Michael Bay’s web page was recently updated with a behind the scenes video of how he makes all of those actions shots he’s so well known for. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on in Bay’s head as he creates those massive explosions, here’s your chance for a small taste of that! Check is out below.
DeathsHead
A similar shot was achieved some years ago in the excellent film 'Children of Men'. Except it's a four minute long single take with all the action in camera and long before that robot arm was developed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfBSncUspBk
Amazing.
In fact that film has many quite extraordinary sequences. The five minute single hand held shot during the climactic battle scene is SO incredible the shot itself won an award! I can't actually find a video of the entire shot – all the Youtube clips cut it short. It's INSANE.
Of course Cuaron would go on to direct 'Gravity' which opens with a stunning 17 minute single take!
LegendAntihero
I'd rather work with Uwe Bowl
pulidoa88
I don't care what people think about Bay. If I ever joined the film industry, I surely would like to meet him and/or work with him; hands down.
LegendAntihero
No
Cyber Star
Mr. Bay always gets the coolest movie shots! Loved listening to the parts about the crazy looking multi-joint camera that was used during the blue car/backwards driving scene in Hong Kong. That was really cool.
Rodimus
I agree very much with all of this, but after the debacle of the way they decided to make all of the characters we love look from the start of development of the first movie and fans who love this franchise being disrespected by him, I too, couldn't care less. Particiluraly in regards to the movie Franchise. I am waiting for a reboot and a new direction. I think Michael Bay does great action shots (which to a certain point I do like and have respect for) and is very creative in that regard, but like you said his pacing is poor. Plus his utter contempt for his audience as fans is appalling. I severely dislike the look his movies took the Transformers franchise in. But as long as we have Generations / Classics / and IDW I can find some solace in that fact beings we still have some level of Transformers to enjoy. This all the while the movie toys saturate the shelves because nobody wants them.
Autovolt 127
So You've never seen Fraiser before?
LegendAntihero
Im surprised Kelsey Grammer had white hair. I always imagined him looking like Sideshow Bob in some way since he voices that character on the Simpsons
Darkwing48
The only thing was less deserving was Kelsy Grammar. I think he did a good job for the minor parts. My favorite line is "Where's Optimus Prime?"
Other than that. The movie sucks. But I realize that an American company (KSI) moved it's operation to China, which is why it did so well there.
It's my least favorite Bay movie.
FanimusMaximus
In that case the news guys gotta get it together then.
Xaxis
That was very well stated and reflects my views precisely. Thank you for the quality, mature commentary on what the Transformers movies (and most of Bay's work) is lacking. Also, I appreciate your proper use of the phrase "I couldn't care less."
Bravo, sir.
Seeker
Yep.
FCatCH76
100% agree!
megabotatronius
Completely agree. *edit* And very well said, sir.
DeathsHead
At the level Mr Bay works, scripts – and all required changes to them – are very definitely okay'd by the director. If he wanted better material it would be extremely easy to ask for it. But he doesn't.
DeathsHead
I appreciate Michael Bay's fearlessness as a choreography of action – most of it in camera – but I still really dislike the way he shoots and edits. It's interesting he talks about the audience being oversaturated in action sequences when that is – to my mind – his real problem. There's always so much going on in each frame, and the sequences are often so long that I no longer feel excited or even interested past a certain point. To use a highly unsuitable comparison – it's the difference between seeing one naked girl and being shown four hundred. There's only so aroused you can be before it all becomes a blur.
Plus he still doesn't seem to get that good action is always based on the amount an audience cares for the characters in jeopardy. It's really important. And his characters, particularly the barely-sketched Transformers themselves, are paper thin and interchangeable. I'm honestly staggered when people say they cried when Optimus Prime died – I couldn't care less, despite this being supposedly one of my favourite fictional characters.
For me the action in movies like Die Hard, Aliens, and Indiana Jones is just SO much more effective even though it is largely much smaller scale. And grand sequences like the final fight in Avatar are just beatifully shot and cut in way Bay simply cannot master. His lack of geography, sense of pacing and inability to restrain himself for the good of his audience leave me entirely cold.
Soundpulse
If you want plot, go complain to the writer.
kthxbye
megabotatronius
It's immature to want less explosions and more plot? :eyeroll:
Burnout00012
So much immaturity in this thread…
Ironhide1234
Grow up people.