Theatrical Patience

I would classify "Man on Fire" under the same ADD-driven cinematics of "The Bourne Supremacy." The entire movie vibrated my retinas until I thought they would detach, even in scenes with little action. Even though I thought this style was interesting at first, it has overstayed its welcome.

I prefer movies that take their time with the shots. I want every cut to be purposeful, and not just a take to a reaction shot because the child actor can't say two lines in a row without laughing. If you really want a reaction shot, change the angle so that the reactions can be seen simultaneously with the delivery of the dialogue.

Some movies do a better job with this than others. I remember watching the Royal Tanenbaums for the first time; I didn't catch the plot because I was mesmerized by the camera. A creative use of long shots can be very useful as well, as seen in a few shots of "Shawn of the Dead" when he stops by the store before and after the zombie attack, or in "Kill Bill vol. 1" when the Bride goes to change, and the entire scene, character placement and motivations are presented in one smooth take.

I guess patience doesn't make money these days. People are just too stupid to enjoy good movies anymore. I wish everyone wasn't such an idiot.