DoubleHiFive, Mark Edward Lewis here, Director of Mind-Sifter. First, allow me to say thanks for a wonderful review of our movie. I believe you perceived so much of the subtext of what I was trying to get across in the performances and editing. I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put forth in a wonderful and forensic review.
I'm compelled to clarify a few of your queries just so there's no confusion, and in no way am I attempting to downplay or argue your legitimate opinion. Merely clarification for the enjoyment of the many people who I trust will read your excellent review:
1. When we say the "audio is terrible throughout," I believe what you mean is the dialogue is terrible throughout. I trust you were able to watch the 5.1 surround version which is completely different movie than the simple stereo-on-internet. I also trust you were able to watch and listen on a good system rather than computer speakers (Apple TV not being one of those 'good systems'). This said, I agree that the dialogue is something the sound production crew struggled with in the new studio. Many of the ADR lines had to be conformed to the set audio and some of the fidelity suffered. However, I don't believe the performances suffered and the intent and flow of the movie seems to okay. However, I agree, of the technical issues, we have struggled with dialogue.
2. you are certainly correct. 20,000 feet was aired in 1963...and to have 3 Captain Kirk's on the screen at the same time was just TOO JUICY to pass up!
3. I'm glad you appreciate the space battle - in all its brevity. Actually, it has nothing to do with the JJ-trek versions and is my personal experience as the most efficient and powerful way a Connie can defend against the first-strike capability of a D-7 Mark IV while playing FASA Starship Combat Simulator hundreds of times growing up. Consider the barrel-roll defense a childhood dream-come-true which Tobias Richter executed with diplomb...and for me, as you mentioned, the "tactical playbook" Gamma-3 which Spock would have invented LONG before the 24th century version - was the perfect opportunity to show the Enterprise doing something it would never otherwise do - under the command of a commander it would never otherwise have in Spock. Too much fun!
4. Most of your consideration for our "adaptation of the story" toward JJ-trek had nothing to do with that...we were staying true to the characters given the wonderful script. Whereas, Spock and Kirk are both managing insanity from their psychic link being stretched 350 years or so. Thus, Spock is quite emotional, and Kirk is, well, insane. Brandon and I had a wonderful time exploring the nuances of just what that would look like in this universe, and I believe we nailed a palatable performance for humans to watch and Vulcans to be slightly embarrassed about.
Moreover, for me, of any Spock I've ever seen on screen,
including Leonard, Stacy is superior.
5. When we talk about "poorly framed shots" I must defend the choices of world-class Cinematographer Jeff Barklage. We specifically and purposefully worked toward artistic composition found in modern artwork and the understood cinema rules around position instead of just framing actors in the horrific middle-of-screen position done in TOS. Much like my choice to do this episode in 4:3, my intent, due to the nature of the script, was to emphasize the performance of the actors at every step; to engage them and connect them more with the audience. Splitting the screen in the middle actually disconnects actors from THEMSELVES in a scene - and thus the viewer. So, we did purposeful avoidance of center-screen composition not just because it serves the story better, but because it just looks aweful. The "wasted space" is actually called negative space and, especially in the example you have of McCoy's salute, would have no ability to be framed had there been no such space - or the camera or focal length of the lens would be so removed from our characters as to lose the moment. And just as a correction, there is no Steadicam work in this film.
6. Spock's self-mind-meld is a wonderful device we came up with which is the last-resort of Spock to try to find his friend in the psychic link, since he had no other way to get in touch with his friend. Naturally, since no one had ever thought of such a thing, to have your concern about it is a wonderful win for myself as a story-teller given that, as a device, the intention was to wake viewers up and engage their minds...which clearly in your case (and so many others who have voiced concern and glee) we succeeded. As a plot link, it opens up an entire new world to the relationship of Spock and Kirk. Thanks for noticing all. Por Todo Gracias.
7. I defend my friend Tobias Richter's work as superior to anything in the JJ verse or ANY verse. His work is superior and non-derivative.
8. And I know as much fun as it is to continue harping on the Vic/James issues, both men are personal friends of mine. Although I was the Post Supervisor and final editor on Kitumba, I was not allowed jurisdiction on Vic's directorial placement in that movie - the position of which I feel badly about. However, as director on Mind-Sifter I did request (as was my right to request) the director single title card. As surely as I would not slight James, I would not slight Vic. Both men are involved in making the world a better place via productions surrounding IDIC. I salute them both. My credit should be considered to be solely a record of my involvement, and it has no bearing on anything else...well...okay...except that I'm proud of it as well.
9. I'm afraid you are incorrect. That is, in fact K-7. Please see Kitumba and other episodes.
10. Thank you for catching the McCoy continuity. I'll fix that for any BD/DVD release!
11. Thanks too for noticing my other childhood dream...ahem...of the all female night shift. OH MY!!
I'll also confirm that THT is well on its way to being a similarly successful and emotionally riveting STNV film. And again, thank you SO MUCH for your wonderful review and careful consideration. I wish more reviewers were as concise and will written and read as you.
IDIC in all things.
Mark Edward Lewis
