Let’s you and him fight

3 comments August 14th, 2008

One of my favorite film critics, Glenn Erickson, has an interesting article over at his DVD Savant site. It’s titled “Whatever Happened to Great Fight Scenes?,” and, as you may have guessed, it looks at modern movie fight scenes and finds them lacking. I agree with Glenn that many modern fight scenes are editing so frenetically that its impossible to tell what’s happening. Like dance scenes in modern movies — think CHICAGO — this editing allows less-than-perfect dancers (or, in our case, fighters) to look like real pros. I’m a fan of THE DARK KNIGHT, but I agree with Glenn that the fight scenes are arguably the weakest part of the movie. (And that bulky Batman costume ain’t helping any.)

If you want to see some stunning fight scenes, check out any of the battles from Jackie Chan’s prime period (i.e., before he starred in RUSH HOUR). Jackie was a trained fighter and acrobat, and so were his co-stars. Here, for instance, is a fight from POLICE STORY 2…

Notice how most of it is in a wide shot, allowing you to (a) keep track of what’s happening, and (b) appreciate the artistry of the stunts. The Hong Kong influence has been felt in Hollywood for years (think of THE MATRIX), but there’s still nothing like the real thing.

And, if you want to see some real fisticuffs from old Hollywood, here’s a clip from the 1954 DRAGNET movie. Jack Webb isn’t known as a great screen brawler, but I think you’ll agree this is a pretty impressive battle. Love those POV shots!