04 July, 2014
Two days ago, in a knee-jerk decision, I decided to leave work a bit earlier to catch the movie “Transformers: Age of Extinction” along with a friend. It was scheduled for 5:15pm and traffic to the cinema was terrible. So, we decided to trek the whole distance. Well, 30 minutes and one newly purchased but subsequently soaked white handkerchief later, we arrived, got our tickets, skipped the regular snack purchase and rushed in. Luckily, we were only about 15 minutes late.
I was excited. I even had to hold a full bladder for more than 2 hours because of the movie.
Well, here’s why.
I vowed never to watch a Transformers movie on my laptop. It just has to be on the big screen. I don’t know… maybe it’s the thrills of metal flying everywhere… the cinematic slow-motion scenes… the subtle humor… or the 150+ minutes of pure awesomeness that makes me feel like the movie was worth the money spent. No other movie comes that close.
Well, here’s what I learnt from the movie. A bit more specifically but maybe out of context, I admire the director, Michael Bay.
In all the Michael Bay films I’ve seen (see me talking as if it’s a lot… actually, it’s only two – the Transformers Series… and Pain & Gain), I couldn’t doubt the fact that he was involved. I lack most of the technical jargon used by film analysts, but his movies have this ‘thing’ to it. Bright lighting… obviously advanced, from-the-future cameras… particle effects… things flying everywhere… his unapologetic use of jaw-dropping slow-motion scenes (like when the robot cars have to transform and fly over some bridge in a bid to evade an attack while impressively catching and holding on to the humans that were driving in them… or when Mark Wahlberg got hit by a passing car towards the end of Pain & Gain… ouch) and the overall thrill to his movies that literally keep you at the edge of your seat.
In what would appear as serendipity, running a quick search on him earlier today, here’s what I found:
Michael Benjamin Bay (born February 17, 1965) is an American film director and producer. He is known for directing high-budget action films characterized by their fast edits, stylistic visuals and extreme use of special effects.
Michael Bay has a signature. And he’s very unapologetic about it. Here’s what he recently had to say to his critics:
“They love to hate, and I don’t care; let them hate,” Bay said. “They’re still going to see the movie! I think it’s good to get a little tension. Very good.”
Here’s something I also stumbled upon:
If anybody is wondering why the “Transformers” franchise keeps getting louder, longer and less dependent on silly movie cliché’s like character development, it’s because director Michael Bay knows people will see the sequels no matter what he films.
Well, here’s the lesson for today:
Have a signature. Let people know you for something. In so much as it’s something good, be unapologetic about it. But remember to keep getting better with the times. Or you’re gonna end up being laughed at… and if there’s one thing people don’t need a degree to do, it’s laughing.
🙂
P.S: I heard he’s directing the Ninja Turtles movie. When the time comes, Silverbird Cinemas, take my money!
Update: I wasn’t the one that needed to use a handkerchief. My friend was. I can walk for 3 hours without breaking a sweat. *feeling like a proud Kenya… sorry… Nigerian*
by Yours Truly
