Go check out “Bird” (2024), featuring Barry Kepghan, streaming now in the U.S., or anything else streaming on MUBI for FREE with an extended 30-day trial by heading over to mubi.com/cinemastix
your caption is incorrect it says 2004 not 2014 I don't talk about television often. But my goodness, 'The Knick', which ran for two season back in 2004, has got to be one of the most under-appreciated series of the last 20 years. The show, starring Clive Owen as Dr. John Thackeray, was released on a little-known network at the time, and it simply didn't get the reach it deserved. Not only was every episode of the show directed by Steven Soderbergh, which is remarkably enough in its own right--the show was also shot by and edited by Soderbergh. Director, cinematographer and editor--that takes the term "auteur" to another level. So today, I'm gonna look at some of the things that make Soderbergh's work on The Knick so special. And if you haven't watched The Knick already... please, please do.
I loved "The Knick" and was absolutely shocked it wasn't a huge hit, let alone cancelled. Not only was it expertly shot, but the writing, acting, and everything about it was a 10/10.
the ending shot/his last words were absolutely timeless & i think of it occasionally. i've been trying for *years* to get people to watch this. the electronic soundtrack with a period piece, the below-waistline recording angles, bringing up misogyny, addiction, racism, ethics, cutting edge medical technology. it's honestly fantastic all the way around. i'm glad it didn't end on a complete cliffhanger, but it's truly tragic it it wasn't more recognized.
Just binged the first season over the weekend and gotta say the cinematography is on another level!! Pause at any frame and it’s worthy to be framed on an exhibition hall (storyline and character build up are satisfying, a great plus) Ty
It’s absolutely flawless and brilliant. Saw it when it originally aired and was blown away. This show is at the top of unrecognized underdogs that should have swept every single award. Clive Owen, André Holland, Eve Hewson (Bono’s daughter), Juliet Rylance, Jeremy Bobb and EVERY cast member simply knocks it out of the ballpark. Top notch performances. Thank you for recognizing this beautiful work of art. It’s a darn shame it was cancelled. 😢
Agree. It's been a while so I can't really remember if I was upset it didn't continue but I do remember the ending scene being almost poetically meaningful (in the context of science, medicine and social development), so I think I'm happy it ended when it did.
Didn’t all the plot’s cliches bother you? Were you ever surprised by the story? I loved a lot about The Knick - it was beautifully shot and gritty - but we were always able to predict what was going to happen 100% of the time. Did you ever feel that way?
To me it was a delight to have such great a lenghty performance by Clive Owen, truly in his prime. And what a compelling story in such and underseen period and time setting. Also the soundtrack by Cliff Martinez is a great work of electronic music. Truly one of the geatest series out there.
A long take, allowing actors full expression, showcases cinema's power to capture raw authenticity and believability. Done well, it's a masterful testament to the craft. A skilled and experienced director recognizes this and will employ it to serve the narrative when most effective. It's something I always look for and appreciate.
"The Knick" is the single best medical show that's ever been created. No ifs or buts about it. "House M.D." Is a close second, but nothing will ever come close to The Knick. Is fantastic! I've watched twice alone and twice with my mother, she absolutely loves the show and have seen it a couple of times herself alone. It's such a shame there won't be a third season of it. Because it's absolutely fantastic! And I agree with everything you said about the filming techniques, they make it so much more lively and lived-in compared to other shows. Another show I'd love for you to analyze is "Warrior" on Netflix, fantastic fighting show.
Please don't change the title this time. He changed the title. The original one was: a director, an editor and a camera guy walk into a bar, and the bartender says, "hi steve"
One of the best series ever! Style, substance, suberb cast, the time machine feel of it, perfection. Thank you, sometimes all you need to feel better is to be reminded things like that still exist
Then add on top of all this the brilliant music (rich with anachronistic synth that just .. works), and the incredible special effects, so visceral, unflinching and casually immaculate that you forget it's not real blood. I haven't watched this again since it came out, but I'm definitely going to now, because seeing all these characters again made me miss them so much. This is the only show where I found myself in idle daydreaming at work or on the road, wondering what they were up to and how they're doing. So much of the acting in here is just downright phenomenal. Plus with the sets and sounds, all the mud and blood and mood swings and utterly believable love triangles, not just in the writing but the actual on-screen chemistry .. I feel like I was there.
Hollywood needs more people like Soderbergh. Too often films and TV become and imitation game and standardized for one style of shooting. To constantly push yourself and innovate and be uncomfortable is admirable and makes for a better future generation of filmmakers.
Hollywood doesn't want too many people like Soderbergh, that's why they don't cultivate the type. They want A person like Soderbergh so they can claim to do art while really going after $$$. Just like the NFL is happy to push the Green Bay Packers as a community owned small town team but passed rules to keep it from happening again. He serves a purpose, but that's to obscure the hard business side.
Thanks for this, might I suggest a follow up analysis of the superb costume design in the Knick? It’s marvelous how Soderberg lets the fabrics, colors, textures, shapes, and class dress extend his actors’ ability to express their characters.
Going into the Knick blind is one of the best experiences with a series or film that I've ever had. I had no idea what to expect but I liked Clive Owen and Soderbergh so I watched it. I was also doing a lot of coke at the time, and it was like a crazy meta spiritual experience. It's so well made, from the writing to the performances, the production design. It's also so slept on, I've met maybe 3 or 4 people in real life who even know what it is.
A truly exceptional series in ever aspect. I've yet to ever talk to someone who's seen it. Great to see the love it's getting here. Well done CS thank you.
For some reason or another, this show has come up in my conversations several times over the past few weeks so it's been on my mind. Loved it so much, your articulation here of the visual aspect of the show is so well done. Thanks for this
The Knick is a certified banger show and was blown away when I watched it. I showed it to my wife, and we watched the whole thing twice. Great recommendation.
Its Great! And I hate TV Shows most of the time, not a binger or a streaming fanatic at all! Alone the Look and the Cinematography: perfect, elegant , a 100% perfectionism! ❤
@@katarinatill4713 I don't generally watch series. Barely could finish the 1st season of Stranger things, Last of us and Walking Dead. Breaking Bad only liked first two seasons. But the first 2 seasons of Lost were some of the best television ever made. Try out, "The Leftovers"
I find that every time CinemaStix covers a piece of film, is the best time to check out something I've never seen before. Often, it's the best time to rewatch through the eyes of a true fan. He has literally changed how I've watched.
This sub, and my Patreon to it, are worth every second of my time and every nickel of my money. What an amazing, thorough and well-edited breakdown and showcase of one of the best Golden Age shows ever.
The Knick deserved alot more plaudits, your channel always seems to pick the right type of shows/films to analyze. Soderbergh delivered a masterpiece, personally felt aspects of the cinematography matched The Conclave which I only just watched today.
Your first video featuring The Knick brought this show to my attention (reinforced by the GQ video where Clive Owen breaks down his career) and this video reminds me that in this, our year of 2025, I still have to track down a copy and watch it.
I cannot believe I have never heard of this series. Definitely adding it to the top of the list ... right up my alley. I'm going to count long shots aloud every episode and annoy people around me.
One thing I'd like to point out is the music. I was shocked to hear Cliff Martinez' electronic score in this period drama. And then, I understood why Soderbergh used it and it seemed like it was always the perfect choice. Cutting edge music for a show about characters on the cutting edge of medicine. It's not "realistic" in a logical sense but, emotionally true. It captures the mood of the show. One of the best directed shows I've ever seen on television.
Ive not seen the show but the shot you showed of the half lit hallway where the characters being made visible/invisible by lighting the lamp and closing the door is absolutely gorgeous
I know. I didn’t plan that shot into my video when I was writing it, so I didn’t get a chance to specifically call it out for what it’s doing. But I was hoping people would notice and appreciate it :)
Absolutely brilliant! Thanks so much for making this Danny. I just loved watching those brilliant long takes and beautiful compositions with your voice helping guide me to what made them so engaging!
Another great vid! Thanks! Yeah that wuz some early streaming. Time to revisit it perhaps. Soderbergh vocally ditched film for digital. This series shows why. It is as if he was let loose from an albatross and finally given the technical means to express himself. It feels very impulsive- especially for as few edits. Groundbreaking fer sure. Thanks again
I'm working on my second 20 minute short, and I've been director, cinematographer and editor, as well as sound etc, and I find it hard to imagine giving over editorial duties or cinematography duties to anyone else 😅 I love the complete creative control I have, but undoubtedly working with someone else could be artistically and creatively beneficial.
I know it isn’t exactly the same-totally different scale-but that’s exactly how I feel about the work I do, too. I enjoy every facet of it. Why would I want to hand it off?
Need to learn to trust those with abilities beyond your own. Example: Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part One and Two used Greg Frasier as his cinematographer and the result was exceptional.
Thanks for this, Danny. ❤ I’ve been hearing about The Knick forever, and finally got around to starting my first watch of it in just the last few weeks. It’s breathtaking, and I hadn’t even known about Soderbergh’s multiple roles in the production, until you told me! 😮 Happy New Year, all. 🎉🎉🎉
One of my favorite parts of this series is its soundtrack. Theres this weird juxtaposition between the period piece and this almost... ambient electronic ost.
I watched The Knick on TV when it first came out, eagerly awaiting each new episode (remember when we all did that?) I loved it, and found it simultaneously impressive and also frustrating that the whole story was told in twenty episodes. The precision of the whole thing was satisfying and yet left me wanting more. And of course, Clive Owen was masterful.
i actually just rewatched season 1 a few weeks ago for the 3rd time, and something that happened to stand out this time around was how good the cast are. i have never seen any of these actors before (besides clive owen of course) but every single actor seems to be a perfect fit for their roles. im guessing they are all very experienced actors because nobody seemed to come acorss as overacting. but yea props to whoever was in charge of casting as well and maybe also to the studio for not trying to cheap out by hiring actors with less experience
I absolutely loved this show. From the first sequence of the first episode, as soon as the almost alien background music played - I was hooked. Incredibly shot, acted and written. I cant explain how disappointed I was when it was announced it was cancelled. My brain simply couldnt grasp WHY.
DEFINITELY going to rewatch it! I noticed the creativity of the show but I didn't noticed how long the shots were :O. The show was so immersive. I remember that I couldn't binge it all in a day, despite it being such a short show. I just had to take my time because it was so strong.
Happy New year Danny, and everyone else. Hope this year rox for everyone. Thanks for the video, once again. Now I have to make a point of watching The Knick.
I had no idea Soderberg was also DP & Editor!! Wow, that's impressive! The show is criminally underrated and now knowing this has taken it up several notches for me
I watched it about 8 years ago on the recommendation of a friend that has never given me a bad recommendation (she took me to see the Fifth Element in the theaters, bless her). Ive been finding myself craving a rewatch in the past year or so, because the spiral into drug addition and madness of the main character has stuck with me all these years, and I find it fascinating how that character can have such power over a persons life while at the same time being such an obvious lunatic. The blood and gore was shocking, while the sex was surprisingly liberating, and in a period piece, it was remarkable. A truly excellent work that should be recognized more. I am genuinely surprised this is the first video essay on this series that ive seen. Well done.
:D I don’t wanna make any lofty promises, but I’m actually working on upping my output a tiny bit beginning at the end of this month. Just a tad. I’m still only one person with only so much time. But I’ve begun to feel like they’re too few and far between myself.
@murli486 hard to really put a concrete list out there. But BB, True Detective S1, Sopranos, Chernobyl, The Deuce, The Offer are all my top favs. Prob some I'm missing too so call it a top 10
I LOVE The Knick. Thanks for the insights Danny! I think some of what you lay out here explains what I like about it. Especially the long shots. I love shows/movies with longer shots - it gives good actors room to shine rather than chopping up their interactions with one-shots. Added to my list to watch yet again!
I remember when back at the Uni, I read a newspaper during a biology class, in which a very small article mentioned The Knick, that was enough to catch my attention. Started watching the serie, leaving me amazed by its rawness, natural light, slow pace, rare cuts, set design and incredible story. 2 seasons, straight to the point, evolving characters, amazing actors, perfect show in my opinion.
Thank you for what you do. No matter how many time I watch or rewatch your videos every one always seems to inspire me to make something.❤ Happy new year!
Ayyy hell yeah, this show's great. Ended up watching it years back due to seein' a podcast clip of Steve-O recommending it and got curious due to havin' heard of The Knickerbocker before. Pretty much from the moment hand-pumped medical blood machinery appeared on screen I was drawn in haha.
I'm watching this show for the first time and i love how its put together. The cold open in season one with the rat fighting pit is one of the best in tv history for me.
Why the hell aren't more shows directed/shot/edited in this way? Future generations will be astonished that this show wasn't universally lauded from day one!
I love your videos and I'll definitely check out this show. Clive Owen is incredibly underrated. But also I just want you to know I've been following you for a pretty long time now. You're killing it in youtube BUT you could always teach film! I've been to film school, the professors were not impressive, I felt like I was teaching. But if you were my professor, I'd hang on every word. Though I suppose with yt you can reach more ppl. Either way keep it up! ❤
YAY I've been waiting for this! I loved this show so much! I read the book "The Butchering Art" by former RUclipsr Lindsey Fitzharris and it was soooo good. All about the real life surgeon that this show was based on. Very fascinating time to be alive, and it's rare to see films and shows placed in this moment. One movie is "Colette" with Keira Knightley. Both of these show very specific social movements at the turn of the 20th century. SUCH a good show!
I absolutely love this series. Both seasons should be broken down and analyzed. I think we'd ALL love to see him get access to another series. His other one have also been phenomenal: Mosaic, Full Circle and Command Z.
I raved to anyone who would care to listen about how great this show is back when it originally came out. I truly did not understand how it never took off to mainstream popularity. Its greatest achievment in my opinion is its buildup of tension throughout an episode. and its only when the credits start rolling and a tune starts that you realise there was no music playing at all.
Thank you for this. Great work. Totally agree. The Knick has one of my favorite blocking shots in all of TV - when Lucy Elkins breaks into Thack's house, she lands in the living room that's filled with empty chairs - all the ghosts of his failed experiments. What subtle elegant magnificence. Furthermore, I think you could do a great episode on Tarantino's grossly erroneous comment that all TV is soap opera and has no lasting memorable moments. To each their own, but come on!
Gah, right? I put that scene aside, but just didn’t end up using it. Hah. I haven’t heard that quote. But I can certainly picture him saying it. Do you know when he said it? I mean, obviously TV has come a long way.
Soderberg is always amazing. Love all the advanced blocking and editing. But the fact that this isn’t constant shot reverse shot… really lets the characters breathe and you get a real sense of them interacting. I’m catching up on various series I’ve skipped, and the constant cuts just end up giving me a headache and losing my attention.
I watched this recently...well better to use the words BINGED..it was rather raw and emotional. Showing darkside of everything through such realistic lens. It made me feel like i was living in that era,it was so moving. Kudos to all talented actors 👏
Go check out “Bird” (2024), featuring Barry Kepghan, streaming now in the U.S., or anything else streaming on MUBI for FREE with an extended 30-day trial by heading over to mubi.com/cinemastix
Looks like your finger slipped over to the p key.
You've a typo in the description, 2004 instead of 2014.
If Barry isn’t dry humping a bird then is it worth being filmed? Idk 🤣
your caption is incorrect it says 2004 not 2014
I don't talk about television often. But my goodness, 'The Knick', which ran for two season back in 2004, has got to be one of the most under-appreciated series of the last 20 years. The show, starring Clive Owen as Dr. John Thackeray, was released on a little-known network at the time, and it simply didn't get the reach it deserved. Not only was every episode of the show directed by Steven Soderbergh, which is remarkably enough in its own right--the show was also shot by and edited by Soderbergh. Director, cinematographer and editor--that takes the term "auteur" to another level. So today, I'm gonna look at some of the things that make Soderbergh's work on The Knick so special. And if you haven't watched The Knick already... please, please do.
@@nb7216 glad someone else also caught that! i was googling the release date reading the description before I even started watching the video XD
Thanks for giving ‘the Knick’ some shine. Some well deserved recognition for the great Soderbergh.
Channel would never have been complete without it :)
i love the knick too. it needs more attention!
Are you his nephew or something?
It's a damn shame this slipped under ppl's radar. I recommend it to everyone. Soderberg is a goat
@@Chris-fn4df it’s a great show from a great filmmaker.
I loved "The Knick" and was absolutely shocked it wasn't a huge hit, let alone cancelled. Not only was it expertly shot, but the writing, acting, and everything about it was a 10/10.
the ending shot/his last words were absolutely timeless & i think of it occasionally.
i've been trying for *years* to get people to watch this. the electronic soundtrack with a period piece, the below-waistline recording angles, bringing up misogyny, addiction, racism, ethics, cutting edge medical technology. it's honestly fantastic all the way around. i'm glad it didn't end on a complete cliffhanger, but it's truly tragic it it wasn't more recognized.
Just binged the first season over the weekend and gotta say the cinematography is on another level!! Pause at any frame and it’s worthy to be framed on an exhibition hall (storyline and character build up are satisfying, a great plus) Ty
What took you so long?
The Knick is one my top TV shows ever. Just gorgeous. I also bought both soundtrack discs. Wonderful stuff.
It’s absolutely flawless and brilliant. Saw it when it originally aired and was blown away. This show is at the top of unrecognized underdogs that should have swept every single award. Clive Owen, André Holland, Eve Hewson (Bono’s daughter), Juliet Rylance, Jeremy Bobb and EVERY cast member simply knocks it out of the ballpark. Top notch performances. Thank you for recognizing this beautiful work of art. It’s a darn shame it was cancelled. 😢
Agree. It's been a while so I can't really remember if I was upset it didn't continue but I do remember the ending scene being almost poetically meaningful (in the context of science, medicine and social development), so I think I'm happy it ended when it did.
Didn’t all the plot’s cliches bother you? Were you ever surprised by the story? I loved a lot about The Knick - it was beautifully shot and gritty - but we were always able to predict what was going to happen 100% of the time. Did you ever feel that way?
To me it was a delight to have such great a lenghty performance by Clive Owen, truly in his prime. And what a compelling story in such and underseen period and time setting. Also the soundtrack by Cliff Martinez is a great work of electronic music. Truly one of the geatest series out there.
A long take, allowing actors full expression, showcases cinema's power to capture raw authenticity and believability. Done well, it's a masterful testament to the craft. A skilled and experienced director recognizes this and will employ it to serve the narrative when most effective. It's something I always look for and appreciate.
"The Knick" is the single best medical show that's ever been created. No ifs or buts about it. "House M.D." Is a close second, but nothing will ever come close to The Knick. Is fantastic! I've watched twice alone and twice with my mother, she absolutely loves the show and have seen it a couple of times herself alone. It's such a shame there won't be a third season of it. Because it's absolutely fantastic! And I agree with everything you said about the filming techniques, they make it so much more lively and lived-in compared to other shows. Another show I'd love for you to analyze is "Warrior" on Netflix, fantastic fighting show.
Please don't change the title this time.
He changed the title. The original one was:
a director, an editor and a camera guy walk into a bar, and the bartender says, "hi steve"
I certainly hope not to. Assuming it performs okay.
Yeah cause this is actually one of your best titles ever.
@@notprasun_i'm late what was the original title
@@jeremiahlougheed1189 I’m imagining he hasn’t changed it yet, hence the plea.
@@CinemaStix You could capitalize the first letter.
One of the best series ever! Style, substance, suberb cast, the time machine feel of it, perfection. Thank you, sometimes all you need to feel better is to be reminded things like that still exist
Then add on top of all this the brilliant music (rich with anachronistic synth that just .. works), and the incredible special effects, so visceral, unflinching and casually immaculate that you forget it's not real blood. I haven't watched this again since it came out, but I'm definitely going to now, because seeing all these characters again made me miss them so much. This is the only show where I found myself in idle daydreaming at work or on the road, wondering what they were up to and how they're doing. So much of the acting in here is just downright phenomenal. Plus with the sets and sounds, all the mud and blood and mood swings and utterly believable love triangles, not just in the writing but the actual on-screen chemistry .. I feel like I was there.
Hollywood needs more people like Soderbergh. Too often films and TV become and imitation game and standardized for one style of shooting. To constantly push yourself and innovate and be uncomfortable is admirable and makes for a better future generation of filmmakers.
Hollywood doesn't want too many people like Soderbergh, that's why they don't cultivate the type. They want A person like Soderbergh so they can claim to do art while really going after $$$. Just like the NFL is happy to push the Green Bay Packers as a community owned small town team but passed rules to keep it from happening again.
He serves a purpose, but that's to obscure the hard business side.
Thanks for this, might I suggest a follow up analysis of the superb costume design in the Knick? It’s marvelous how Soderberg lets the fabrics, colors, textures, shapes, and class dress extend his actors’ ability to express their characters.
Going into the Knick blind is one of the best experiences with a series or film that I've ever had. I had no idea what to expect but I liked Clive Owen and Soderbergh so I watched it. I was also doing a lot of coke at the time, and it was like a crazy meta spiritual experience. It's so well made, from the writing to the performances, the production design. It's also so slept on, I've met maybe 3 or 4 people in real life who even know what it is.
A truly exceptional series in ever aspect. I've yet to ever talk to someone who's seen it. Great to see the love it's getting here. Well done CS thank you.
Same here! It so isolating experiencing great Cinematography and you can't talk about it because no ones seen it
For some reason or another, this show has come up in my conversations several times over the past few weeks so it's been on my mind. Loved it so much, your articulation here of the visual aspect of the show is so well done. Thanks for this
I will be eternally grateful for blessing us with a magnificent video about The Knick
Been in my mental list for about as long as the channel’s existed. I honestly can’t believe it’s finally done, heh.
The Knick is a certified banger show and was blown away when I watched it. I showed it to my wife, and we watched the whole thing twice. Great recommendation.
This show lives in my brain rent free, idk how to describe it to people other than brilliant and raw. I felt like nobody had heard of it 😭
I’ve seen multiple videos about how great this series is, think “I should watch this” and then immediately forget to check it out
Yeah, I get that. One day, the moment will be right. I believe that.
@@CinemaStix We believe you.
Its Great! And I hate TV Shows most of the time, not a binger or a streaming fanatic at all! Alone the Look and the Cinematography: perfect, elegant , a 100% perfectionism! ❤
@@katarinatill4713 I don't generally watch series.
Barely could finish the 1st season of Stranger things, Last of us and Walking Dead.
Breaking Bad only liked first two seasons.
But the first 2 seasons of Lost were some of the best television ever made.
Try out, "The Leftovers"
I find that every time CinemaStix covers a piece of film, is the best time to check out something I've never seen before. Often, it's the best time to rewatch through the eyes of a true fan. He has literally changed how I've watched.
So many scenes from that series are permanently etched into my conciousness. Loved watching it a decade ago and will rewatch on your suggestion.
Ditto.
This sub, and my Patreon to it, are worth every second of my time and every nickel of my money.
What an amazing, thorough and well-edited breakdown and showcase of one of the best Golden Age shows ever.
I think about this show all the time. Clive Owen's line "This is... all we are." haunts me.
The Knick deserved alot more plaudits, your channel always seems to pick the right type of shows/films to analyze. Soderbergh delivered a masterpiece, personally felt aspects of the cinematography matched The Conclave which I only just watched today.
Your first video featuring The Knick brought this show to my attention (reinforced by the GQ video where Clive Owen breaks down his career) and this video reminds me that in this, our year of 2025, I still have to track down a copy and watch it.
The biggest hurdle I face when watching these videos is if I should see the show/movie before I watch your excellent video on it.
i loved that tv show. the music is perfect too. shout out to cliff martinez
Yes!
aka steven soderbergh lol
I cannot believe I have never heard of this series. Definitely adding it to the top of the list ... right up my alley. I'm going to count long shots aloud every episode and annoy people around me.
One thing I'd like to point out is the music. I was shocked to hear Cliff Martinez' electronic score in this period drama.
And then, I understood why Soderbergh used it and it seemed like it was always the perfect choice.
Cutting edge music for a show about characters on the cutting edge of medicine. It's not "realistic" in a logical sense but, emotionally true. It captures the mood of the show.
One of the best directed shows I've ever seen on television.
Absolutely! The first note of burbling Monosyths is jarring. It's both anachronistic and cutting edge.
absolutley love the score. it just makes everything sound so errie and seedy and matches the mood of the whole show perfectly
Ive not seen the show but the shot you showed of the half lit hallway where the characters being made visible/invisible by lighting the lamp and closing the door is absolutely gorgeous
I know. I didn’t plan that shot into my video when I was writing it, so I didn’t get a chance to specifically call it out for what it’s doing. But I was hoping people would notice and appreciate it :)
thank you for the endless incredible suggestions
That’s what I’m here for :)
The Knick was so good. The “Typhoid Mary” episode was excellent
Loved this series, such a hidden gem
Absolutely brilliant! Thanks so much for making this Danny. I just loved watching those brilliant long takes and beautiful compositions with your voice helping guide me to what made them so engaging!
Another great vid! Thanks! Yeah that wuz some early streaming. Time to revisit it perhaps. Soderbergh vocally ditched film for digital. This series shows why. It is as if he was let loose from an albatross and finally given the technical means to express himself. It feels very impulsive- especially for as few edits. Groundbreaking fer sure. Thanks again
I'm working on my second 20 minute short, and I've been director, cinematographer and editor, as well as sound etc, and I find it hard to imagine giving over editorial duties or cinematography duties to anyone else 😅 I love the complete creative control I have, but undoubtedly working with someone else could be artistically and creatively beneficial.
I know it isn’t exactly the same-totally different scale-but that’s exactly how I feel about the work I do, too. I enjoy every facet of it. Why would I want to hand it off?
Need to learn to trust those with abilities beyond your own. Example: Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part One and Two used Greg Frasier as his cinematographer and the result was exceptional.
This show is a masterpiece on every aspect. Thanks for helping spreading the good word about this glorious work of art.
Doing my bit :)
@@CinemaStix and we're here for it !
Thanks for this, Danny. ❤ I’ve been hearing about The Knick forever, and finally got around to starting my first watch of it in just the last few weeks. It’s breathtaking, and I hadn’t even known about Soderbergh’s multiple roles in the production, until you told me! 😮 Happy New Year, all. 🎉🎉🎉
The opening of this show was used in one of my film classes for creating tension but also setting tone of a whole project.
One of my favorite parts of this series is its soundtrack. Theres this weird juxtaposition between the period piece and this almost... ambient electronic ost.
You’ve convinced me! I’ll watch the Knick again!
I watched The Knick on TV when it first came out, eagerly awaiting each new episode (remember when we all did that?) I loved it, and found it simultaneously impressive and also frustrating that the whole story was told in twenty episodes. The precision of the whole thing was satisfying and yet left me wanting more. And of course, Clive Owen was masterful.
i actually just rewatched season 1 a few weeks ago for the 3rd time, and something that happened to stand out this time around was how good the cast are. i have never seen any of these actors before (besides clive owen of course) but every single actor seems to be a perfect fit for their roles. im guessing they are all very experienced actors because nobody seemed to come acorss as overacting. but yea props to whoever was in charge of casting as well and maybe also to the studio for not trying to cheap out by hiring actors with less experience
I absolutely loved this show. From the first sequence of the first episode, as soon as the almost alien background music played - I was hooked. Incredibly shot, acted and written. I cant explain how disappointed I was when it was announced it was cancelled. My brain simply couldnt grasp WHY.
Love the lighting in this show. It reminds me of Barry Lyndon.
DEFINITELY going to rewatch it! I noticed the creativity of the show but I didn't noticed how long the shots were :O. The show was so immersive. I remember that I couldn't binge it all in a day, despite it being such a short show. I just had to take my time because it was so strong.
Happy New year Danny, and everyone else. Hope this year rox for everyone. Thanks for the video, once again. Now I have to make a point of watching The Knick.
Happy new year! And yessss, do it.
:)
I had no idea Soderberg was also DP & Editor!! Wow, that's impressive! The show is criminally underrated and now knowing this has taken it up several notches for me
When I watched this series I couldn't understand why I was so delighted with it. Thank you.
I watched it about 8 years ago on the recommendation of a friend that has never given me a bad recommendation (she took me to see the Fifth Element in the theaters, bless her). Ive been finding myself craving a rewatch in the past year or so, because the spiral into drug addition and madness of the main character has stuck with me all these years, and I find it fascinating how that character can have such power over a persons life while at the same time being such an obvious lunatic. The blood and gore was shocking, while the sex was surprisingly liberating, and in a period piece, it was remarkable. A truly excellent work that should be recognized more. I am genuinely surprised this is the first video essay on this series that ive seen. Well done.
Finally subscribed and set on full notifications. Your quality uploads are rare enough I don't want to miss one!
:D I don’t wanna make any lofty promises, but I’m actually working on upping my output a tiny bit beginning at the end of this month. Just a tad. I’m still only one person with only so much time. But I’ve begun to feel like they’re too few and far between myself.
Still in my all time top 5 TV shows. I haven't gotten over they stopped after 2 seasons.
What are the other four?
@murli486 hard to really put a concrete list out there. But BB, True Detective S1, Sopranos, Chernobyl, The Deuce, The Offer are all my top favs. Prob some I'm missing too so call it a top 10
I LOVE The Knick. Thanks for the insights Danny!
I think some of what you lay out here explains what I like about it. Especially the long shots. I love shows/movies with longer shots - it gives good actors room to shine rather than chopping up their interactions with one-shots.
Added to my list to watch yet again!
Thanks for the introduction. I love that he multitasked under pseudonyms. I have this on my watchlist now.
The description says The Knick was 2004, the video says 2014. I assume 2014 is the correct number.
I've been looking for a new binge, thank you
This is still one of my favorite shows and all because of the reasons you lay out.
I randomly picked this show on a flight 10 years ago and remember how astonished i was at just how good it was. Time to rewatch...
Thank god you let me know about this show! Love your stuff!
I remember when back at the Uni, I read a newspaper during a biology class, in which a very small article mentioned The Knick, that was enough to catch my attention. Started watching the serie, leaving me amazed by its rawness, natural light, slow pace, rare cuts, set design and incredible story. 2 seasons, straight to the point, evolving characters, amazing actors, perfect show in my opinion.
I never cease to recommend this serie, is just perfect.
Happy New Year, Danny.
Been looking forward to this. Love it, thanks.
wow! love this creativity. it really makes you feel a lot more like you're a part of the story, a witness peering in at times. So cool!
Thank you for what you do. No matter how many time I watch or rewatch your videos every one always seems to inspire me to make something.❤ Happy new year!
Ayyy hell yeah, this show's great. Ended up watching it years back due to seein' a podcast clip of Steve-O recommending it and got curious due to havin' heard of The Knickerbocker before. Pretty much from the moment hand-pumped medical blood machinery appeared on screen I was drawn in haha.
this is one of my favorite shows! I was sure to get the blu-rays of each season when they were released! glad to have them in my collection!
I've watched all of The Knick at least twice since you mentioned it in the Aliens video.
Can't believe it didn't make a bigger impact when it came out
The Knick first season probably ranks as one of televisions finest.
I'm watching this show for the first time and i love how its put together. The cold open in season one with the rat fighting pit is one of the best in tv history for me.
Why the hell aren't more shows directed/shot/edited in this way?
Future generations will be astonished that this show wasn't universally lauded from day one!
I love your videos and I'll definitely check out this show. Clive Owen is incredibly underrated. But also I just want you to know I've been following you for a pretty long time now. You're killing it in youtube BUT you could always teach film! I've been to film school, the professors were not impressive, I felt like I was teaching. But if you were my professor, I'd hang on every word. Though I suppose with yt you can reach more ppl. Either way keep it up! ❤
I love love love this channel's analyses, but it's also provided me with so many great recommendations to watch ❤
YAY I've been waiting for this! I loved this show so much! I read the book "The Butchering Art" by former RUclipsr Lindsey Fitzharris and it was soooo good. All about the real life surgeon that this show was based on. Very fascinating time to be alive, and it's rare to see films and shows placed in this moment. One movie is "Colette" with Keira Knightley. Both of these show very specific social movements at the turn of the 20th century. SUCH a good show!
I absolutely love this series. Both seasons should be broken down and analyzed. I think we'd ALL love to see him get access to another series. His other one have also been phenomenal: Mosaic, Full Circle and Command Z.
Glad you finally made a video about it
You, sir, have a masterful cadence.
yep it was absolutely brilliant...if you haven't seen it then see it.
Sound work in this series is also amazing btw
I raved to anyone who would care to listen about how great this show is back when it originally came out. I truly did not understand how it never took off to mainstream popularity.
Its greatest achievment in my opinion is its buildup of tension throughout an episode. and its only when the credits start rolling and a tune starts that you realise there was no music playing at all.
as soon as you started listing the components of a soderbergh shot, all I could think is how exactly like spielberg it was
Made me think of some of Takeshi Kitano's movies where he also wrote and starred and in the case of Hana-Bi even did the artwork.
Thank you for this. Great work. Totally agree. The Knick has one of my favorite blocking shots in all of TV - when Lucy Elkins breaks into Thack's house, she lands in the living room that's filled with empty chairs - all the ghosts of his failed experiments. What subtle elegant magnificence.
Furthermore, I think you could do a great episode on Tarantino's grossly erroneous comment that all TV is soap opera and has no lasting memorable moments. To each their own, but come on!
Gah, right? I put that scene aside, but just didn’t end up using it.
Hah. I haven’t heard that quote. But I can certainly picture him saying it. Do you know when he said it? I mean, obviously TV has come a long way.
@@CinemaStix He said it on Rogan of all places like 3 weeks ago ruclips.net/video/0V5HddLMtNs/видео.html
I just began watching this AND saw the trailer for his new movie Presence. Spot on analysis of his camerawork and risk-taking
Happy New Year, Danny! I'll give this show a watch!
Love, Love this show! Everything works, even the electronic score by Cliff Martinez. Soderbergh needs to direct more TV.
I’d really like to see this channel talk about Mike Flanagan. There’s another director who also edits his own material for the most part.
I had no idea he shot and edited it too. Makes sense why it’s the best tv show I’ve ever seen.
Soderberg is always amazing. Love all the advanced blocking and editing. But the fact that this isn’t constant shot reverse shot… really lets the characters breathe and you get a real sense of them interacting. I’m catching up on various series I’ve skipped, and the constant cuts just end up giving me a headache and losing my attention.
I watched this recently...well better to use the words BINGED..it was rather raw and emotional. Showing darkside of everything through such realistic lens. It made me feel like i was living in that era,it was so moving. Kudos to all talented actors 👏
The original title - a director, an editor and a camera guy walks into a bar and the bartender says, "hi Steve!"
Before Danny changes it😂
:)
I never considered this show, but i think I'll give it a shot now. Thanks for another great video Danny 👍
A director, an editor and a camera man walk into a bar and the bartender says, "hi steve"
04/01/2025
Omg yes someone is talking about the knick yes please ughhh don’t stop
:)
This is one of my fav shows of all time.
The Knick is so damn good
I remember that! Sad it dodn't get more seasons.
The cinematography looks exquisite, not seen this, looks great I will give it a go!
Even though I never heard of the series, the title of this video just caught my attention immediately.
Alright, you've convinced me I need to watch this.