I was shocked and saddened to hear that director Tony Scott had died last weekend. As a tribute to a very talented individual (and inspiration to many), I wanted to take a look at three of my favourite Tony Scott films - from what was a prolific and illustrious career.
Being a self-professed movie fanatic, I tend to revisit movies many times over. In most cases and particularly with more adult fair, there's the opportunity see a movie a fresh (and not as you may have remembered it growing up).
I revisited the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy not long ago. I hadn't seen the third entry (disappointing) and was keen to revisit the first two again.
Tony Scott's sequel is by far the best of the series. One must give props to the original for introducing us to Axel Foley and co - and the film does boast some classic scenes. As an action film however, it's comparatively geriatric!
Having crafted one of the best adrenaline-fuelled classics with Top Gun, Scott injected the series with much needed gusto. Scott was known for his expertise with pacing and generating tension and this is clearly felt.
Interestingly, Scott was somewhat intimidated by Eddie Murphy and the prospect of making a comedy. Coincidentally, the comedy elements serve to keep the tension taught - something Scott would go on to master with the two other films on my list.
Scott's signature visual style is evident, making the movie undeniably his. Too often, slow motion, lens filters and a bombastic editing style are used as a stylistic quick fix. Scott used these techniques to service his movies - putting the emphasis on story and creating mood for his characters to pass through.
The result is a fresh and vibrant action comedy - putting current examples of the genre to shame!
4/5
Literally a day or two before I heard the news of Scott's passing I was quoting the, 'Your wife's so fat...' lines from this classic!
Admittedly it's Shane Blacks script that elevates this particular film, but as Scott would go on to prove time and again, he was the ring-leader that repeatedly gave life to that which was on the page.
The Last Boy Scout was another action-comedy which united Bruce Willis with Damon Wayans as an ex-secret service agent, turned private detective and an ex-football player, respectively. Both wondering where it all went wrong in life, the pair unite to avenge fallen friends and lovers - finding redemption for themselves along the way.
The script was smart and hilarious - and the action came thick and fast! All of Scott's aforementioned techniques were utilised. Again, one needn't see the credits to know who was directing!
Interestingly, both this and the final movie on my list paired Scott with two of the best screenwriters in the business - certainly the two most steeped in popular culture and filmic lore.
Ultimately this made Scott one of the great collaborators. He would go on to help many a young film-maker put their projects out in to the world - with producing partner and brother, Ridley Scott.
The Last Boy Scout stands as a benchmark for action-comedies. If you're one of the few who haven't seen it yet, I must implore you to seek it out. It's endlessly entertaining - and then some!
5/5
True Romance is my favourite Tony Scott film - it's a classic which would certainly be in my top 15!
From beginning to end it's whip-smart, entertaining and creative - and never once veers from it's simple plot.
Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette (never better) fall instantaneously in love, after one night together. From there, they seek to better their lot in order to remain together forever.
Their get-rich-quick scheme sees them stumble upon a suitcase full of cocaine, which they plan to sell in order to live out their collective dream.
However, the owner of the drugs and his boss (plus a number of other affiliates) have other plans - and intercept the lovers on their quest.
Slater and Arquette carry the film incredibly well - especially considering their support. The film boasts a who's-who of magnificent supporting talent including; Christopher Walken, Gary Oldman and Dennis Hopper.
As with The Last Boy Scout, Scott had another terrific script to work from, this time by Quentin Tarantino. Shane Black may have the edge on wit, but there's no denying Tarantino's superior knowledge of film traits and popular culture.
The scene which stands out for me (and one which has been heralded time and again as a classic) is the interrogation scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper. This scene is so compelling, one could be forgiven for thinking they're actually in the movie - hiding in that caravan somewhere! The dialogue is great, the actors, pitch-perfect and the mood, chilling.
It's been said that Walken and Hopper bought more to the scene than what was on the page, finding themselves improvising throughout rehearsal - and bringing more maniacal laughter to the scene. Again, Scott shows what a great collaborator he was here, allowing two master craftsmen to do their thing, immersed in a world he so lovingly created.
5/5
Tony Scott was involved in several projects at the time of his death, with a sequel to Top Gun a likely prospect - which would've been fun!
There was talk of Scott bringing Nemesis to the screen (the Mark Millar comic, where the villain takes centre stage). This was an obvious pairing - and a project I was hoping would come to fruition.
Last I heard, directing chores had fallen to Joe Carnahan. Interestingly Scott was producer on Carnahan's last picture, The Grey.
Whether the ball stays in Carnahan's court is uncertain, however as an obvious successor to Scott (a director of action with his own signature style), he would certainly be at the top of my list.
I could go on and talk about numerous other films Scott directed (Crimson Tide and Man on Fire stand out). Instead I'm going to pop down to my local video shop and sit and enjoy the hell out of his back catalogue!
It's not clear who this guy or girl is, but do check out the site for more of the same - incredible images (yes, I wish I'd done them)!
