Independence Day - What Makes it So Great? 1. Will Smith punches an alien in the head and says 'Welcome to Earth' 2. Jeff Goldblum plays Jeff Goldblum better than he ever has before.
K cs in all honesty these two things should have been highlighted more in the video (but *were* highlighted, and are a bit obvious. hes not here to tell us how dope the fresh prince and Ian Malcolm is lol)
After watching this movie, again and again, that always makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face. Through the movie, you come to love this character, sort of like a weird, endearing uncle. That's probably why I also tear up every time I see his son react to his death. "Your father died a hero." "I know."
The camp is beautifully self-aware and, I think, fully earned at that point. The character arc is what does it. He's presented early on as a paranoid, possibly crazy buffoon who is hopelessly dependent on his family. He is the butt of everyone's jokes, wallowing in self-pity. As the world falls apart, the love his family gives is transformed by a newfound appreciation of the emotional turmoil that made him who he was. Now that everyone has suffered at the hands of aliens, their love is no longer pity, but understanding. He is finally vindicated, and we as the audience have been brought along for the ride. To me, the conceit that he was right is what makes the campiness of "I'm back" work so well. The tension has been building up to a moment that is, in all fairness, completely ludicrous. He's crazy. We're crazy. What in the hell kind of plan is this anyway? There's no possible way this could work. And yet we KNOW it will. The camp is like a drum-roll that tells you the movie is in on the joke and promises a payoff. That's why the explosion that follows is a big cathartic middle finger to all the suffering ever heaped on him, and the most selfless expression of love he could possibly show his family. And I freaking love it.
It's in my list, that's for sure! Jaws, and The Hunt for Red October are also in that list. You're clicking around the channels and come across one on your list and you think, yeah, I'll just let it sit there, even if you're doing something else, it's playing in the background and you're hearing every line and seeing every scene in your mind as you do whatever.
I feel like Independence Day has this strange combination of characteristics that make it both incredibly generic and incredibly unique. Like, it takes every alien invasion movie and every disaster movie ever created and distills them into one film. I've loved this movie since I was a child and yet realize how cheesy it is. But, I can't recall another disaster film that effectively mixes explosions and sadness with humor and fun. Millions of people DIE in this film. And yet after watching it you feel lighthearted. I mean, it is literally a silly family tradition to watch this film every Fourth Of July. Oh, and Jeff Goldblum is a national treasure.
Love this. You're nailing it. My only suggestion: don't take suggestions from your audience on scripts. Just do the ones you're most interested in yourself -- we're here because of what you have to say.
While true, I think he's open to suggestions as a way to gauge popular interest and grow the channel with choices that will appeal to lots of new viewers -after all, we're only two videos in so far. Plus, discussion drives engagement, so even if he doesn't take most of the suggestions we can still happily talk among ourselves about things we'd love to see.
Thanks Darcy! I appreciate that. I'm definitely aware that if I were ever to cover a screenplay I wasn't excited about the video would most likely end up lacking. But I've also found that people have suggested scripts I wouldn't have thought of, or interesting ways of approaching topics that get me excited. So, I'll only ever do videos on things that interest me, but since the videos are for you guys I also value your opinions and draw inspiration from you as well.
This is also true. I've already learned about a ton of movies I wouldn't have otherwise, and am really excited that many people seem excited about the same movies I am.
+Lessons From The Screenplay Ok well in that case please do the television series Enlightened. All 18 episodes were written by co-creator Mike White and every one is a small masterpiece. Either way, I'm looking forward to all that comes next from your channel. Thanks!
When you have a giant body of work to draw from (the whole of cinema), you need to narrow it down. Just like how when I'm shoe-shopping, I try on shoes with purple first, so I don't have to try on the entire store; if none of the purple shoes work, I'll try blue or a different criteria until I find ones that work. Similarly, this guy can allow viewers to throw out options, and the option that most excites him (one he already enjoys) is what he'll likely do. It's not Viewer VS Creator; it's synergy. And, as he notes, it does point him toward videos he might not think of, or might not know about. Hey Lessons, how about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog? I don't even know if the script is around, but.... Oh, actually, I'd love for you to compare three versions of a script -- like an early draft, official version, and shooting script -- and explain why certain key changes were good or bad, how they made the final product better or worse, how they enlighten us on what the film was meant to be vs. what it became, etc.
a simple yet effective movie: - part 1: the buildup - aliens are not fucking around and nearly destroys human kind - part 2: humanity reunites and fights back up until the last minute (death star/star wars style) its full of cheese but it gets the basics of a good movie right: right tone, music, humour, effects
Comprehensive list of best film analysis youtube channels: Lfts, every frame a painting, now you see it, channel Chriswell, Darren must see films, cinefix, film drunk love, what it all meant. You're welcome.
I'm just gonna trust you on this. Sbscribed to all of the above (I was already sur´scribed to some but thanks for introducing me to the others!!) Another channel that sometimes but not exclusively does film Analysis is Nerdwriter 1.
Oh, guess I just missed it, but yes, now I see it... Anyway, since still want to add something, maybe Rob Ager and/or his Collative Learning channel (yes, he has two channels), even though I cannot always agree with his interpretations.
I can absolutely rewatch this over and over and not get sick of it. I'm not even from the US 🤷🏻♀️. I also love that one of the main characters is an exotic dancer and it's not portrayed as a negative thing. She's strong, loyal, resourceful, etc.
"Independence Day" is the kind of Film Michael Bay has tried (and failed) to make for the last 20 Years. Having said that, Roland Emmerich himself never got that good again, either.
Sigh Phi Guy I was so surprised at the Island. You know what too, as much as I despise his movies, I think he would have done a better job than JJ in star wars. I mean he would have made space itself explode, but at least we’d have layered action set pieces, a somewhat comprehensible plot. And I highly doubt that bay would have went so derivative.
I remember how much the city destruction scenes shook me when it came out as a kid. I was beyond scared straight thinking in real life this can happen and nobody can be prepared to do anything about it. This to me was the ultimate horror film. But I've enjoyed watching it over the years. The destruction scenes still make my skin crawl. But that shows me how well this film was made.
One aspect of the movie that I still find so memorable is how at the beginning of the movie all the characters kept discussing what that strange unknown object is and what they should do now and we feel that they are all getting really nervous. But only after around 20 minutes, when the general is alone with the president he is the one who finally speaks out what everyone else isn't daring to say: "And what if they are really hostile?"
I own the soundtrack on cd and it's one of my favourites. The score is beaultifully melodic, exciting, rewarding and uplifting at the same time. David Arnold nailed it.
I always see the people complaining about the dialog of this film, and sure it is occationally rather cheesy, but I find it interesting that nearly every conversation in the film is about communication and thus directly pointing at the main conflict and at the moral of the story at the same time. Thus I find the dialogues from a thematic point of view actually rather good. Like taking the scene in the beginning with David where you make the comment about the dialogue: sure it is a little on the nose from the exposition approach, but it also shows that their is an avoidence of communication, which when he starts to try to get in contect with his ex-wife is seen to be mutual, but it shows us that the true issues we humans have is the lack of communication, and at the end of the film when we sabotage their communication and use old telegraphy to plan a world wide counterstrike it shows that with communication we can overcome anything. So, I have to say, I find that aspect not as bad as people always say it would be in this film.
+Drudenfusz That is an interesting point you make. I'd never really tuned into that thematic thread, but it is about communication in many ways. Thanks for sharing!
This sums up the greatness of ID4... WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT... WE WILL NOT VANISH WITHOUT A FIGHT... WE ARE GOING TO LIVE ON!!!!.... TODAY... WE CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY!
ID4 has been my favorite movie since 1996. To me it is the best popcorn movie of all time. I have an awesome big sister, when she worked for Blockbuster she sent me the movie weeks in advance of the VHS release. I watched that thing till I broke it.
Incredible work! It's unbelievable this is only your 2nd video. You are easily my new favorite film/screenwriting channel. Keep it up man, you're going to get big!
I personally love this movie. :/ The effects were fantastic, the characters were developed well (people say there is no character development...I disagree). The action was also intense, as was the music! The sequel was godawful, though.
(Bit late, I know). ID4R was like a bad mix of the original and ALIENS (with a bit of AVP in the mix). That angry alien queen concept is so poorly done, and that final battle was just laughable; playing out more like a boss battle in a video game than an actual movie fight (they might as well have put a damn health bar over her). The movie also deserves plenty of extra hate for throwing away President Whitmore like they did with that meaningless sacrifice scene.
SFisher1993 Yeah, the music by Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser was pretty much generic and bland. Same with most of the acting (except Brent Spiner, who I thought was actually trying). I also agree on how useless Whitmore's sacrifice was, given the queen's survival of the blast. But I still liked that scene as well. Still not as dumb as Jasmine's death though; that scene was so laughably bad.
As a 90’s kid, this movie made a huge impact on me after leaving the theaters. I was insanely obsessed with this movie and tried collecting as much of the toys as I could. What a treat and kick ass time I had seeing this in theaters. Fun movie!
I'm currently reading the script for Children of Men and it appears LOADS has been changed from what was in the film. The script is almost completely Tell don't show, the film is the opposite.
Lessons from the Screenplay I may have read the original script before re-writes though. www.dailyscript.com/scripts/children_of_men-script.pdf Either way its a fairly big change.
Yep. People always shit on this movie, but I've always said that it's one of the best. What a true blockbuster is supposed to be. :) Edit: Aw, I wanted more!! So much to say about this, I think! :)
the script is so on point, everything is connected in the story and sub-plots. there is no boring moments, no nonsense plots...i just love the way it was written and executed....definitely in my top 5 most favorite movies of all time.
I agree, I love ID4, even 20 years later after the movie came out. ID4 has many interesting plots, ideas, lovely characters, memorable scenes (like huge shadows during the invsion scene) and many more, that makes the movie larger than other endless disaster movies. And I'm really glad, that there is a big fanbase, loving this movie, like I sad, even 20 yers later.
Editors generally don't get enough credit and this is one of the films where the editing team deserves an award. The pacing in my opinion is absolutely perfect and if you ever watch the director's cut with all of the deleted scenes spliced back into the movie itself, not a single deleted scene should have stayed in the final product. They trimmed all of the fat perfectly and strung together a fantastic film
These videos are great. You are super incisive, focused, and have a very clear voice that puts just the right amount of importance on each point. Please keep up the good work.
Another great film analysis channel, along with "Every Frame a Painting" and a few others. Looking at things through the lens of the screenplay is something I would have never thought of. Keep it up!
The director of ID4 himself tried to copy his own screenplay formula and never came close to what was achieved in ID4, that's how good it is. No one can ever replicate it again.
I would love to see a video about Star Wars Original Saga, the evolution of The Hero's Journey over a trilogy. I find your video's insightful and compelling keep up the good work.
I think it's best looked at from the overall story, Episodes I-VI. The whole story is about Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, with Luke being the hero of the hero. Of course, in doing a script analysis, it might need to be a two or three part series of videos, unless you want to do all six films. Which I would still watch.
Literally just finished rewatching ID and was pleasantly surprised to find this video waiting for me - and you summed up a lot of of my feelings exactly! Great video.
This video is GREAT. I always liked this movie, too, but your breakdown, especially about President Whitmore, really showed the depth and thought put into writing this.
I love how you're able to validate and take a movie like this seriously. Because yes, it's a bit silly and cheesy and whatever. But it's also utterly entertaining and strangely brilliant. I've loved this film since I was a kid too, and I still always stop and watch it whenever I catch it on TV. A movie doesn't have to be Casablanca or Citizen Cane to be a classic- even disaster/action movies can have merit. And without fail it's good writing that sets something like this apart from its lesser peers. Also- idea for a new video. I found your comparison of Whiplash and Black Swan really interesting and would like to see something similar to that with other films. For instance maybe the noir homage triangle of The Maltese Falcon, Miller's Crossing, and Brick? The Coen brothers and Rian Johnson have openly admitted to their sources of inspiration (Falcon inspiring Miller's and both of them inspiring Brick) but I've yet to see a straightforward analysis of their parallels. It's usually something I just get amped up trying to explain to people when I'm hanging out in bars and getting real nerdy with my film talk haha
Your videos are always so helpful in getting perspective on writing tips and methods. I honestly may be able to contribute a good chunk of my book to your analyses.
I think it would be cool if you examined the sequel to Independence Day and compare where they writers/directors failed to match the parts of original that made it resonate for so many years.
Lessons from the Screenplay You should definitely check it out. It's awesome! How about an analysis of The Social Network? I think that movie has an amazing script.
This is a popular request, so I'll definitely have to do some comparisons at some point. Even within a single script there are often good techniques and bad ones. And yes, Tarantino at some point is a must-do.
I also watched ID over and over again as a child. Even three times a day. Still love it but never really could put it into words why. Thank you for this analysis
I would love to see you do an analysis on the formulaic nature of modern comedy screenplays in comparison from the works of golden age Hollywood writers. The screenwriters such as Billy Wilder, Mel Brooks or the many individuals behind the works of the Marx brothers comes to mind right away. Big fan of your work, and look forward to learning more about the art of screenwriting from 8 minutes of your content then two years at film school.
Thanks, I'm glad you're getting something from it! That's a good suggestion. I would need to do some research because while I'm a fan of classic comedies I'm not terribly well-versed in their techniques. But that sounds like fun research to do some time!
THANK YOU for this! I keep telling people that there's a lot of good, solid merit to ID4 that deserves to be looked at and studied, especially if you're in the intermediate stages of story writing, but for SOME REASON it's super hip to shit on it. Why? Because It was so successful? Because of the America focus (it was written and directed by a German)? I see it on the same level of fun and clear structure as the original Indiana Jones trilogy. Whenever I try explaining why it's a good movie people interrupt me and say I'm stupid without addressing anything I said, as though it's taboo to even consider the film having merit.
This is my favorite alien movie and I never missed it whenever it went in TV. I never forgot the alien punching scene 🤣🤣🤣 but watching it as an adult, I feel like I missed alot of the deeper psychological aspects of the movie as a kid like how so many people died and how characters we somehow grew to love (Like David's boss) gets killed. This is a masterpiece that never gets old.
I saw your video on the dark knight about Joker and I liked it so much I watched the rest of your videos. I have watched them all back to back and feel mentally stimulated and hope you keep making videos.
Remember when Hollywood was capable of making good original movies? Yeah, those were the days. I mean, I like Marvel and stuff, but I do miss good original blockbusters... those seem to be almost impossible to come by nowadays.
I, who want to become a screenwriter find theese amazing. You are doing an awesome job. Where can I read scripts myself so I can practise and become better?
My problem with ID is the way the conflict is handled. The alien attack starts off at level 10 instead of gradually building there. Plus it happens like within the first 30 minutes of the film. Nothing that happened after that was engaging to me.
Nesuniken The spacecraft are seen very early in the film. That's not my point though. The point is that the alien attack starts off at level 10 and then declines instead of the opposite as is supposed to happen in a dramatic story.
'2012' and 'The War of the Worlds' were NOT forgettable! By the way, 'Independence Day' is also still popular due to its stellar special effects that STILL holds up even today.
Your analyses are very good! I appreciate that you show us the script directly. You have an excellent grasp about the complexities of produced screenplay, which are often overlooked by non-writers. Are you a professional writer?
I see a lot of parallels between you and Every Frame A Painting, but I gotta say you and Tony both do this so well and I love your channel just as much as I love his. Keep up the good work.
You know what makes Independence Day a masterpiece, it's not about the great special effects, the iconic characters, like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, and the action scenes, what makes it special is that the movie symbolizes the American Revolutionary War with the Rebels as the humans fighting for freedom and the British Imperialists as the aliens invading our place to steal our resources, while it did pay a homage to H.G. Wells's novel, The War of the Worlds, where aliens, being technologically advanced, underestimated the natives they attacked as their arrogance led to their downfall.
Just the other day I saw this /watch?v=l293Qyua5QM and was pretty good, in one moment he talks about that scene from son and father playing chess, and wasn't good about it. I don't share your thoughts about this movie, but keep it going! If you let me do a request here, I will love one of Charlie Kaufman or Paolo Sorrentino. Thanks a lot for doing this kind of videos.
Seems odd to complement the movie for introducing its characters, all movies do that, and he recognizes the chess scene as lazy writing but just glosses over it. Seems like a weaker video than his first one
+myztikrice Many disaster films get too caught up in the spectacle of the disaster to feel the need to introduce interesting characters. It's strong character narratives mostly set the movie apart from others in the genre rather than film as a whole
+myztikrice It's only common sense to introduce characters when they're a catalyst of the plot. In contrast, many of Independence Day's characters are brought into the story to give the victims of the conflict a face, and make them far more than unempathetic statistics.
Independence Day - What Makes it So Great?
1. Will Smith punches an alien in the head and says 'Welcome to Earth'
2. Jeff Goldblum plays Jeff Goldblum better than he ever has before.
I think you mean, "Welcome to Earf".
Hahahaha
3. The dog didn't die
3. Boomer will live
K cs in all honesty these two things should have been highlighted more in the video (but *were* highlighted, and are a bit obvious. hes not here to tell us how dope the fresh prince and Ian Malcolm is lol)
"I'm back!" was probably the most brilliant way to reach the climax. It was humorous, decisive, courageous, and more, all within about 5 seconds.
After watching this movie, again and again, that always makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face. Through the movie, you come to love this character, sort of like a weird, endearing uncle. That's probably why I also tear up every time I see his son react to his death.
"Your father died a hero."
"I know."
You have to be kidding. C'mon ...
@@mentalplayground to be fair it's also incredibly campy but at least good camp has a touch of sincerity.
@@BrantWatson Agreed!
The camp is beautifully self-aware and, I think, fully earned at that point. The character arc is what does it. He's presented early on as a paranoid, possibly crazy buffoon who is hopelessly dependent on his family. He is the butt of everyone's jokes, wallowing in self-pity. As the world falls apart, the love his family gives is transformed by a newfound appreciation of the emotional turmoil that made him who he was. Now that everyone has suffered at the hands of aliens, their love is no longer pity, but understanding. He is finally vindicated, and we as the audience have been brought along for the ride. To me, the conceit that he was right is what makes the campiness of "I'm back" work so well. The tension has been building up to a moment that is, in all fairness, completely ludicrous. He's crazy. We're crazy. What in the hell kind of plan is this anyway? There's no possible way this could work. And yet we KNOW it will. The camp is like a drum-roll that tells you the movie is in on the joke and promises a payoff. That's why the explosion that follows is a big cathartic middle finger to all the suffering ever heaped on him, and the most selfless expression of love he could possibly show his family. And I freaking love it.
Independence Day is one of those rare movies that if caught on TV I _need_ to watch it, start-to-finish
Absolutely
Hahaha so effin right!
It's in my list, that's for sure! Jaws, and The Hunt for Red October are also in that list. You're clicking around the channels and come across one on your list and you think, yeah, I'll just let it sit there, even if you're doing something else, it's playing in the background and you're hearing every line and seeing every scene in your mind as you do whatever.
That is so true
Haha so true. It is so compelling. Its so old but the action holds up so well. Truly masterpiece.
I feel like Independence Day has this strange combination of characteristics that make it both incredibly generic and incredibly unique. Like, it takes every alien invasion movie and every disaster movie ever created and distills them into one film. I've loved this movie since I was a child and yet realize how cheesy it is. But, I can't recall another disaster film that effectively mixes explosions and sadness with humor and fun.
Millions of people DIE in this film. And yet after watching it you feel lighthearted.
I mean, it is literally a silly family tradition to watch this film every Fourth Of July.
Oh, and Jeff Goldblum is a national treasure.
Again, agreed!
The only comparable movie I can think of is Armageddon.
@Cosmic Rogue
My family watches it every 4th of July too, I've always enjoyed that tradition.
Love this. You're nailing it. My only suggestion: don't take suggestions from your audience on scripts. Just do the ones you're most interested in yourself -- we're here because of what you have to say.
While true, I think he's open to suggestions as a way to gauge popular interest and grow the channel with choices that will appeal to lots of new viewers -after all, we're only two videos in so far. Plus, discussion drives engagement, so even if he doesn't take most of the suggestions we can still happily talk among ourselves about things we'd love to see.
Thanks Darcy! I appreciate that. I'm definitely aware that if I were ever to cover a screenplay I wasn't excited about the video would most likely end up lacking. But I've also found that people have suggested scripts I wouldn't have thought of, or interesting ways of approaching topics that get me excited.
So, I'll only ever do videos on things that interest me, but since the videos are for you guys I also value your opinions and draw inspiration from you as well.
This is also true. I've already learned about a ton of movies I wouldn't have otherwise, and am really excited that many people seem excited about the same movies I am.
+Lessons From The Screenplay Ok well in that case please do the television series Enlightened. All 18 episodes were written by co-creator Mike White and every one is a small masterpiece.
Either way, I'm looking forward to all that comes next from your channel. Thanks!
When you have a giant body of work to draw from (the whole of cinema), you need to narrow it down. Just like how when I'm shoe-shopping, I try on shoes with purple first, so I don't have to try on the entire store; if none of the purple shoes work, I'll try blue or a different criteria until I find ones that work.
Similarly, this guy can allow viewers to throw out options, and the option that most excites him (one he already enjoys) is what he'll likely do. It's not Viewer VS Creator; it's synergy. And, as he notes, it does point him toward videos he might not think of, or might not know about.
Hey Lessons, how about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog? I don't even know if the script is around, but....
Oh, actually, I'd love for you to compare three versions of a script -- like an early draft, official version, and shooting script -- and explain why certain key changes were good or bad, how they made the final product better or worse, how they enlighten us on what the film was meant to be vs. what it became, etc.
"You'd all be dead if it wasn't for my David!!"
That was an amazing line. So much fatherly love T_T
"DON'T SCREAM AT MY DAVID"
I can absolutely hear his voice while reading quote from the movie. Haha!
I found an old "O&A" listener out in the wilderness.
a simple yet effective movie:
- part 1: the buildup - aliens are not fucking around and nearly destroys human kind
- part 2: humanity reunites and fights back up until the last minute (death star/star wars style)
its full of cheese but it gets the basics of a good movie right: right tone, music, humour, effects
exactly, and im glad. refreshing.
I also think David Arnold's music did absolute wonders to this movie. Holy shit, that score!
Too bad the music in the sequel by Harald Kloser and Thomas Wander couldn't live up to Arnold's epic score.
Yeah. I mean, its an okay Score (like all composed by Wander and Kloser are), but compared to Arnolds' Original, being 'okay' is simply not enough. :(
It's a great follow-up to his score for Stargate.
Holy shit, that score indeed!
Yes that score..just the music during the final airbattle is something which let the cinema erupt..
Comprehensive list of best film analysis youtube channels: Lfts, every frame a painting, now you see it, channel Chriswell, Darren must see films, cinefix, film drunk love, what it all meant.
You're welcome.
I'm just gonna trust you on this. Sbscribed to all of the above (I was already sur´scribed to some but thanks for introducing me to the others!!) Another channel that sometimes but not exclusively does film Analysis is Nerdwriter 1.
You won't regret it. Yeah nerdwriter 1 is fucking live
Every Frame a Painting should also be on that list!
+Drudenfusz erm it is LOOOL
Oh, guess I just missed it, but yes, now I see it... Anyway, since still want to add something, maybe Rob Ager and/or his Collative Learning channel (yes, he has two channels), even though I cannot always agree with his interpretations.
I can absolutely rewatch this over and over and not get sick of it. I'm not even from the US 🤷🏻♀️. I also love that one of the main characters is an exotic dancer and it's not portrayed as a negative thing. She's strong, loyal, resourceful, etc.
"Independence Day" is the kind of Film Michael Bay has tried (and failed) to make for the last 20 Years. Having said that, Roland Emmerich himself never got that good again, either.
bay's "the Island" was really good though.
Patriot was awesome! I think that's the last time he worked with Dean Devlin, the producer
@@TheSighphiguy the island was a ripoff of podge and rodge
Sigh Phi Guy I was so surprised at the Island. You know what too, as much as I despise his movies, I think he would have done a better job than JJ in star wars. I mean he would have made space itself explode, but at least we’d have layered action set pieces, a somewhat comprehensible plot. And I highly doubt that bay would have went so derivative.
This movie was a fluke. Lightning in a bottle that emmerich has spent his career trying to recapture.
I remember how much the city destruction scenes shook me when it came out as a kid. I was beyond scared straight thinking in real life this can happen and nobody can be prepared to do anything about it. This to me was the ultimate horror film. But I've enjoyed watching it over the years. The destruction scenes still make my skin crawl. But that shows me how well this film was made.
I feel like Independence Day has similar characteristics with Jurassic Park especially when it comes the build up of the "monster"
One aspect of the movie that I still find so memorable is how at the beginning of the movie all the characters kept discussing what that strange unknown object is and what they should do now and we feel that they are all getting really nervous. But only after around 20 minutes, when the general is alone with the president he is the one who finally speaks out what everyone else isn't daring to say: "And what if they are really hostile?"
I own the soundtrack on cd and it's one of my favourites. The score is beaultifully melodic, exciting, rewarding and uplifting at the same time. David Arnold nailed it.
I’m actually very surprised how well the film held up after all these years.
I always see the people complaining about the dialog of this film, and sure it is occationally rather cheesy, but I find it interesting that nearly every conversation in the film is about communication and thus directly pointing at the main conflict and at the moral of the story at the same time. Thus I find the dialogues from a thematic point of view actually rather good. Like taking the scene in the beginning with David where you make the comment about the dialogue: sure it is a little on the nose from the exposition approach, but it also shows that their is an avoidence of communication, which when he starts to try to get in contect with his ex-wife is seen to be mutual, but it shows us that the true issues we humans have is the lack of communication, and at the end of the film when we sabotage their communication and use old telegraphy to plan a world wide counterstrike it shows that with communication we can overcome anything. So, I have to say, I find that aspect not as bad as people always say it would be in this film.
+Drudenfusz That is an interesting point you make. I'd never really tuned into that thematic thread, but it is about communication in many ways. Thanks for sharing!
I love this movie.
After 23 years its still THE prime example of a summer blockbuster.
A true classic.
This sums up the greatness of ID4... WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT...
WE WILL NOT VANISH WITHOUT A FIGHT...
WE ARE GOING TO LIVE ON!!!!....
TODAY... WE CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY!
You're missing a line "We're going to survive."
ID4 has been my favorite movie since 1996. To me it is the best popcorn movie of all time. I have an awesome big sister, when she worked for Blockbuster she sent me the movie weeks in advance of the VHS release. I watched that thing till I broke it.
Incredible work! It's unbelievable this is only your 2nd video. You are easily my new favorite film/screenwriting channel. Keep it up man, you're going to get big!
I personally love this movie. :/ The effects were fantastic, the characters were developed well (people say there is no character development...I disagree). The action was also intense, as was the music!
The sequel was godawful, though.
I will definitely say that Resurgence is mediocre, even though it has its moments.
(Bit late, I know).
ID4R was like a bad mix of the original and ALIENS (with a bit of AVP in the mix). That angry alien queen concept is so poorly done, and that final battle was just laughable; playing out more like a boss battle in a video game than an actual movie fight (they might as well have put a damn health bar over her).
The movie also deserves plenty of extra hate for throwing away President Whitmore like they did with that meaningless sacrifice scene.
SFisher1993
Aye. Now I think Resurgence is both awesome AND dumb at the same time.
The music in ID4R sucked for the most part, too. :/
SFisher1993
Yeah, the music by Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser was pretty much generic and bland. Same with most of the acting (except Brent Spiner, who I thought was actually trying).
I also agree on how useless Whitmore's sacrifice was, given the queen's survival of the blast. But I still liked that scene as well. Still not as dumb as Jasmine's death though; that scene was so laughably bad.
As a 90’s kid, this movie made a huge impact on me after leaving the theaters. I was insanely obsessed with this movie and tried collecting as much of the toys as I could. What a treat and kick ass time I had seeing this in theaters. Fun movie!
Do one on Children of men, about how to tell a story without awkward exposition.
I'm very curious to see what the screenplay for Children Men looks like. I'll definitely do that at some point.
I'm currently reading the script for Children of Men and it appears LOADS has been changed from what was in the film.
The script is almost completely Tell don't show, the film is the opposite.
***** Really? That's very interesting to here. Definitely on my list.
Lessons from the Screenplay I may have read the original script before re-writes though.
www.dailyscript.com/scripts/children_of_men-script.pdf
Either way its a fairly big change.
So it was Cuarón who made it so great!
Yep. People always shit on this movie, but I've always said that it's one of the best. What a true blockbuster is supposed to be. :)
Edit: Aw, I wanted more!! So much to say about this, I think! :)
Screenplays you should analyze:
-Pulp Fiction
-The Godfather
-The Social Network
-Steve Jobs
-The Wolf of Wall Street
This is a good list. Sorkin = A+
Cool hand Luke..
Even just showing the brief clip "Is Mummy sleeping now?" made me well-up immediately. God, having kids has turned me into a blubbering wreck.
the script is so on point, everything is connected in the story and sub-plots. there is no boring moments, no nonsense plots...i just love the way it was written and executed....definitely in my top 5 most favorite movies of all time.
And that's why the sequel sucked. It didn't have any of that.
Your videos are great. Keep em coming. :)
Yep! :\ Thanks! :)
I agree, I love ID4, even 20 years later after the movie came out. ID4 has many interesting plots, ideas, lovely characters, memorable scenes (like huge shadows during the invsion scene) and many more, that makes the movie larger than other endless disaster movies. And I'm really glad, that there is a big fanbase, loving this movie, like I sad, even 20 yers later.
Editors generally don't get enough credit and this is one of the films where the editing team deserves an award. The pacing in my opinion is absolutely perfect and if you ever watch the director's cut with all of the deleted scenes spliced back into the movie itself, not a single deleted scene should have stayed in the final product. They trimmed all of the fat perfectly and strung together a fantastic film
These videos are great. You are super incisive, focused, and have a very clear voice that puts just the right amount of importance on each point. Please keep up the good work.
My adoration for this movie has been justified!
Another great film analysis channel, along with "Every Frame a Painting" and a few others. Looking at things through the lens of the screenplay is something I would have never thought of. Keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
The director of ID4 himself tried to copy his own screenplay formula and never came close to what was achieved in ID4, that's how good it is. No one can ever replicate it again.
I love this movie, so thanks for the video. "Is mommy sleeping?" man that gets me every time.
Lol.. my favorite line in the movie was..... “they abused him.... sexually”
I would love to see a video about Star Wars Original Saga, the evolution of The Hero's Journey over a trilogy. I find your video's insightful and compelling keep up the good work.
Thanks! I almost did exactly that video, but I couldn't find the right angle to come at it with. I'll try again later though.
I think it's best looked at from the overall story, Episodes I-VI. The whole story is about Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, with Luke being the hero of the hero. Of course, in doing a script analysis, it might need to be a two or three part series of videos, unless you want to do all six films. Which I would still watch.
Sure as hell needs to be longer than a couple of minutes.
Literally just finished rewatching ID and was pleasantly surprised to find this video waiting for me - and you summed up a lot of of my feelings exactly! Great video.
Awesome! It's such a fun movie! I really wanted to be Will Smith as a kid... Thanks :)
Your short videos are really well done. Thanks for putting in the effort to educate on some of the finer nuances of film and storytelling.
My pleasure, thank you for watching them!
This video is GREAT. I always liked this movie, too, but your breakdown, especially about President Whitmore, really showed the depth and thought put into writing this.
I love how you're able to validate and take a movie like this seriously. Because yes, it's a bit silly and cheesy and whatever. But it's also utterly entertaining and strangely brilliant. I've loved this film since I was a kid too, and I still always stop and watch it whenever I catch it on TV. A movie doesn't have to be Casablanca or Citizen Cane to be a classic- even disaster/action movies can have merit. And without fail it's good writing that sets something like this apart from its lesser peers.
Also- idea for a new video. I found your comparison of Whiplash and Black Swan really interesting and would like to see something similar to that with other films. For instance maybe the noir homage triangle of The Maltese Falcon, Miller's Crossing, and Brick? The Coen brothers and Rian Johnson have openly admitted to their sources of inspiration (Falcon inspiring Miller's and both of them inspiring Brick) but I've yet to see a straightforward analysis of their parallels. It's usually something I just get amped up trying to explain to people when I'm hanging out in bars and getting real nerdy with my film talk haha
Your videos are always so helpful in getting perspective on writing tips and methods. I honestly may be able to contribute a good chunk of my book to your analyses.
This is so great!! I hope your channel gets really big, you deserve it!
+Carolina Ruiz Thanks!
I think it would be cool if you examined the sequel to Independence Day and compare where they writers/directors failed to match the parts of original that made it resonate for so many years.
Dear god that terrible movie. But yeah, that might be fun. If they release the screenplay I'd consider it!
Great! I love Independence Day. Do you think you could analyze the script of Gangs of New York?
I've actually never seen it, but have been wanting to recently!
Lessons from the Screenplay You should definitely check it out. It's awesome! How about an analysis of The Social Network? I think that movie has an amazing script.
Yes. Please do an analysis on the sript of Gangs of New York
Thank you for making great content. Very excited to see your channel grow!
Thanks!
Do you think you could also talk about bad screenplays, to give a full view. Also a any Quentin Tarantino movie would be a good analysis
This is a popular request, so I'll definitely have to do some comparisons at some point. Even within a single script there are often good techniques and bad ones. And yes, Tarantino at some point is a must-do.
What the heck! I didn't get the notification you replied. Thanks for the reply!
Incredible channel. Just subbed.
I'd love to see you cover American Beauty.
Thank you! I'd love to cover American Beauty. Win-win!
“I could’ve been at a barbecue!!” Best line 😂
So glad this channel came up as a recommendation, love the insight!
As am I, thank you!
I also watched ID over and over again as a child. Even three times a day. Still love it but never really could put it into words why. Thank you for this analysis
I would love to see you do an analysis on the formulaic nature of modern comedy screenplays in comparison from the works of golden age Hollywood writers. The screenwriters such as Billy Wilder, Mel Brooks or the many individuals behind the works of the Marx brothers comes to mind right away. Big fan of your work, and look forward to learning more about the art of screenwriting from 8 minutes of your content then two years at film school.
Thanks, I'm glad you're getting something from it! That's a good suggestion. I would need to do some research because while I'm a fan of classic comedies I'm not terribly well-versed in their techniques. But that sounds like fun research to do some time!
Mel Brooks sucks ass.
THANK YOU for this! I keep telling people that there's a lot of good, solid merit to ID4 that deserves to be looked at and studied, especially if you're in the intermediate stages of story writing, but for SOME REASON it's super hip to shit on it. Why? Because It was so successful? Because of the America focus (it was written and directed by a German)? I see it on the same level of fun and clear structure as the original Indiana Jones trilogy. Whenever I try explaining why it's a good movie people interrupt me and say I'm stupid without addressing anything I said, as though it's taboo to even consider the film having merit.
I was surprised so many people hate it. It may not be a perfect movie, but it does certain things well, and you can learn from those things.
Just found your channel and already loving it. Love your analysis and insights. Can't wait to watch more....
Oh man, I am really loving your videos. Keep up the good work man.
Thanks Charles!
i seen you sneak in Star Trek's Data at 2:39 😂
Please do Moulin Rouge!, Her, Dead Poets Society, and Carol :D
Good list!
More videos please! Expected a whole back catalogue to watch, gutted there wasn't more. Excited to see what comes next :)
Working on it :P
Great video, I recently revisited movies I saw as a kid. It is almost like watching the movie for the first time.
Keep up the good work!
Please do Schindler List .. Its one of the most amazing art work and want to learn about its beautiful screen writing ...
I still need to see it!
Lessons from the Screenplay watch it soon... I will be waiting for your review ...
OMG Please watch it!!
"Being John Malkovich": How to perfectly develop one single idea.
PS: btw, great video! Very well put together.
Thanks! And good suggestion!
This is my favorite alien movie and I never missed it whenever it went in TV. I never forgot the alien punching scene 🤣🤣🤣 but watching it as an adult, I feel like I missed alot of the deeper psychological aspects of the movie as a kid like how so many people died and how characters we somehow grew to love (Like David's boss) gets killed. This is a masterpiece that never gets old.
I saw your video on the dark knight about Joker and I liked it so much I watched the rest of your videos. I have watched them all back to back and feel mentally stimulated and hope you keep making videos.
I felt nothing for the loss of his best friend. He was sooooo annoying :P
lol. That's fair. I just love the way Will Smith yells, "Jimmy nooooo!"
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay same
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay put your mask back on marine thats an order!
Remember when Hollywood was capable of making good original movies? Yeah, those were the days. I mean, I like Marvel and stuff, but I do miss good original blockbusters... those seem to be almost impossible to come by nowadays.
I LOVE your breakdown. Please keep making more videos!
watched a couple videos, this is awesome, ive learned so much about the effort and delicacies of film making. Subed!
Awesome! :)
You just earned a subscriber.
Why thank you!
Lessons from the Screenplay
You're welcome.
I, who want to become a screenwriter find theese amazing. You are doing an awesome job. Where can I read scripts myself so I can practise and become better?
Thank you! I pretty much just google around, but often end up at one of these places:
www.simplyscripts.com
www.imsdb.com
love this channel - especially the use of AE and motion tracking for the titles!
+ALWood Thanks! Since they're at the very end I'm never sure anyone will see them, but figure it's a fun Easter egg if they do.
Dude. Your channel absolutely rules.
What makes this movie good is probably because it was new at that time? Dunno, but two things for sure: Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum.
I no longer feel ashamed to like this movie.
This is my all time favorite RUclips channel!
Loving all these videos. Glad to discover your channel. Would love to see you do The Departed!
I suggest Star Trek ii the wrath of Khan. Why is it considered the best Star Trek film?
Johnny Larson everyone knows why.
Well, simply put, because KHAAAAN! KHAAAAAAAAAN!!
My problem with ID is the way the conflict is handled. The alien attack starts off at level 10 instead of gradually building there. Plus it happens like within the first 30 minutes of the film. Nothing that happened after that was engaging to me.
Same thing pretty much in Star Wars though... to be honest. Death Star remember?
Ma z 29 What's the similarity?
Wasn't a quarter of this video dedicated to how long it took for us to even get a glimpse of the spacecraft?
Nesuniken The spacecraft are seen very early in the film. That's not my point though. The point is that the alien attack starts off at level 10 and then declines instead of the opposite as is supposed to happen in a dramatic story.
DeCipher
How the hell would humanity have won if the aliens only got stronger as they attacked?
'2012' and 'The War of the Worlds' were NOT forgettable!
By the way, 'Independence Day' is also still popular due to its stellar special effects that STILL holds up even today.
Thank you for the upload. Really informative. Best wishes.
if you know anything about musicals please make a vid about it!! particularly my favourite movie of all time Singin In The Rain!!!!!
I know very little about musicals, but my favorite is also Singin' in the Rain!
I liked this movie so much more than Armageddon.
You know, me too. Screw Michael Bay.
But I liked Armageddon!
Your analyses are very good! I appreciate that you show us the script directly. You have an excellent grasp about the complexities of produced screenplay, which are often overlooked by non-writers. Are you a professional writer?
I see a lot of parallels between you and Every Frame A Painting, but I gotta say you and Tony both do this so well and I love your channel just as much as I love his. Keep up the good work.
That is high praise, thanks Samuel!
If only the screenwriters of the sequel had waited for this vid...
Ugh, right?
...GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.
I fuckin' DARE you.
This channel is amazing. Keep it up! Can't wait for the next video.
Thanks!
One of my childhood favorite movies. This channel is awesome!
Scream! Why was it such a good spec script?
I don't know! I need to go read it, it seems!
The sequel is absolute garbage.
Yup.
Grey Areas form your own opinion. Don't be a sheep.
***** Jeremy Jahns ftw!
it really is
sadly it is
Absolutely fantastic work. I very much look forward to seeing more.
You know what makes Independence Day a masterpiece, it's not about the great special effects, the iconic characters, like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, and the action scenes, what makes it special is that the movie symbolizes the American Revolutionary War with the Rebels as the humans fighting for freedom and the British Imperialists as the aliens invading our place to steal our resources, while it did pay a homage to H.G. Wells's novel, The War of the Worlds, where aliens, being technologically advanced, underestimated the natives they attacked as their arrogance led to their downfall.
It was a bad movie, but I like you explanatión.
In fact, it was a really good bad movie! Which is better than a bad good movie.
+Bobx007 good piece of humo
+Neeyati Sharma *humour
6:45 Her?
I need more of these!!! Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks! More on the way!
I really enjoy your work. Thanks for all this.
Jeff Goldblum makes it great.
Just the other day I saw this /watch?v=l293Qyua5QM and was pretty good, in one moment he talks about that scene from son and father playing chess, and wasn't good about it. I don't share your thoughts about this movie, but keep it going! If you let me do a request here, I will love one of Charlie Kaufman or Paolo Sorrentino.
Thanks a lot for doing this kind of videos.
Seems odd to complement the movie for introducing its characters, all movies do that, and he recognizes the chess scene as lazy writing but just glosses over it. Seems like a weaker video than his first one
Thanks for suggesting sorrentino, he's kinda the last one good director here in italy.
+myztikrice Many disaster films get too caught up in the spectacle of the disaster to feel the need to introduce interesting characters. It's strong character narratives mostly set the movie apart from others in the genre rather than film as a whole
+myztikrice It's only common sense to introduce characters when they're a catalyst of the plot. In contrast, many of Independence Day's characters are brought into the story to give the victims of the conflict a face, and make them far more than unempathetic statistics.
These videos are amazing. I can't wait to see more!
+Learning Lunatic Thanks! I can't wait to make more!
Amo tu trabajo, muchas gracias por subtitular tus vídeos.