"...some of the worst cinematography ever"?

[donners22]

Just reading a rather negative review from a newspaper today - http://www.theage.com.au/news/enter...logical-captain/2009/05/06/1241289237288.html - and though I disagree with some of it, this line caught my attention.

And although the visual effects here are of a high standard technically, Star Trek sports some of the worst cinematography ever featured in a blockbuster as crash zooms, swish pans and epileptic-like editing reduce many of the action scenes to indistinct blurs.

I found the action sequences incredibly difficult to follow, which I put down in part to it being on an IMAX screen. However, it seems I was not the only one.

I realise there is supposed to be some degree of chaos in these sort of scenes, but I found them quite frustrating and confusing.

Your reactions?

 

[Gepard]

Can it really be worse than Michael Bay?

 

[urbandk]

I thought the action scenes were pretty well done, by modern standards, but I'm reminded of the old Way of the Dragon fight scene between Norris and Lee. Action scenes used to take their time and use long shots. Action scenes now are all cut and paste jobs with Tony Scott-style jump cuts. I miss the old deliberate pace of action scenes. They were more effective and allowed the viewer to see what was going on.

Way of the Dragon

 

[curson]

And although the visual effects here are of a high standard technically, Star Trek sports some of the worst cinematography ever featured in a blockbuster as crash zooms, swish pans and epileptic-like editing reduce many of the action scenes to indistinct blurs.

I found the action sequences incredibly difficult to follow, which I put down in part to it being on an IMAX screen. However, it seems I was not the only one.

Isn't that the actual trend in Hollywood?
Tired watching Quantum of Solace? :P I mean, it's what I refer to as the "Blair Witch Project"-effect: causing crisis in the audience is fun and makes money because people are going to talk about the movie.
Lately it seems quite the norm. Probably they've come to the conclusion that fast pacing scene change = great action, the substance isn't very important anymore and they don't really care about thinking and planning action scenes that look good even at sub-light speed (no pun intended).
Watch out, there's another strong trend out there, and it's the Matrix-Crouching Tiger one, where it's not the pace that counts but the leaping long vaulting gymnastic figures.

Ok, I'm joking a bit, but frankly I'm not surprised to "see" that in Star Trek.
If Friday I'll collapse with an epileptic attack while watching it, I'll let you know when and if I'll come back to my computer

 

[Michael Chris]

To be honest the shaky cam in MI:3 when the Cruise character was being threatened to kill his girlfriend was a bit jarring. So I'm not surprised this would have that.

 

[Bounty]

Actually I thought that, with onunfortunate exception, the action scenes were all easy to follow - it's one thing that stood out to me after the Transformers trailer reminded me how confusing movie fights could get.

 

[Franklin]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but as an old fart, I do wish they'd bring back the lingering one-camera shot. And, I wish they wouldn't give the camera-persons (and the editor) venti lattes before they do their jobs.

 

[SalvorHardin]

Well, I didn't have much trouble following Michael Bay's action in Transformers for example and nothing I've heard so far indicates that Abrams did anything like that. And his MI3 style was fine too.

So I think my young eyes will be OK. I'll get back to you in about 15 hours for a truly informed opinion.

 

[Squiggy]

Back in MY day...movies meant something. Why one could walk to the theater downtown and see the latest Gable flick for a quarter for a matinee! Course, what with the war and all popcorn was being rationed to help the boys on the front lines defending us from the Germans.

Why...I remember when a scene lasted for 3 days and there was no movement! That was art I tells ya.

 

[urbandk]

Why...I remember when a scene lasted for 3 days and there was no movement! That was art I tells ya.

Art.

 

[Squiggy]

5 stars.

 

[AvBaur]

I'm just back from the theater and while they use a lot of quick cuts and shaky camera movements, the action is definitely easier to follow than in, say, Quantum of Solace.
I would recommend not sitting right in the front of the theater, though. I sat in the fifth row in front of a fairly big screen and lost track of the action a few times. But I still enjoyed it a lot, most of the film is beautifully shot.

 

[Sky]

I didn't really have any problems following the action; I think the chaotic elements do have their place and they work quite well in this movie.

 

[ian_tee]

Am seeing the film in a few hours. Just read Schembri's review. I think I have rarely agreed with any of his opinions. I almost feel like he is giving the film a bad review just so he can be the one that knocks down the Rotten Tomatoes 100% rating of the film.

I am surprised at his score of 2.5/5 stars considering he gave Wolverine 3.5/5 stars.

 

[Franklin]

Back in MY day...movies meant something. Why one could walk to the theater downtown and see the latest Gable flick for a quarter for a matinee! Course, what with the war and all popcorn was being rationed to help the boys on the front lines defending us from the Germans.

Why...I remember when a scene lasted for 3 days and there was no movement! That was art I tells ya.

As opposed to the Ritalin generation.

 

[Sulu's Lover]

Mr.Abrams somehow felt that almost every shot in the movie had to have quick cuts,jump shots,auto focus shots or a combination of all.This really detracted from the story. A good film should not need the amount of special shots it had.Jumpy shots during the fight scenes just made shake my head in disgust.Terrible.I hope this guy doesn't do another Star Trek movie.

Rob

 

[urbandk]

It's beginning. The posts that follow the following formula:

1. Criticize whatever aspect of the new film is being discussed
2. Express feeling of betrayal
3. Make disparaging remark about Abrams

I think some people might have joined TrekBBS just to bitch about the new film.

 

[Tulin]

I have seen a HELLUVA lot of ensigns around lately.

 

[Brutal Strudel]

I thought the action scenes were pretty well done, by modern standards, but I'm reminded of the old Way of the Dragon fight scene between Norris and Lee. Action scenes used to take their time and use long shots. Action scenes now are all cut and paste jobs with Tony Scott-style jump cuts. I miss the old deliberate pace of action scenes. They were more effective and allowed the viewer to see what was going on.

Way of the Dragon

All action sequences should cut away to kittens periodically. Adorable!

 

[Tikkun]

I have seen a HELLUVA lot of ensigns around lately.

You really know how to make a n00b feel welcome - please keep in mind that your rank is imaginary.

I intend to love the movie - old fart and new ensign, that I am!