By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
bigtakilla on 13 July 2017
Edit Thread
fielding88 said:
bigtakilla said:

There's a certain level of visual storytelling that is required to say something is a masterclass of direction. The Dark Knight is like a great punk song. The four chords they play can be played perfectly and in perfect tune. The vocal pitch can be dead on, but I still wouldn't say the typical four chord punk song is a masterclass of songwriting.

 

*edit* And it's not that The Dark Knight was "too well made" as much as it was made extremely well with nothing standing out as exceptional.

 

I'll give an example too.

https://youtu.be/U1MnMA0TzGI

Watch this, and think about what the lighting, camera angles, colors, and blocking (essentially what's in the shot) are all telling you in this scene. That's masterclass directing.

I suspect what youre describing is closer in definition to masterclass cinematography or art direction. I agree with a lot of what you're saying, but it's assuming that TDK would be considered typical of its genre or typical of filmmaking in general, of which I'm not quite convinced based on its overall reception. Even in the superhero genre it's far different in style than many of its contemporaries. Also, sound plays an extremely large role in masterclass storytelling, which is an area I think Christopher Nolan definitely pays attention to (and excels) in his films. His mise-en-scene is stylistically as focused as any of the movies you've mentioned so far, and your example comes from a movie with more low-points than high. ROTJ is not a masterclass film by any means. If anything, it is a substandard sequel with some masterclass scenes, like the one you mentioned. TDK, on the other hand, would far exceed that movie in acting ability alone. But storytelling and sound play a huge role in masterclass film direction. Blade Runner with Deckard's narration is a craptacular (but pretty) film. Blade Runner without the narration is masterclass.


*edit* also, uh, OT: I think maybe when Daniel Craig leaves, Nolan should come along and test the waters a bit. But I don't think he should ever be in a 007 movie with Daniel Craig in it too. There's no need.

Masterclass storytelling I'll give you as far as script and performance (of which performance is the only thing you can credit the director with), but masterclass directing should be inclusive to masterfully using all the elements of visual storytelling as well as script and actor performance, which TDK doesn't accomplish.

 

*Sorry lots of editing, but want to make a clear and concise point* And yes, the camera man shoots the scenes, and the set designer and lighting techs are definitely to praise as well, but the director has his display and is responsible for setting up the shots, making sure the lighting is correct, and is basically primarily responsible for what is shot on film. He says action, and cut. That's why directors names are household, while the cinematographers, set designers, and lighting techs aren't. There job is to realize the directors vision. They just know how to run the equipment.