups, the next your dodging a Statue of Liberty head. This movie doesn't waste much time on the setup, and at only 84 minutes long, you don't really have time to spare.

A friend of mine said that the camera is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. So here we go...

The camera - extremely shakey. Trust me on this one. One in our group did, in fact, get sick following the screening. Just be prepared for a lot of movement. Perhaps you should eat after the movie this time. On the flip side, the camera movement added to the sense of urgency. This movie engages you and then turns you upside down. You are in the movie, running alongside these New Yorkers. I found myself pointing at the screen at one moment, almost blurting out "RUN! IT'S THERE BEHIND THE BUILDING!"

The characters - Rob is our likable fearless leader. He is emotional, and usually that's what people get like in a psychotic situation. Lily and Marlena tag along. Marlena was accidently thrown into the mix, while Lily is good friends with Rob. The real show stealer though is Hud, our funny camera man. Hud breaks the tension with silly remarks, but we can't help but laugh. His character is behind the camera most of the time, but make no mistake, when the shit hits the fan he is just as scared as the rest of them.

The Music - Stay through the end credits. Just stay. Listen.

The Monster - scary as hell. No more or i'll spoil it.

How scary is it? - Do you remember sitting through Spielberg's "War of the World's"? Yeah. Do you remember being literally on the edge of your seat because you were terrified of those tripod machines vaporizing everything in sight? Yeah.

This is ten times scarier.

All in all, "Cloverfield" is a movie well worth seeing. Now, is it ground breaking that will revolutionize the industry. Some have said it. I'm not ready to agree. But this movie will most certainly keep you moving back and forth in your seat until the very last second.

4.5 out of 5.

DM

Directing vs. Cinematography

A couple of things today-

I hope you can spare a few seconds to look at these awesome production photos from a movie called "The League" which is currently in production. Click the link below to view the pics.

http://greyraven75.blogspot.com/

This is also the link below known as "Alec Siegel - Filmmaker" which is where you can view more information on the film, due out later this year.

In other news, "Lost Wallet" is expected to be finished this week, which begs the question, what's next? Flashpoint has made it known that the next productions will be bigger and longer, but at the same time not everyone will be directing. I know that I will want to be involved with the cinematography. That's not to say that I won't ever direct again, but lets just say that I enjoy using the camera a little bit more.

The director and the cinematographer have always worked very closely. They almost have to in order to come out with a great looking film. I feel that, in many cases, a film and its director can only look as good as its camera work.

But I suppose this is true of the art direction, sound, music, etc.

Lastly, here's a couple photos to chew on. Still walking around with that camera in my jacket pocket.

Enjoy,

DM

The Strike

Flashpoint Academy is back in full swing for its second semester, and with the writers strike underway for several weeks now, a friend of mine recently joked about how easy it would be to get a job as a writer now.

Yes, and once the writers strike ends, you'd never work again. Ever.

It has been the topic of discussion for some time now, as well it should be. One of my film teachers is even sporting a beard, much like David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, who recently returned from hiatus.

After going on for several weeks, those who had a confident feeling that the strike would end by Christmas, now agree that it may not even end until spring. The last writers strike took place in 1988. Costs were in the $500 million area after a 22 week bout with the studios.

This strike is shaping up to be quite a battle.

(I just hope it ends before Scrubs does!)

DM

A Rare Resolution

To ring in the new year, I have made a resolution.

Yes, I know lots of people make resolutions for the new year, but I don't! Usually if I have a plan to start something...I just start it. I don't wait until the new year to begin this.

This time it's different. After testing out my new digital camera, I realized that I need to work on my photography more often. As a young camera man, it would serve me well to have at least a still camera at my side at all times.

So there it is. My resolution is to have my camera with me as much as possible. I will take photos and post them to this website, and perhaps i'll make a photo section for people to look at my work. Who knows, maybe i'll get good at it.

Here are some Navy Pier photos I took on the 26th of December. A few test shots, but I rather enjoy them. Hope you like them as well.

Hope your holidays were wonderful.

DM