Why Every Action Movie Looks the Same Now

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

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[@blondiepianist]

In reading the original Spider Man comics, I get a pretty good idea of what you're getting at here. It's become about checking the boxes, versus creating an overall good story arc where the action helps to tell the story while still being very engaging. Spider Man seems to be constantly trying to evolve himself and his mental and fighting abilities, and the action feels right, it flows perfectly as a part of the story. These days, it seems as though "lots of cool stuff happening onscreen equals good movie" is the driving mentality, ignoring the fact that part of the very reason it is cool at all is because we already are rooting for that character to win, to overcome the odds. That's also why the Bourne trilogy works. Yes, it does have the tropes mentioned at the beginning of this essay, but the concept is that action is part of telling Jason's story versus seemingly being an end in itself. Honestly, you can even read some of the newer Spider-Man comics to realize that you can still create engaging stories that not only contain both the tried and true action tropes, but also have creative new ideas. Same thing applies with the newer Star Wars stuff. The problem isn't the idea, it's the execution. That's why yet again, we've seen some of the best Star Wars stories comes out of the comics (like the Thrawn story arc, and the Vader comics, as an example).

[@Leprutz]

Fantastic video. I did leave two other comments on here, please have a look at those if you haven't seen those movies you are missing out on something.

[@DavidMendoza-pi3wz]

i love this vid and i love you

[@AlleyKatPr0]

Jet Li, Hero. Probably the most beautiful fight scenes ever filmed.

[@kevinc8955]

Loved the point about viscerality. Compare any of the gun-foo John Wick scenes to the alley scene in Collateral. Cruise only shoots two people and it’s over in a second but man it feels and moreover SOUNDS real. Doesn’t feel like he killed cheap cardboard cutouts with a prop gun.

[@Gear3k]

"An action scene is the high point of a story, therefore it must be a part of it and you need to build towards it" is such a basic lesson, many directors had mastered it decades ago. The fact that modern day Hollywood has collectively decided to just ignore it is insane.

[@Quetzalpacheco-hv9tb]

"Those are social constructs of cis white men, and we must get rid of them in the name of inclusion"

[@kevinc8955]

Quite a few movies do that. Collateral is technically an action movie but the real movie happens in the cab during conversation between Fox and Cruise. The action scenes punctuate what you’ve already been told about these characters. John Wick, the moments between the action scenes feel like filler for the runtime. And the universe feels built as a set piece for Wick to kill things and look cool doing it. I’m entire out on Wick or Fast-X type movies. But movies like the first Matrix or Die Hard movie? Or Heat? Casino Royale? Yeah more of that, Hollywood.

[@radi2986]

I was disappointed by this video .. I feel like action movies have become to unrealistic .. too militaristic etc , I miss the old days of action flicks 1990s early to mid 2000s . I’m talking about the van damme , dolph , Welsru snipes and Segal film

[@DreamyAileen]

​@@kevinc8955 I think you might have missed the point of John Wick. John Wick is at its core a giant love letter to the art and history of filming fight scenes. That's _what the series is about._ The quiet scenes, while well directed/acted in their own right, are ultimately ancillary and I daresay that's by design.

[@Trademarkk]

​​​​@@radi2986The old days of action movies were full of unrealistic and militaristic movies, actors like Dolph, Segal, Snipes and Van Damme are literally famous because they starred in these types of works. I would even dare to say that modern action movies are getting more realistic than ever in some aspects due to the influence of movies like The Raid.

[@v.touring]

the fight scene in David Finchers 'The Killer' really caught me off guard. it isn't trying to be anything new or different but it's so well crafted and orchestrated that it felt fresh.

[@normanstansfield1924]

one word....barry

[@raja-jl9os]

Watch rambo action

[@michaelmoraga2926]

'I mean... Jesus Christ!' ...Indeed.

[@shawklan27]

Fitcher just causally drops one of the most visceral fight scenes of the year as he should

[@v-trigger6137]

​​@@normanstansfield1924 I'm surprised how no one talks about Barry in this kinda action conversation. That show easily had some of the most uniquely choreographed action done in the last 10 years

[@hellotherekenobi2156]

That edit from 0:45 to 0:51 was absolutely incredible. It was so subtle that if you weren’t paying attention you might miss it, but it perfectly highlighted the exact point you were making at that precise moment. Bravo!

[@Kasino80]

Truly!

[@SifisoMfeya]

The example you used from Taken truly crystalized the point of action serving a purpose to the story.

[@BastionMarshall]

I used to love action scenes, but I definitely tune out more often than not during action scenes nowadays. I couldn't put my finger on why they bored me so much, but you've revealed it so perfectly.

[@smarmar400]

The first live-action Michael Bay Transformers movie was the lowest point I've ever seen action scenes sink, and I've been enjoying action movies since the '70s.

[@Thechickinaaronscar]

I think you are just old lol

[@V3RAC1TY]

that movie is great@@smarmar400

[@adityadas5820]

@@Thechickinaaronscar Nah, same for me, nowadays action movies seem to do action for the sake of it rather than serving a story.

[@SmallusDicckus]

i cant enjoy action scenes now i fall asleep and all the things seems the same for me. maybe its my brain who knows.

[@EclipseCircle]

18:56 Another great example of action scenes that are earned is Michael Mann's Heat, which you've done a video on. IMO Heat isn't an "action movie", yet it has one of the greatest and most influential action scenes ever put to film. It hits so hard because the ENTIRE MOVIE up until that point (2 hours out of 3, if I'm remembering correctly) was building up to that shootout, and good lord did it deliver.

[@dantealighieri4258]

One of the best action sequences that comes to mind for me is from Eastern Promises, where Viggo Mortensen's character ends up in a naked fight at a public bath/sauna. The nudity isn't sexual at all, and just emphasizes the vulnerability and ouch-factor of everything that's taking place. When you mentioned 'viscerality' is was the first fight sequence that came to mind, nails it in spades.

[@marcosrecio4062]

Just thinking about that scene makes me cringe

[@EverythingFan02]

Agreed. It’s nice to see another fan of this movie.

[@jesustyronechrist2330]

Honestly, I think in that scene the nakedness should've been used more. Maybe have it be harder for the thugs to grab and wrestle him due to wet skin, have Viggo's character slip against the tiles. Hell, there's not one time the thugs try to kick him in the balls which would be the obvious choice.

[@asharma4490]

Oh I was just gonna list this one as my favorite. Talk about visceral! Probably one the best fight scene ever

[@agraciotti]

The fight between Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in Fury Road is one of my favorites of the last decade and the one I always remember as it nails "viscerality". Great video.

[@turgbrittania1983]

I beg you to rewatch Fury Road. It's dated quite badly ngl

[@agraciotti]

@@turgbrittania1983 ​ no need to beg. I rewatch it every 2 or 3 years. Always a timeless masterpiece.

[@SocialBobcat]

i agree with you here- the sequences of the fight felt very logical and thoughtfully done. very purposeful with each action, not just random punches for no other purpose than whaling on someone. on a side note, haven't watched all of this video yet but i personally feel that The Raid movies are the peak of action creativity and others are taking well-earned inspiration from it

[@Richard_Hitler]

@@turgbrittania1983 Saw it a couple weeks ago and it still looks pretty good imo

[@XMJ3904]

@@turgbrittania1983 I mean, it certainly doesn't resemble some of newer movies that come and go in my opinion.

[@gmanking19]

Should’ve talk about Upgrade. It does everything he mentions, but plays with linear angles, and visually tells a story when the camera moves with the protagonist

[@montenegroafro4454]

To this day, Upgrade continues to be one of the most under appreciated sci-fi action movies of all time! I’ve watched it 10 times over and the story still feels fresh!!

[@jeanjack4071]

I'd never heard about Upgrade before your comment. I watched it this afternoon and had a great time, perfect example of how to make the most out of a limited budget.

[@DopeJonPaul]

Incredible movie

[@reyne2077]

@@montenegroafro4454 story is pretty dumb at times (most times), but yes, Upgrade is good fun and action done well.

[@jackkain7141]

@@reyne2077 Best description I've heard of Upgrade is "It's the better version of Venom."

[@S_raB]

A better example from last year is the bus fight scene in "Nobody". That was one of the most visceral experiences in cinema. Odenkirk is just so unassuming, snarky, calm, & then BANG! He also takes a serious beating and I could feel every hit he takes & dishes out.

[@blakemcmillan5680]

Not sure if you know or not but, nobody came in 2021

[@S_raB]

@@blakemcmillan5680 My mistake. Still that fight scene is visceral & well done.

[@MajorMaze]

exactly the scene which came to my mind when thinking about viscerality

[@S_raB]

@@MajorMaze That film was good. Odenkirk I didn't even recognize until looking it up that he's Saul freaking Goodman. Mind blown!

[@tochiRTA]

🥱

[@rinosous]

Captain American 2--Elevator Fight. Great build up. Great character moments. And the fight is important to the story, as it signifies Cap's break from authority, and his transition from the establishment to the hunted.

[@GeorgioArmoni]

best MCU movie of all time

[@Neptune0404]

I can't remember where I heard it first, but in my own writing I always go by the words "an action sequence should always be a part of the story, not a break from it". Which I feel at times is the issue with a lot of new movies. Yeah sure it looks great, and yeah sure it gets them to the next scene. But just because story happens during a fight doesn't mean the fight was part of the story. Which I think is where the whole deal with second unit direction comes into play. A director who works with the second unit and actually directs them can certainly make it work wonderfully, but if they don't work together, but simply work on the same project, then it can easily feel disconnected.

[@TheZacksf]

duuuuude the editing holy shit really well done

[@peterfrank3365]

I think the bathroom fight scene in 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' deserves a shout out. While the choreography in it was indeed cool, the emphasis lie on the directing and editing. It wasn't a merely display of choreography, it really was about Ethan Hunt and August Walker trying to stop John Lark. It's a shame it didn't become a trend. It'd be a great counterbalance when everyone's trying to be John Wick.

[@TheSkaOreo]

Yeah, there's a weight to that scene that a lot of the John Wick copy-cats don't have. That and the arm pump. Gotta have that arm pump.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

also i think the scene does a better job of not only being important to the plot, it is not some goon but the guy they have to impersonate and therefore stakes are set (there's consequences to them shooting him in the head for instance, which again increases the stakes for Hunt), but also there's actual character in the fight scene, i mean we get to find out who this cowboy Walker is, also there's multiple breaks in the fight, there's small obstacles like them having to hide in the toilet, or the gun flying out of his hand, and its also an excuse to introduce Ilsa right at the end. Best fight scenes are the ones that also show/reflect character, you get to find out who and what each character is in the way they dont just fight, but respond to situations differently.

[@statisticserinokripperino]

The plan of Llane in Fallout came down to have Ethan eventually witness the death of all of those he cared about the very moment the bombs ended up in Kashmir. I mean, let's face it, Llane and Hunt are superhumans in the Universe scale, and the movie doesn't exactly hide the fact that everything in Fallout was more or less going in accordance with what Llane wanted -- the only exception was that the bombs didn't detonate. But Llane needed someone to carry all of this out, and what better man could that be -- someone like Walker, who can seemingly blend into a situation as an arrogant dude, but nevertheless one that just fits as being a Sloane puppet? The plan would not have worked if Ethan didn't himself come out as Lark to Alana, and in order to do that Walker just had to act convinicingly enough to delay his defection being put on display. To me myself the scene worked not only choreographically, but also narratively -- Walker does seem like a skilled dude, and what better display of that could be than to have himself be beaten up by an alleged John Lark?

[@PauLtus_B]

I think it's a good example of how exciting action is less about characters looking cool and more about seeing main characters struggle, get hurt, but still try to keep pushing forward.

[@Theomite]

That scene probably requires very involved choreography and production that Tom Cruise was likely very involved with. He likely didn't let it be delegated to others. These might also be the reasons why it never caught on: unique production circumstances that no one else wants to replicate.

[@artcanhelp]

Great video! I love the emphasis on meaning and the fact that you did not point fingers at the specific individuals who do much of the second unit directing. It seems to me that film studios think you can just stick together different things and they will make a movie. You need a vision of the whole picture.

[@into_the_void]

The fight sequences from ' Nobody ' and ' bullet train ' were also really good

[@helmutthat8331]

Not enough people talk about how much a difference good sound can make in an action scene. Skywalker Sound did such a great job with the Indiana Jones fights; I felt EVERY punch, EVERY gunshot.

[@reybladen3068]

The loud gunshots in Heat was awesome!

[@Blisterdude123]

@@reybladen3068God yeah, the heist scene genuinely makes you feel like a bystander to the gunfight. It's not exhilarating, it's alarming and loud and unpleasant.

[@DarkSentinel52]

i fully agree

[@kamalyandluri4298]

16:42 what movie

[@cfriesen222]

Yo your editing here was on point.

[@jonasdauerbrenner6432]

tbh, "the raid" really started these kind of action movie genre.

[@matthiasthulman4058]

Ong bok and The Raid are what I think of with all the new action movies. Same same, but different.

[@jdslipknot]

hollywood still playing catch up with it. lmao

[@vlima7164]

HK action movies and Ong Bak inspired The Raid dude. The Raid just stands out because it is one of the few action films of recent times that doesnt rely on CG and shakey cam. Asian cinema did it long before The Raid.

[@Leprutz]

Doesn't matter who started. Problem is that John Wick 1 was sick. Two was great, 3 was yeah ok and 4 was shit. I mean it is all the same and also the choreoghraphy is the same. This is why todays action films bore me. there seem to be less and less at stake here. I loved extraction 2, but I didn't feel any suspense unlike the first one. Or the raid 2. I want to see something that just makes things different and creative. All those over the top choreographys tend to be a big let down, cause they are all uncreative at best. I dislike nolan films, but I admit that he made something pretty unique with the fight in Tenet. But the movie is unwatchable and even the fight gets pretty unmemorable after watching it twice. Nobody talks about the beautiful choreographies of seven swords. Why? movie was a let down for most. The action was one of a kind. I haven't seen this kind of wu xia since a long time and newly interpreted. Xion XinXing is a masterful choreographer who doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Time and Tide. another movie dislike by many, but the action is unique creative and never seen before. Silly and unrealistic, yeah. But it works fabulously. This is what I would like to see.

[@Dilmahkana]

The Raid + Bourne + John Wick - care and attention = what we have

[@MedlifeCrisis]

This came with great timing for me as yesterday I was introducing my sons to Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. I showed them my favourite fight, between Jackie and Benny the Jet in Wheels on Meals. Immensely skilful, a clear narrative, humour. There are so many fights I can describe almost blow for blow from classic Hong Kong movies and you did mention some memorable modern ones, but you’re right, everything blends together. Fascinating insights re second unit directors.

[@yadhu2krishnan]

Recent action sequences felt like Batman punching Superman in BvS. No gravity, no physics and no real consequences.

[@boboboy8189]

I called it as superhero punch, but they copy mcu not snyder because snyder tend to kill the henchmen

[@InsufficientGravitas]

@@boboboy8189 It's not like they don't in the MCU they just aren't as gritty, and don't have the same "no killing policy" characters.

[@haniabdulmajeed4635]

But in the very same movie the fight sequence in the warehouse was phenomenal. It really felt like the director took the idea from the arkham games. I was mindblown but I agree BVS was not exciting at all it was pretty jarring for me . But I could say the warehouse is one of if not the best from DCEU

[@TheBabyhuewy]

That two scene contrast at 14:19 demonstrated that point masterfully. Wick was quick and jumpy but it felt painful. The hollow hits of the defenders were perfectly clear to see as toothless

[@CosmicPhilosopher]

Which is especially frustrating when you look at the first hallway fight scene in the Daredevil show.

[@PauLtus_B]

I feel so much of what makes a fight scene effective can just be a matter of how convincingly people get hurt. Turning up the spectacle can really work against that, for anything that happens it becomes more intense when we can imagine what it would feel like when it would happen to us. That on itself is also a form of clear communication of the audience with simply less focus on how impressive the moves that someone is doing are.

[@juggadaaku4219]

Bro, I really appreciate the creative and analytical lense you see the cinema through. Your channel never disappoints, if I notice something wrong or too cool with current cinema I’m sure there is or will be a vid on the topic on your channel sooner or later. I’ve been saying for a long time that visual quality of cinema is making leaps and bounds but the narrative is taking blow in the current times.

[@RorikH]

I think higher budgets + the collapse of DVD sales in favor of often less lucrative streaming means that companies are a lot more risk-averse than they used to be. Also it can cost 70$ for two people to see a Tuesday Matinee with a couple of snacks.

[@juggadaaku4219]

@@RorikH I know! It’s so sad the cinema experience has become so expensive. I used to frequent the big screen often, now only the ones I know will be good. Along with the reasons you mentioned the insane capitalization of the industry is not helping as the aim is now to make money rather than make art. Only a few directors and actors are left who still follow creative process than cash.

[@RorikH]

​@@juggadaaku4219 I doubt corporate greed is a new phenomenon, it's just annoying that they've settled on "soulless remakes" and "endless attempts at making another MCU" as the one true way to make money.

[@radi2986]

This video did dissapponit

[@TaskForce_Raccoon]

The Winter Soldier is the most underrated Superhero movie in terms of action. The action was well choreographed, told a story, was tense and engaging, and was creatively memorable yet relatively practical.

[@boboboy8189]

But there's no suspense, cap didnt injured in entire movie..... Go watch ong bak and looks at Tony ja, he bleeding and injured but still fighting. It given realism of fighting but no of superhero movie did that. Or at least die Hard 1 where John mclane injured and bleeding and he also staf to move slower than at the begini gof the movie

[@TaskForce_Raccoon]

@@boboboy8189 clearly you haven't watched the movie. Cap is shot, stabbed, buried alive and gets the absolute crap beat out of him way worse than Tony Jaa ever did. I suggest you watch the movie, it is very entertaining, and you'll get your money's worth.

[@mr.dynamite2924]

The fight choreography might be good but the way it was shot was terrible. The whole shaky camera and fast cuts gave me a mild headache.

[@scoobysnak07]

Winter Soldier is honestly one of the films where I liked shakey cam. I felt like I was there, jumping and dodging.

[@boboboy8189]

@@TaskForce_Raccoon bro, tony jawa got real bleed. Did you think Steve really bleed???

[@Ba1aamsdonkey]

This is the closest any KZbin channel has come to Every Frame a Painting that I’ve seen. You made me think about movies differently.

[@LightsCameraKonkle]

As I film director this is one of the best film essays I have seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@THECAM200]

Thank you for tsking action seriously as a cinematic art form. The quality of a good action scene is always overlooked, so taking the time to examine it is an underrated task

[@allocater2]

16:28 > "With Gladiator 2" Jesus, that gave me a heart attack.

[@alexmanenkoff565]

I luckily had the captions on and immediately looked down as I was so confused. Then realized he should have probably said "as well"

[@jerry12314]

I thought it was the Gladiator with Rita Faltoyano. There was plenty of "action" in that one.🤤

[@brightstonepictures]

Yes, same thought here :D

[@raFael-ge6ge]

Yall know there’s a second gladiator coming out yeah?

[@betakatz]

Same here! And for a second I was so confused, because Russell Crowe was in it as well , and he didn't age a bit!

[@Aleebi]

yooo the beginning cuts were so sick and highlighted your point exactly

[@Reflectionmaterial]

Good action: -is part of the story -creates tension -has stakes -is part of the character development -makes us emotionally invested -causes characters to problem solve -in most cases is competitive and makes us fear for the characters Hence why seeing an invincible hero mov through an army of goons with ease is less interesting than seeing that hero go up against overwhelming odds while trying to find a way through and/or having to juggle different problems at the same time while fighting. The John Wick 4 staircase fight was a good example: -ticking clock -new problems -overwhelming odds -massive setback -reveal: he gets helped by Caine -we now seem them work together -more problems -solutions -the character who wanted to shoot the dog gets his -straight into the next scene with a new problem Now compare that scene to Air Force One Down which is basically the main character mowing easily through NPC's without a ticking clock, stakes, tentions or problems untill she easily saves the president.....

[@joshhorne1915]

Your good action bullet points are spot on. To me, fearing for the character is most important for that viscerality but kind of requires all your other points to get there.

[@Reflectionmaterial]

@@joshhorne1915 yeah, there have to be stakes and problems and a genuine threat. The more powerfull the hero the larger the problems and opponents etc. They have to struggle to reach the finish line. Which is what seems to make the difference between an action movie that makes us watch intensely and makes us feel all kinds of stuff or that just feels like a fight choreography demo. John Wick, Avengers, Winter Soldier, Endgame, Pirates of the Carabien, Mission Impossible movies, The Old Guard, Nolan's Batman etc all seemed to involve the points I mentioned.

[@boboboy8189]

​@@ReflectionmaterialNolan's batman suck at action. It felt like 60's James bond movie

[@Reflectionmaterial]

@@boboboy8189 the choreography was all shakky cam. However the stakes and struggle was always there.

[@FilmingDom]

I'm so thrilled that you chose this topic for a video. What you're talking about is literally the theme that I've based my career as a filmmaker around: dramatically elevating the action film genre to create character studies wrapped in an action film. What you talked about in this video encouraged me so much that I'm on the right track.

[@theglimmerman]

Great insight and analysis! For me, the shootout in downtown LA from Heat is the action scene I had in mind when you spoke of viscerality and the action scene having a purpose and build up.

[@anarchisttutor7423]

I recall hearing/reading about the extra care they put into the sound of that scene. It agrees with the point this video is making about the importance of sound.

[@themocaw]

Heat has an amazing build up. You saw the robbers doing their heist. And then you saw the cops move in. Interposing back and forth, it establishes that the robbers aren't ready for how fast the cops are responding. The cops have the drop on them, and in a few moments, they'll be in ambush position and be able to take them all in one go. But likewise, the robbers are so close to escaping: give them just a few moments and they're gone. And then, just for a split second, Shiherlis let's his guard down, and that's when he spots the guy over the tops of the cars, and in that instant it all goes to hell.

[@1earflapping]

The one-take approach of the staircase fight in Atomic Blonde, whether actually one take or several, creates a sense of how exhausting such action really is. In too many action scenes the energy is endless and the protagonist is inexhaustible, but here both sides of the fight visibly get tired. The hallway scene in Oldboy did the same. Really added to the ‘viscerality’ of the movie.

[@guavacheesecake1055]

That scene from Atomic Blonde is one of my all time favorite action scenes. The protagonist and the final fighter in the group were so tired they could barely raise their arms up to swing. Like a real fight. They did camera "swoops" to stitch together about 4 takes so they could add injury makeup to the actors but still make it look like one take.

[@christopherortiz9330]

I'm very glad you agree with story being critical to making action scenes better. That is my approach to my filmmaking. These action directors are my inspirations and I will always use them as my references. Blending both compelling narratives and impressive action gives everyone an amazing experience. We're getting closer to amazing stories blended with amazing action being released more often. We have to keep learning and grinding.

[@alfredogonzalez9420]

this is a subject that I'm really passionate in the sense that I love a good fight in a movie but I wasn't familiar with the behind the scenes. thanks for this amazing video, loved every second of it, I leave with a ton of nuggets of information regarding this beautiful craft and the pioneers that got us there.

[@luke.hoffman]

Fantastic video, Tom. Extremely insightful as ever, and I really enjoyed how you constructed your argument and edited everything together so seamlessly. Great to have you back, though I hope New Zealand was amazing!

[@mattresbert]

Ground news sounds like something we need ❤ I love your channel Never Stop

[@ravenlord4]

This reminds me of the fight scenes in RDJ's Sherlock Holmes movies. They are pay-offs to a wonderful set up :)

[@montenegroafro4454]

Gotdamn! The montage of edits from different fights to blend into one at the beginning of this video was God-tier!!!👏👏🙌🙌🙌

[@DoomRulz]

A criminally underrated fight scene is Batman vs Bane in the sewer in The Dark Knight Rises. No fancy moves, no music, no quick edits or overly long one-shots. It just felt raw and real.

[@rizzo-films]

You're totally right about one-shots feeling like a deviation. But the best ones feel more like (for lack of better words lol) "Ok here we go! Shit's getting real!" or, like in Children of Men or even the one-shot at the beginning of Gravity, you don't really notice they're on-shots until well after they've started. They're sort of invisible and then the brilliance creeps up on you. The average one-shot tends to feel like games when the cutscene is over and you're suddenly back in control of the character, there's that moment of transition where perspective shifts.

[@ptonpc]

From what I remember, the 6 minute shot really is one. The story goes the fake blood on the camera was accidental.

[@rizzo-films]

@@ptonpc right, i think it is a true one-shot. Since there is no stabilization on the camera at all it would have been very hard to seamlessly blend multiple shots as they typically do in more current one-shots (Extraction 2 is also hand-held but uses a heavier, more stable rig). But there is a moment where Theo enters the building and the camera passes a completely dark corner. That would have been an easy seamless cut and would have allowed them to reset for the interior shots.

[@tammysilverwolf1085]

I've been a fan of action films since the 80's, and I've seen a lot of what you've talked about post Raid and (in the West, Wick), but I never really thought to put it together in the way you did. Thanks for the perspective. It's much appreciated. :) You're absolutely right about 'earning' the scene, too. I *love* when a movie does that and does it well.

[@Nikkiflausch]

One of the most impressive movies I've ever seen is Victoria. It's advertised heavily through its most outstanding feature of being one single take for the entire movie, which is a little over two hours long. But aside from the fact that that itself already is quite impressive, what impressed me even more was that it _wasn't_ just a gimmick. The one-take nature of the movie elevates the movie's story and narrative immensely, and the plot makes a lot of sense as being filmed as one take, because it's about one evening's escalation and its effects on the very normal humans within it. The movie would probably be mildly interesting if it had been filmed traditionally, it's quite a standard storyline, but through its one-take nature, the movie suddenly becomes able to enable my suspense of disbelief better than most other movies I've ever seen, to the point that it feels almost actually real, making me react to what's happening much closer to how I actually would in real life than I do in any other movie. You're never actually fooled into thinking anything was real, obviously, it doesn't _break_ the immersion wall, but it is immensely immersive, and that's due to a smart choice of plot PLUS a smart choice of cinematography PLUS top notch directing.

[@khpa3665]

Victoria is a great movie and you've put your finger on exactly why the one-shot makes it great. It's a perfect match of form and function.

[@Comicbroe405]

Title is right. That's honestly why I loved JW 4 despite it getting way too crazy in some parts. Also helps that South Asian cinema has been making banger action films.

[@Formosus2001]

Glad to have you back, this was excellent -as always. Thank you!

[@themeage3605]

Viscerality is a great definition of good action. In Casino Roayle you can definetly feel everything. In No Time To Die (and a lot of other recent action movies) it just feels like an coreographed stream of action without any stakes nor consecuences.

[@CosmicPhilosopher]

That was one of the most disappointing things about Neo's fight with the swarm of Smiths in The Matrix Reloaded. It didn't feel like it had any stakes which was a stark contrast to all of the fights from the first movie.

[@brightstonepictures]

Great analysis! You absolutely nailed it in our opinion. Viscerality and story are extremely important. We also think that character and therfore behaviour plays a big role in good action.

[@0815name0815]

so much work in this video, love it and really appreciate your message

[@crumblebee6728]

What a great exercise cutting those fight scenes together - you should release a long cut of that haha

[@rithwick]

Very interesting. Wonderful editing and beautiful thoughts. Long time back I saw two videos one by Corridor Crew on why modern action sucks and one by Every frame a painting on how Jackie Chan does action comedy. Both speak about shakey cam, lack of visual clarity and actors who can't fight. Since then, action movies have come a long way, digi-doubles, actors spending time to learn to do action and action-directors directing movies and generally much better production quality have got rid of several flaws that plagued early 2010s-2015s action movie. But the one thing you said is super pertinent. A good action scene should not be a set-piece but move the narrative forward. Else its just a great action showreel inserted into a movie. Your edit from one action movie to another really drove that point. Great video. Just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the awesome work.

[@betakatz]

Such a good and interesting video!! And I'm saying that as someone who is only mildly interested in action movies and saw only 20% of what you are talking about.

[@4bs_ben]

A little sad EEAAO didn’t get a mention for _its_ action-which maintained visual clarity, was visceral, was created in service of the story, was directed by the actual directors, and yet still subverted the narrative conventions and cliches of violence glorification in action movies :)

[@david7384]

🤮

[@skribblestyle]

Love that you included the "Piss off!" moment from Extraction lol. Honestly my favourite part of the movie.

[@isaiahjgomez1501]

What’s the movie at the very beginning? 0:02

[@lotrlmao1648]

Raid 2

[@00HoODBoy]

Watch raid 1 as Well while youre at it

[@Paladin_67]

Thank you. Every time I watch your presentations, your essays, I grow. I suddenly start looking at things differently, and not just cinema, or literature. I come away with new ways to engage with culture, new ways to think critically about what it is to be human--today. Thank you. Cheers.

[@thedudeabides3138]

As is typical of this channel, this is a terrific essay, really well observed and calmly delivered amid snappy editing with narration that gives you pause for thought. Well done and thank you.

[@Devin_Art]

Just found your channel, I didn't know I was missing analysis like this. Incredible research and arguments. Amazing. The Taken scene you used was a perfect summation of your thesis. I hope we get more action that is in service of the story because yeah, you're absolutely right.

[@calreid3208]

Excellent video. I agree very much with the sentiment that it's all blending into one at this stage. For me, the Extraction films are just boring, predictable junk regardless of how well the fight sequences are choreographed. There's nothing in there you can't get from much better films like the John Wick franchise. I'd also suggest that these types of long-take, meticulously choreographed fight sequences are impressive, but become quickly anemic. There's no sense of consequence or impact any more. When The Bourne Supremacy did that really impressive brawl in the kitchen, it was then copied so often that we ended up with the Taken 3 fence. The same could be said here; innovative at first, but over time and with so much repetition, action sequences need a different approach to become truly gripping again.

[@zuriyel5368]

That's true. When they go for hallway fight scenes for example, it just comes across as trying to set a record for how long the can create a 'one take fight scene'. It also gets boring bcos the actors themselves usually aren't martial artists and therefore relies on the same fight choreographers that everyone in Hollywood is doing. In Hong Kong Cinema, they always knew how to create great fight scenes that distinguished themselves from their previous. You can for example watch fight scenes from 30 different Jackie Chan movies and be entertained and impressed with how different they are.

[@gonaye1]

I went through a lot of emotions watching this video. I disagreed about recent action sequences feeling the same, but when you broke down the fight sequence from The Killer, I understood the point you were making. I would argue that bullet-time is another visceral moment that was frequently used in many movies after the Matrix, but while I hated its use in some films, I loved its use in others. This is how I tend to feel about action sequences as well. I think your analysis of Taken is what really won me over. The context leading up to a moment of action can definitely make an action sequence more impactful and exhilarating, and ultimately much more successful. I think this was the takeaway that resonated the most with me. Thanks for crafting such a thought-provoking video.

[@lukesnyder5637]

That's the thing about The Raid movies, though--they ARE consistent, and they are what all these other films are blatantly copying.

[@Rossatron]

I could not agree more. I made Acéré (kzbin.info/www/bejne/epnai5Z-jrihnJY) as a sort of reaction to this. Practical blood. Dark, contrasty lighting. Hard hitting, grimy. A story told through the action, not action for the sake of it. The feature we are doing from that short is going to be that. It's one o the reasons I stopped talking about action. They've gotten boring, though I did love Monkey Man.

[@tenorenstrom]

This helped explain to myself why I find the John Wick movies so unbearably boring!

[@Nikki_the_G]

I loved the first one, the rest... Formulaic.

[@raja-jl9os]

​@@Nikki_the_G 1st one is build up

[@domdesigns5624]

In my opinion, one of the single greatest action sequences in all of cinema is the truck chase in Raiders. The story telling, perfect view of action and meaningful story beats, it has it all. And, it's almost impossible to top.

[@rennlc]

The commentary about action servicing the story is so good here. Prey is a really good example of this too. They had to make it believable that a smaller native American woman could pose a threat to a predator. To do that, there's nearly a half-dozen fights with the predator in that movie. They serve a purpose of either showing he's a weaker, less advanced predator and/or showing the protagonist learning something about his weapons and tactics.

[@florance333]

I think action = violence is a narrow view. There are other types of action scenes: chase (car or running or bike), sports, adventures/exploring an environment, creating/building something, etc.

[@julianboryszewski4823]

Great video. Truly eye opening to now see that the action styles in all of these modern films look the same because of the talent that is called into direct them. Very cool. Makes a lot of sense

[@HelloKolla]

I only now know Tom's last name is Van der Linden. Sick name ngl

[@allocater2]

This makes us "De Bende van Tom Van der Linden." 😄

[@Cipher_556]

Truly is the man with the plan himself.

[@badconnection4383]

This is a good one.

[@Armakk]

19:20 Very nice. Kudos to the editing throughout as well.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

I'll take the They Live fight scene over all these overly chorographed navel gazing contrivances.

[@simonfeilder]

Great video and solid approach. That scene in The Killer really did go hard. Lekker man 💪🏻

[@Ruylopez778]

I think this visceral fight scene began its journey with Bourne, even though they had quick cuts and shaky cam. It was mimicked by the Craig Bond movies and then John Wick took it from there. Of course, Hollywood never really starts anything, but it popularises what works.

[@badconnection4383]

I think the visceral fight scene began with John Woo movies back in the 90's.

[@Ruylopez778]

@@badconnection4383 Yeah, fair point, but back then there was still some variation, before every movie started being like everything else. I think Bourne Identity made the Brosnan Bond movies look even more dated than they were, and that became the new standard in fist fights. Then John Wick and Atomic Blonde popularised the long take. I'm sure there are loads of movies I've never seen that have an equal claim in the grand scheme of things, but I'm talking about the last 20 years.

[@badconnection4383]

@@Ruylopez778 We see more diversity in animation in terms of action, but that's because they have more to work with.

[@wut255]

Great work. I'll admit that at first I was a little bit lost at the point you were making but started to get it when you broke down the fight scene in TheKiller and then Taken. Also, that's a really cool sponsor.

[@angmori172]

Eh, when you don't have big enough problems you start making ones up. This trend is a clear improvement over what we had before.

[@kloa4219]

this lol

[@jeremy8189]

This was an unbelievably entertaining , informative and genuinely thought provoking video. And the subject is engaging... definitely earned my subscription!

[@southlondon86]

Action movies are trash now. The Raid was great, a huge exception. Iconic action is Die Hard, Terminator 2, Predator, Aliens. Nothing today is iconic.

[@dreeko_]

LSOO never misses

[@mmorkinism]

Modern action movies have those needlessly stretched action sequences which I call "pointless action" as it's just visual spectacle (usually not even particularly good) for screen time and does not advance plot in any way.

[@boboboy8189]

Its called superhero action syndrome where main character can breakthrough anything without a sweat or scratch. At least batman got stabbed in the the dark knight rises and BvS

[@soppdrake]

One of the first "western" uses of eastern fighting techniques was in the wonderful "Bad Day at Black Rock". The build-up to the short fight scene is magnificent, with some of the greatest actors of their day at the top of their game.

[@shishkinmax]

So, the point is - all action movies look same AND ITS FUCKING AWESOME LOOKING STYLE.

[@ALSPEHEIR]

To me, one of the best recorded fight scene is the dojo fight in the original Matrix. You can see every move clearly, the takes are long when they need to be, and you can see the actors really working out the punches, kicks and jumps.

[@nw82534]

Nah, you're off base on this one. Still love your stuff though.

[@davemac9563]

One of my favorite fight scenes is in the first Spider-Man movie. The last fight with green goblin was in a small room, you feel every punch thrown, and you see Peter looking like a bloody mess. The sound helps with immersion, as long as seeing the characters progressively looking more and more injured. Just one that came to mind.

[@danthestuntman]

You’re so right. I’ve worked with almost all the names you mentioned. Incredible talent and super stylistic but I prefer to watch gritty real and less stylistic action. Sound engineering is so important. Dennis Villeneuve,Nolan and Ridley always go the route of visceral! Action needs to reflect to story and follow its style not be separate from it. Michael Man gets it right!

[@PauLtus_B]

I think you're making a very good point! I am happy we're generally past the point where any time a fight broke out the camera people seems to have a seizure and you can't tell what's going on, but there indeed still is the problem that they feel detached from the movie. No matter how impressive these scenes are, from a story telling standpoint, it just ends up feeling "and then they fight". Even from the standpoint of how impactful the action itself is I feel it's a big loss, it's just going to end up feeling "cool" most of the time but that's not going to help with you being engaged with what's going on.

[@aleksandrtsyganov7770]

Man, we need more content like this!

[@FortheLoveofItVibes]

Another incredible analysis from LSOO!

[@honuman39]

Hard Boiled started this dramatic level of action imo. I remember seeing it in the 90's and being amazed.

[@khpa3665]

Great video again. To add to the point about visceraltiy: HK movies would often show a blow landing twice, once in a wider shot then in quick close-up. I hadn't noticed how Ridley Scott uses inserts of the hits landing, but it's a similar principle.

[@RyoMassaki]

I would really like to know who invented this technique. AFAIK its been around at least since the early 70s. Jackie Chan said by showing the hit twice, the audience perceives it as one stronger hit. This is because it takes 2-3 frames (80-125milliseconds) for the average human brain to register the edit and to reorient to the new framing/perspective of the new shot. If you frame these 2 shots similarly so that the movement of the blow aligns in direction, and you repeat only the 2-3 frames it takes the brain to register the new shot, all of it merges together in the perception and both blow and hit(reaction) appear more emphasized. If you blink you'll miss it, but even with eyes wide open, sometimes it becomes a hidden cut (hidden in plain sight). John Woo uses a similar technique for bullet hits, he sometimes shows the hit 3 times, from 3 slightly different angles with 3 different frame-rates and one of the edits so fast that your brain barely registers it, but in your perception it blurs together into one seamless motion.

[@justthinkingoutloud2538]

I love the point you ended with. As much as I love certain techniques in my fight scenes, the best ones for me aren't the most flashy or most brutal, the most well choreographed, well shot, or well edited. They're the most emotional, the ones where a lot is at stake and we, the audience, care about the outcome, where the internal battle is what gives the external battle its punch, where we are on the edge of our seat cheering and flinching with each blow, either because we genuinely don't know the outcome, or it's the cathartic culmination of plenty of buildup. It's more than just a fight, it's a story.

[@husenberg1]

Good point on the first Taken. One of the main reasons that I feel like the first John Wick is still the best one.

[@Bhargab_Kalita]

bill hader’s barry has also got some of the best action scenes of the modern era. particularly that apartment fight in the Ronny/Lily episode or the motorcycle chase scene in the episode 710N has some of the most brilliant, clever staging and ‘viscerality’ (as the video points out) I’ve seen in any visual medium. tv, movies etc

[@LeBingeDoctor]

Crystal clear and impressive. You're really one of my favourite channels out there.

[@DungeonMusings]

Terrific video, with a lot of food for thought (as usual). Thanks so much for sharing.

[@NickCombs]

To be invested in the fight, I need to know the stakes. That's where "viscerality" and build-up meet.

[@alaakela]

I just love this guy's voice, his cadence. So soothing.

[@echos-myron]

The way you can articulate your thoughts is so well honed; your perspective is considerate of the sum of the subjects parts. Just the idea that you’re not speaking in terms of polarity is much appreciated. Every time I wonder when looking at a title of your video what you will discuss you invariably mention the things I hoped you’d give your thoughts on. I loved Fincher’s movie; especially the action; it’s highly kinetic, I was so impressed with Fassbinder in that film. The first thing I thought about was the hallway seen in Old Boy; my favorite action sequence in any film; Park Chan Wook is a master of his craft. Thanks for everything you make; it’s my favorite criticism on the internet by far. ❤

[@LiebsterFeind]

"Convergent Aesthetic" - Best new term I've heard in a while!

[@Slinkylinky179]

I think this is why John Woo is the GOAT. He somehow occupies all of the cateogories you are talking about. Something like the Warehouse scene in Hardboiled is both legible and visceral. It also kind of ebbs and flows between preciscion and chaos with the use of slow mo, fast cuts, and repeat shots from other angles. I love Chad Stahelski and I think JW4 is one of the best american action movies of all time, but I do think his stuff can be a little too surgical.

[@dominiquelaflamme7804]

This is like watching a hundred movies, and the best scenes at that!

[@FDB-8]

What movie is that at 19:13 right after the extraction clip??