This one showed up on Tubi and I decided to watch it again.
I have good memories of the last time I saw it.
Now I appreciate even more what David Ayer and Co did after rewatching it.
Street Kings is a primal example of cinematic storytelling:
A morally ambiguous protagonist, a la Man With No Name. This is where cinema works in collaboration with the mono-myth of Joseph Campbell’s Hero With A Thousand Faces
Characters are defined in brief sketches of personality, but we SEE them acting out their personalities. (Action is character.)
The plot pits evil versus greater evil. (Think Pitch Black.)
A propulsive narrative with lean, efficient editing.
Keanu is perfect in the role.
Almost always caught in low angles with a steadicam.
Nearly constantly in motion as he chases down clues and suspects on the hunt for his partner's killer.
Watch it.
If you're a filmmaker, study it.
Keanu’s Tom Ludlow of Street Kings shares character DNA with The Man With No Name
Riddick also shares character DNA with Ludlow and The Man With No Name. Even in the far future, the mono-myth exists.
Ludlow is a whirlwind of energy and mayhem. Relentless in his quest for vengeance.
Pitch Black has always stood out to me for three reasons:
An SF horror film on a low budget that works;
Claudia Christian. I’m a Farscape fan;
The leader of the religious group is Keith James. Goliath from Gargoyles!
As a writer, readers say I have a cinematic style. Not a surprise. I graduated from the University Film School as a scriptwriter.
Haven't watched it yet but it does sound really interesting.