25-02-2013, 12:31 AM
Charles, the idea was expressed in plural because that idea, a dove or other bird in flight, has been used so many times in art that its hackneyed. In fact, I used it in my first student film. But I felt that even in my film it was more organic and therefore digested and not added on; to the point where you can see the propmaster giving Hauer the thing right before the clip board snapped.
As for not seeing Blade Runner, I was there at the theater on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks for its opening week in LA. I have since seen it on VHS, and DVD and the rereleased version on the big screen. I own the recut DVD. So please, do not presume I don't know the film.
You missed my point about the long last scene in Chinatown. My point in mentioning it was not just because it is so memorable and compelling but that Polanski made it up there on the set! Towne was so against it that he left the trailer and refused to write it. So Polanski had to write the whole thing, dialgoue and action, willy nilly. And it includes two all time one liners. Although Towne deserves credit for the first one.
You also miss my point about production design. Scott's films, especially Blade Runner, are visually striking because of their design, because he started his career as a production designer. If you actually examine his films shot by shot, scene by scene, they really aren't that exceptional, except for that element. That is why I say, Scott could never make something as exquisite as Tess. Or a scene with the originality or impact of the last shot of Repulsion. He just is not that concerned with those elements. And this is why the general quality of the acting in his films is not really superior. And in fact, actors have complained that he spends too much time on the visuals and not enough helping them find their characters.
So, anyway, I always liked Blade Runner. But I understand its strengths and weaknesses. Chinatown, on the other hand, really does not have any weaknesses. Its pretty much a completely fulfilled artistic intention. Further, it is based upon facts. There really was a heist by LA of the Owens Valley water. And the John Huston character is based upon the mastermind of that swipe: Harry Chanlder of the LA Times.
As for not seeing Blade Runner, I was there at the theater on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks for its opening week in LA. I have since seen it on VHS, and DVD and the rereleased version on the big screen. I own the recut DVD. So please, do not presume I don't know the film.
You missed my point about the long last scene in Chinatown. My point in mentioning it was not just because it is so memorable and compelling but that Polanski made it up there on the set! Towne was so against it that he left the trailer and refused to write it. So Polanski had to write the whole thing, dialgoue and action, willy nilly. And it includes two all time one liners. Although Towne deserves credit for the first one.
You also miss my point about production design. Scott's films, especially Blade Runner, are visually striking because of their design, because he started his career as a production designer. If you actually examine his films shot by shot, scene by scene, they really aren't that exceptional, except for that element. That is why I say, Scott could never make something as exquisite as Tess. Or a scene with the originality or impact of the last shot of Repulsion. He just is not that concerned with those elements. And this is why the general quality of the acting in his films is not really superior. And in fact, actors have complained that he spends too much time on the visuals and not enough helping them find their characters.
So, anyway, I always liked Blade Runner. But I understand its strengths and weaknesses. Chinatown, on the other hand, really does not have any weaknesses. Its pretty much a completely fulfilled artistic intention. Further, it is based upon facts. There really was a heist by LA of the Owens Valley water. And the John Huston character is based upon the mastermind of that swipe: Harry Chanlder of the LA Times.