Directed by Steven Spielberg, Catch Me If You Can tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. – a man (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who, even before his 19th birthday, had successfully conned millions of dollars.
In his series Films of Meaning DarkJade has already mentioned Steven Spielberg in his Amistad review so by now you’re conversant with this director’s amazing work. Moreover, his last review was The Aviator in which Leonardo DiCaprio also did a brilliant work. Well, inspired by both his reviews I thought I should share this film with you.
Considering most of you who watched this film remember its opening title sequence (I know I do because I find it very amusing) I’ll make a quick reference to Motion Design which is a subset of graphic design where graphic design principles are used in a filmmaking or video production context through the use of animation or filmic techniques. More about this in Spectretown.
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Realizado por Steven Spielberg, Apanha-me se Puderes conta a história real de Frank Abagnale Jr. – um homem (Leonardo DiCaprio) que, mesmo antes dos seus 19 anos, já tinha vigarizado com sucesso milhões de dólares.
Na sua série Films of Meaning DarkJade já mencionou no seu post sobre Amistad Steven Spielberg pelo que por esta altura já estarão familiarizados com o trabalho deste incrível realizador. Mais ainda, sua última revisão sobre o filme The Aviator onde Leonardo DiCaprio fez também um brilhante trabalho. Bem, inspirada por ambos os posts achei que deveria partilhar este filme com vocês.
Considerando que muitos de vocês se lembram da sequência de abertura deste filme (Eu sei que eu me lembro porque a acho super divertida) vou fazer uma referência rápida ao Motion Design que mais não é que um subconjunto do design gráfico onde os seus princípios são utilizados em cinema ou produção de vídeo através do uso de técnicas de animação ou fílmicas. Mais sobre isto em Spectretown.
First of all, I’d like to say Thank You to Ana who has given me the Opportunity to be a Guest Author on her Site.
Ana’s Site is one of My Favorite Sites to Follow, it is Creative, Informational and Inspirational.
That said, welcome to The First of my New Film Series, DarkJade’s Films of Meaning.
A Series I’ve Created for Ana’s Site, and one I hope you Enjoy.
Amistad;
Recently I sat down to watch one of my Favorite Steven Spielberg Films… Amistad.
Now I’m not sure if you’ve seen this Film, but if you haven’t, you should.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but during the course of Steven Spielberg’s Career, he generally makes what you might call Block Busters, followed by a Film more filled of… For lack of a better word, “Meaning”, lol
This Trend Really Began back in 1985, with the Film, The Color Purple.
Also an Excellent Film, and basically, a Must See for anyone who Desires Depth from Films.
Examples;
1985 – The Color Purple – (Depth)
1987 – Empire of the Sun – (Depth) – A Phenomenal Film by the way
1989 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – (Block Buster)
1989 – Always – (Depth)
1991 – Hook – (Block Buster)
1993 – Jurassic Park – (Block Buster)
1993 – Schindler’s List – (Depth) – And, Amazing
1997 – The Lost World:Jurassic Park (Block Buster) – Hmm, I think I blocked this one out, lol
1997 – Amistad – (Depth)
1998 – Saving Private Ryan – (Depth)
You see how that works… It’s something that I noticed back when they were being made, particularly from 1985-1998.
My Theory was/is, The Block Busters help to secure the Budgets of The Films of More Meaning… And/Or Depth.
Which helped to allow Steven to do the Films he really wanted to do. Not that he didn’t want to do the “Fun” Money Making Movies, but you know what I mean.
Back to Amistad.
The Story of Amistad is a bit of a Complicated one…
The Story Begins with a Group of Africans on the Ship Amistad, or La Amistad… That have been Illegally taken from Africa, brought to a place called a “Slave Fortress”, sold, and given New Names to hide the fact that they are indeed Africans.
They are then to be delivered to Cuba, but during the Trip the slaves, lead by a Slave named Cinque, overtake the Amistad, and force the Captain to take them back to Africa.
This, however, does not occur, as the Captain changes the Direction of the Ship.
Which leads to my Favorite Scene, and Shot in the Film… Start The Clip Below at about the 6:00 Mark, and it will lead to my Favorite Scene/Shot, when Cinque, by looking at the Night Sky, is able to determine that they are not heading to Africa… He then takes the Wheel himself, and steers the Ship back on course, by looking up at the Stars… Look at how the Starlight Reflects off his Skin… Truly Remarkable… Spielberg at his Absolute Best
I find myself out of time, and so let me Finish with this… The Cinematography is Gorgeous, the Directing is Masterful, The Story is Beyond Meaningful, The Cast and Acting is Tremendous… And the Music, just Beautiful
DarkJade’s Films of Meaning – The Color Purple
