Creating an action movie with good cinematography is difficult. Most are too focused on the action and not enough on how the movie looks or feels.
However, French director Pierre Morel does just that.
In From Paris with Love, Morel’s second American film, he manages to take a mundane movie and make it enjoyable to look at.
Starting out as a cinematographer in many films, Morel switched to directing in 2004 with the movie District 13.
Using French film techniques, Morel brings a different feel to what could have been just another action movie.
The shots are short and fast, yet Morel still gives you the complete story without overdoing it.
He also focuses on the soft, yet sharp colors that bring a Parisian feel to the film.
Despite the film’s aesthetically pleasing look, the plot and acting leave much to be desired.
The plot, following an almost generic route, focuses around Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ character, James Reece, who works as an aide to the French ambassador.
However, he also holds a job as a low-level, undercover CIA agent.
Finally getting to work on a senior mission, he is paired with Charlie Wax, played by a bald John Travolta, who is completely opposite from Reece.
Reece is pulled from his predictable, calm life and thrown around Paris with Wax, hoping to live through the day.
Meyers’s acting is awkward most of the time, especially in the intimate scenes with his girlfriend, Caroline.
While not as good as in previous films, Travolta’s acting is classic. He brings a child-like, crazy quality to Wax without overdoing it.
Meyers and Travolta make a great pair. They balance well with a mix of normal and firecracker while still getting things done.
Morel is well on his way to becoming an Oscar-nominated director.
His films are well shot, but a movie like From Paris with Love is a prime example of why cinematography alone cannot carry a film.
Creating an action movie with good cinematography is difficult. Most are too focused on the action and not enough on how the movie looks or feels.
However, French director Pierre Morel does just that.
In From Paris with Love, Morel’s second American film, he manages to take a mundane movie and make it enjoyable to look at.
Starting out as a cinematographer in many films, Morel switched to directing in 2004 with the movie District 13.
Using French film techniques, Morel brings a different feel to what could have been just another action movie.
The shots are short and fast, yet Morel still gives you the complete story without overdoing it.
He also focuses on the soft, yet sharp colors that bring a Parisian feel to the film.
Despite the film’s aesthetically pleasing look, the plot and acting leave much to be desired.
The plot, following an almost generic route, focuses around Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ character, James Reece, who works as an aide to the French ambassador.
However, he also holds a job as a low-level, undercover CIA agent.
Finally getting to work on a senior mission, he is paired with Charlie Wax, played by a bald John Travolta, who is completely opposite from Reece...
Beauty isn't everything
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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