I think few would dispute that the Daniel Craig reboot of the Bond films saved the franchise, but that doesn't mean it's been all perfect filmmaking since. This great video essay examines why even probably the most famous action franchise can mess up action scenes.
Before you watch the analysis below, watch the opening car chase scene from "Quantum of Solace" shown above. I'll wait. Now that you've watched it, how did you like it? Can you tell me exactly what happened? If you're feeling a little confused or underwhelmed, it's not your fault. This great analysis from Patrick (H) Willems discusses why the opening scene is so problematic, with the main issue being a lack of clear geography, which renders the scene a confusing jumble of fast cuts and unclear circumstances:
As Spielberg said: "I can create suspense if the audience knows where all the players are and what all the stakes are." The problem is that if the audience has to devote too many cognitive resources to figuring out what exactly is going on, their suspension of disbelief is destroyed and watching the scene becomes a tedious exercise instead of a thrilling immersion. It's an important principle to keep in mind when working on a film.
Yeah, Quantum is very problematic. To your point, look at this still from the opening of Goldeneye. The geography is crystal clear, and it's just an epic shot that really builds the suspense of wondering if Bond is going to make it to the plane before it crashes in the canyon. That's the "holy ****, he just jumped a bike off a cliff" shot for me, and nothing from Quantum feels similarly epic.
I don't know, I've been underwhelmed with every Daniel Craig bond film yet. I don't really think it's Daniel so much as the weird departures that the films keep choosing like the lack of really cool gadgets. Skyfall is probably my favourite so far but the whole handprint coded gun and radio thing just made me feel like a big middle finger pointed at the older bond films. They feel like generic action movies these days.
I had no problem at all figuring this scene. No problem at all. Yes it was fast but maybe if it's hard for you then action movies shouldn't be your thing.
Total BS. If you are a Bond fans or car guy, you’ll immediately know Bond don’t drive Alfa Romeo. Of course Bond is in the Aston Martin...not confusing at all. Fast cut and shakyness intensify the action. Nothing wrong with it. The scene start with a wide shot establish the location, the close up of Bond’s face shows the steering wheel that he’s in the Aston Martin. Then the story unfolds. I’d say this is a pretty good openin scene. Stupid critics, stupid article, fstoppers is turning into rotten tomato, literally.
You know how virtually EVERY action car chase scene is ruined? I'll tell you:
- the good guy always drives a very fast fancy car
- the good guy is always a super duper skilled driver
- the good guy drivers insanely fast & furious
...yet
- the bad guys will be literally on his tail the entire chase in a cop car, or truck, or a bus!
- the bad guys will often catch up to the good guy or even overtake him in a POS beat up garbage truck
- the bad guys are doing all that and more while shooting canons, lasers, and beanie babies
It really ruins it for me every time I see Land Rover Defenders chase Aston Martins, I mean, coooooome oooooon!!!