Car Chase?
Not the greatest film ever by any means, but does anyone agree that the muted, rain soaked POV car chase was a really nice idea, really well executed?
shareAbsolutely, it's been called the best car chase since the French Connection for good reason. It is one of those simple, yet so evocative and effectively shot scenes you really think, 'How has no one thought of this before?' I thought the muted sound and the POV shooting, as you mentioned, were the most effective aspects and really made it stand out from other scenes in action films. No loud music distracting you, the sound of the windshield wipers was like a heartbeat, and seeing it through Bobby's eyes made the scene. It added an emotional dimension always lacking from other movie chase scenes. Beautifully done.
"Why would a banana grab another banana? Those are the kinds of questions I don't want to answer."
It was so different from the chases in Bullit and The French Connection because of it's lack of earsplitting noise.
Because it was quieter, it was, to me, much more intense. I felt as though I was in the car. The sound effects were brilliant in their simplicity.
That Bobby had to helplessly witness the assassination of his father was not only tense, it was heart wrenching.
"a malcontent who knows how to spell"
Joaquin was on The Tonight Show earlier this year and the short clip was off the car chase.
I had no interest in seeing this film until I saw that. I rented it and loved it and bought the dvd. I love the DVD art also.
Do I CAUSE YOUR DEATH? Just like you caused Michael John's?
Maserati777
Yes, it was well filmed and the sound effects were great in this scene, but I can't help but be bothered by the fact that Joaquin's character didn't ram into that car when he was driving behind it. I know that's what I'd have done, scared or not.
His legs flail about about as if independent from his body!
I was a big fan as well...of the movie in general, but of the chase scene specifically.
I think he did try to ram the other car. At one point, it shows his foot on the gas pedal and he presses it down. I'm sure they were already flying and those cars weren't speed demons anyway. When I watched it, it seemed to me like he was trying to but couldn't ram the other car, which made him feel even that much more helpless...all he could do was sit there and watch his dad get shot in the head.
I remember just being in shock when you see the shot and Duvall's head go to the side...it was pretty obvious he was going to get shot, but the way it was filmed...wow. Extremely powerful moment.
I agree, I think it was obvious that he tried to speed up, but it was beyond his control--and you feel that frustration. I also loved Joaquin's reaction to the gunshot, it was of such shock and disbelief, I found it completely realistic.
"Why would a banana grab another banana? Those are the kinds of questions I don't want to answer."
Really? That's what you would have done?
You mean, since you were in a car where the driver was killed and you have to jump over the seat and drive while protecting your girlfriend who is crouched on the floor in the back while people are shooting at you and trying to ram your father's car, and you are torn by indecision because this sort of thing doesn't really happen everyday, and you are doing pretty good not to just FREAK OUT and run your OWN car off the road and you want to stop but you don't want to leave your father alone and Oh, yeah, its RAINING so the road is slick and you don't want to lose control of the car?
Your talents are being wasted on this board. Please go write a film. I can't wait to see it.
Totally agree with OP, I had my hand over my mouth in suspense at that entire scene, it was so good and I really felt like I was in the car with Bobby, very scary moments there, really felt shocked when his dad gets shot. =(
shareJoaquin talked about that scene and how it was done. It was a sunny day and the car was in the back of a truck, like a flat bed truck. It is amazing how they can make it look like he was driving the car. He said, they kept the camera on him as the scene developed, so his every move and reaction would look more realistic, as it did!! James Gray is amazing!! The scene where he gets out of the car when his father was killed, he had to drink a large amount of milk(soy) to make it look believable when he vomited. The best way to watch some of these movies on DVD, watch them with the Director's commentary, of course, you might want to watch the movie without it first, then watch it that way in a couple of days or right after. I watched Gladiator that way, that was really something to listen to Ridley Scott and Russle Crowe, very interesting and funny too!
shareIt was an amazing piece of film making.
I agree, watch a film without, then with, the commentary. It adds so much to the viewing experience.
James Gray's commentaries are great. I love this guy!
"a malcontent who knows how to spell"
Yes I agree with you. Joaquin has a way with the proper facial expressions, that is why he is a great actor!! I always look at an actor's face and eyes when he is acting, that is how you know he is in the role, not just saying a bunch of lines!!! Like most actors...I won't name names, might get someone upset!!!!
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